Norwegian cod farmers face stricter rules to better protect wild stocks

Norway has introduced new regulations for cod farmers to reduce the risk of introgression with wild stocks.

From now on, cod farmers must regularly evaluate the degree of sexual maturation in farmed cod; carry out risk assessments for spawning in cages; and have a plan for culling if spawning is imminent.

“We want a sustainable cod farming industry,” said fisheries minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss. “The changes that we have now put in place will reduce the risk of spawning in cages and ensure more sustainable development.”

Efficient management

The new requirements replace the current practice of individual decisions and will contribute to more efficient management and increased confidence in the industry, said the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

The background is that spawning in cages can lead to genetic influence from farmed to wild cod. 

The Directorate of Fisheries has closely monitored the cod farming industry for the past three years, and the Institute of Marine Research has developed a method for visual assessment of sexual maturation, which is now being introduced in the regulations.

The proposal has been subject to consultation and adjusted based on input from both the industry and interest groups.