Folla Alger reports that 1km2 of kelp farming can remove the CO2 emissions equivalent to 3,000 diesel cars annually © Folla Alger
Norway’s seafood sector is shaped by constant regulatory and environmental change, with innovation playing a central role in its growth. The government has developed a flexible regulatory model designed to adapt to new science, technology and lessons from industry practice.
In 2025, the Norwegian parliament debated revisions to aquaculture policy, focusing on biomass limits, farming zones and stronger animal welfare measures.
Globally, this demand for increased sustainable practice is growing in consumer markets and driving purchasing decisions. Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) research* looked at purchasing behaviour in 11 markets found consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for responsibly produced fish, despite financial pressures.
Driving this forward, collaboration between researchers, technology developers and industry has made Norway a hub for aquaculture innovation.
“Innovation has, and will continue to be, an innate part of Norway’s attitude to aquaculture, and the technology that allows it to explore exciting new horizons. The way researchers, technology developers and the industry work together to test and implement solutions that improve fish welfare, reduce environmental impact and boost efficiency is both admirable and inspiring,” said NSC communications director Martin Skaug, in a press release.
In pursuit of more efficient and sustainable aquaculture
With forward planning embedded in Norway’s approach, there is a clear push to reassess the status quo and apply scientific advice and new technology in the drive for more efficient, sustainable aquaculture.
The same appetite for evolution is evident in the private sector. According to the NSC, Norway has become a hub for aquaculture and fisheries-tech startups, reflecting the industry’s commitment to meaningful change. A number of these startups are now making their mark, shaping the next phase of aquaculture innovation.
Folla Alger – integrating seaweed for a greener model
Based on the Steigen coastline in Nordland, Folla Alger is developing integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), combining salmon and seaweed farming in a circular system. Seaweed absorbs excess nutrients from salmon production, reducing environmental impact while creating value for the industry.
“For us, IMTA is the future. It’s an incredibly efficient use of space and an effective way to make salmon farming more sustainable. Norway alone has around 1,800 salmon farms – that’s a huge potential for developing new IMTA sites,” explained general manager Torben Marstrand.
Since its first large-scale commercial rollout in 2023, Remora has replaced around 1,000 high-pressure cleaning devices © Remora Robotics
Remora Robotics – improving fish well-being with automation
Stavanger-based Remora Robotics** has developed the first fully autonomous cleaning and inspection robot for aquaculture net pens, aiming to reduce fish stress and improve biosecurity. Traditional high-intensity cleaning can stress fish and raise disease risk. By contrast, Remora’s solution prevents biofouling using a gentler, preventative approach.
“Our system works continuously in the water, meaning we can maintain clean nets and inspect for damage without the need for large service vessels or high-pressure cleaning. That’s better for the fish, better for the farmer and better for the environment,” explained chief executive Svein Erik Gregersen.
Blue Lice – tech-driven early intervention with striking results
Nærbø-based Blue Lice is tackling one of aquaculture’s biggest challenges: sea lice. Founded in 2017, the company has developed a preventive system that captures lice before they reach the fish. Installed on existing mooring networks, it uses light and water flow to lure planktonic-stage lice into traps, reducing lice pressure in the water column.
“Unlike traditional methods that treat the lice when they’re already on the fish, our technology intercepts them early. This results in fewer interventions, less stress on the fish and a healthier production cycle overall,” said chief executive Karoline Sjødal Olsen.
According to Sjødal Olsen, customers gain on average 22 weeks before requiring a first sea lice treatment © Blue Lice
*NSC Deep Dive Reports, December 2024
**Remora Robotics is part of Hatch Blue's investment portfolio, but The Fish Site retains editorial independence.
