H.M. King Harald opens Aqua Nor 2009

In his opening remarks, His Majesty reminisced that he himself had visited Aqua Nor for the first time in 1983, when he also visited the salmon farm of one of the pioneers in the industry, Mr. Sivert Grntvedt at Hitra. His Majesty concluded his opening speech by saying:

"Aqua Nor also this year bring together fish farmers, central authorities, researchers and exhibitors from more than 50 countries. I congratulate the Nor-Fishing Foundation with Aqua Nors 30th anniversary and wish you all good luck with this years exhibition and hope that you will all have pleasant, interesting and profitable days here in Trondheim."

The Chairman of the Board of the Nor-Fishing Foundation, Mr. Peter Gullestad, expressed his gratitude towards His Majesty for once again accepting to officiate at the opening of the exhibition. The last time His Majesty was present at Aqua Nor was in 2003.

At the opening, Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Mrs. Helga Pedersen, was also be present, together with representatives of other countries fisheries authorities, including the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans of Canada, Ms. Gail Shea, the Minister of Economy of Chile, Mr. Hugo Lavados, the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture of Brazil, Mr. Altemir Gregolin, and Scotlands Minister of Fisheries. Official delegations from South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Scotland were also present. Visitors from about 50 countries are expected to come to the exhibition this year