Norwegian aquaculture firm Bue Salmon has received a license to produce 50,000 tons of salmon annually at its Lutelandet site, marking a significant step toward large-scale land-based aquaculture.
The approval, granted by Vestland County, represents a substantial expansion from the company’s existing 5,500-ton license in Bulandet.
“This is a significant day for us at Bue,” said CEO Knut Eikeland. “We are grateful for the constructive dialogue we have had with authorities, partners, and relevant experts during the application process.”
The planned Lutelandet facility will account for approximately one-seventh of Vestland County’s total sea-based production in 2023, which stood at 344,000 tons.
Phased Scale-Up
The initial construction phase is set to deliver a production capacity of 12,600 tons, with the company already running a 1,000-ton pilot project in Bulandet. Operational for nearly three years, the pilot has achieved promising results, providing a strong foundation for scaling up.
“The license we have been granted demonstrates the significant scale that can be achieved through land-based aquaculture, provided we successfully manage the factors that affect fish health, welfare, and the environmental impact of production,” Eikeland added.
Vestland County highlighted several advantages of land-based aquaculture, including:
- Reduced seabed impact due to wastewater treatment.
- Lower emissions of plastic, antifouling agents, and medications for sea lice.
- Mitigated sea lice issues, reducing harm to wild fish populations.
Commitment to Sustainability
The license stipulates strict adherence to environmental and fish welfare standards. “The most important thing for us is to scale up safely while ensuring that neither space nor licensing becomes a limitation,” Eikeland said.
Bue Salmon’s progress reinforces the growing momentum behind land-based aquaculture as a sustainable alternative to traditional sea-based operations.
