Council of State rejects Columbi Salmon appeal, Ostend project cancelled.
Belgium’s highest administrative court has rejected a cassation appeal from Columbi Salmon, bringing a proposed large-scale land-based salmon farming project in Ostend to an end.
In a ruling issued on 2 April, the Council of State upheld the annulment of the project’s permit, following a legal challenge led by animal welfare group GAIA. The decision concludes a six-year dispute over the development.
The project had planned annual production of close to three million Atlantic salmon, positioning it as one of the largest land-based salmon farming facilities in Europe.
In its judgment, the court confirmed that the proposed installation could not be classified as a port-related activity, making it incompatible with the designated use of the port of Ostend. The ruling also recognised the standing of GAIA to bring legal action in cases involving animal welfare, and confirmed that animal welfare considerations may be taken into account in environmental proceedings.
GAIA said the decision sets a precedent for future cases involving intensive livestock and aquaculture developments. The group has previously opposed similar projects, including a separate salmon farming proposal rejected in Baelen in 2023.
Columbi Salmon had not announced any revised plans for the site at the time of publication.
