Fish farmers file class action lawsuit against the Norwegian state over production cuts.
Twenty-one fish farming companies from Western Norway have filed a class action lawsuit against the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, seeking to overturn production restrictions imposed under the government’s traffic light system.
The companies argue that the “red light” designations for coastal areas in 2022 and 2024 were unjustified and have caused significant financial losses. They are also seeking compensation for reduced production capacity, Bergensavisen (BA) reported.
“The aquaculture companies in Western Norway are demanding that the red lights be removed so that they can resume normal production. They have shown over several years that they have very good control over the lice situation,” said lawyer Trond Hatland, who represents the group. “It is also important to set a limit before the state tries new unfounded downward regulations.”
Introduced in 2017, the traffic light system categorises aquaculture production zones as green, yellow or red based on the impact of sea lice on wild salmon. Red zones require operators to cut output to limit environmental impact. Several coastal areas in Western Norway have received red classifications in recent years, forcing companies to reduce production.
Hatland said the decisions have had a severe impact on the businesses, including production cuts of 12 to 18 percent, premature slaughtering of fish, and weakened competitiveness.
The companies involved include Mowi ASA, Lerøy Vest Sjø AS, Osland Havbruk AS, Alsaker Fjordbruk AS, and Sjøtroll Havbruk AS, among others.
The case will focus on the legality of the government’s decisions rather than on compensation amounts, which may be considered in a later proceeding.
