New rules would favour recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) over flow-through systems says trade body.
The Norwegian Seafood Companies (Sjømatbedriftene) has criticized proposed regulations that would require all land-based aquaculture facilities to disinfect intake water, preferably using UV treatment.
The trade body argues the rules are based on insufficient evidence and fail to account for site-specific needs or technological differences.
The proposal, introduced by the Ministry of Trade and Fisheries in August, mandates universal water disinfection for all land-based operations, regardless of species or production method. Sjømatbedriftene CEO Robert H. Eriksson described the knowledge base behind the regulation as “disappointingly thin,” emphasizing the lack of clarity on infection risks and sources for land-based facilities.
The organization also criticized the regulations for favoring recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) over flow-through systems, which require significant water volumes. It argued the proposal unfairly disadvantages operators of flow-through facilities and contradicts claims of technological neutrality.
Sjømatbedriftene raised additional concerns about the high energy demands of UV treatment, particularly given electricity shortages. The group questioned the necessity of applying such requirements universally, calling instead for site-specific risk assessments to determine appropriate measures.
The trade body proposed alternative measures, such as using deep water intake below the sea lice zone and maintaining minimum distances between facilities, as effective infection barriers. Eriksson stressed that operators should have the flexibility to implement solutions best suited to their locations.
The Ministry of Trade and Fisheries is expected to review industry feedback before finalizing the regulations.
