Måsøval secures lease for educational aquaculture licence.
Norwegian salmon farmer Måsøval has been selected to lease and operate an educational licence in Møre og Romsdal, following a tender process conducted by Møre og Romsdal County Council (MRFK).
MRFK has applied to the Directorate of Fisheries for an extension of the educational licence, which supports aquaculture training at Hustadvika high school. Måsøval, which has longstanding operations in the county, will manage the licence for a 10-year period, during which it will increase its maximum biomass (MTB) basis by 780 tonnes. The company will pay a fixed rent to MRFK and will assume the operational risks and rewards associated with the licence.
The licence is classified as a special licence and is therefore exempt from resource rent taxation. It also has a distinct maximum allowable biomass (MAB) limit.
MRFK will now seek approval from the Directorate of Fisheries to renew the licence and relocate it to Måsøval’s sites. The lease and operations will commence once the application is granted, with both parties aiming to begin utilising the licence in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
Why this matters?
Måsøval’s agreement to lease and operate the educational aquaculture licence is more than a routine business arrangement—it reflects a strategic investment in workforce development and production capacity.
With Norway’s salmon farming sector facing increasing labor demands, the partnership with Møre og Romsdal County Council (MRFK) ensures that students at Hustadvika high school receive hands-on training, reinforcing a talent pipeline for the industry. Additionally, by securing a 780-tonne increase in its maximum biomass (MTB) under a tax-exempt licence, Måsøval gains a cost-effective way to expand operations while supporting education.
The exemption from resource rent taxation could also set a precedent for other firms looking to engage in similar initiatives. If successful, this model may influence regulatory discussions on how educational licences are structured and whether they should be used as a tool to balance industry growth with social responsibility.
