Seventeen percent of farmed salmon die before reaching slaughter. The Norwegian government will now impose financial penalties to reduce mortality rates.
Diseases, parasites, stress, and delousing treatments cause the high death toll. Authorities estimate at least 70 million adult salmon die annually. This figure excludes unknown numbers of young fish and smolt that perish.
Philosophy professor Espen Gamlund from the University of Bergen questioned the industry's sustainability. He spoke at a recent Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters meeting in Oslo. "There's a major gap between law and practice," Gamlund stated. "The death of at least 70 million adult salmon yearly makes us ask if this industry is viable at all."
Deputy Minister Even Sagebakken clarified the government's target. The Fisheries Ministry aims for 5% mortality, not the current 15-20% rate.
Sagebakken referenced Norway's new Aquaculture Report. It introduces economic fees for each dead or escaped fish. "Fines will become stricter for violations of animal welfare rules," the deputy minister confirmed.
The government's intervention highlights a serious industry challenge. Norway supplies about half of the world's farmed Atlantic salmon. These new measures could significantly impact global seafood markets.
Norwegian salmon farming faces mounting pressure to improve animal welfare standards. The industry must now balance economic interests with ethical responsibilities.