Norwegian regulators have rejected nine applications for new aquaculture facilities or expanded production in the Hardangerfjord, citing environmental pressure in the fjord system.
The decisions were made by the County Governor of Vestland, who said the fjord has reached its environmental carrying capacity and cannot accommodate additional nutrient discharges from fish farming, according to NRK.
The rejected applications include proposals from Eide Fjordbruk, Mowi, Alsaker Fjordbruk and Lingalaks. Several of the projects involved semi-closed or closed farming technologies designed to reduce environmental impacts.
Five of the rejected applications were submitted by Eide Fjordbruk, including projects using its Watermoon closed containment technology. The company said the decisions could delay the development and deployment of new farming technologies.
Mowi also said it plans to appeal the ruling.
According to the County Governor, nutrient discharges from aquaculture have contributed to declining oxygen levels, increased algal growth and broader environmental pressure in the fjord. A report from the Institute of Marine Research warned that further aquaculture expansion could push parts of the fjord system close to critical environmental thresholds.
Authorities said future applications that would increase discharges into the fjord are likely to be rejected. Companies were encouraged to focus on technology development within existing licences.
Around 60,000 tonnes of farmed fish are currently produced annually in the Hardangerfjord, with unused licences equivalent to approximately 25,000 tonnes still available.
