Krister Hoaas to lead communications and policy at Norwegian Seafood Federation (Sjømat Norge).
Krister Hoaas, a prominent defender of the Norwegian aquaculture industry, will step down as Head of Farming Region West at Sjømat Norge to take up a newly created role as Head of Communications and Policy. He will remain based in Bergen, with a mandate to represent the seafood sector more broadly.
The transition comes amid continued debate around the regulation of salmon farming in Norway. At the North Atlantic Seafood Forum in March, Hoaas was outspoken in his criticism of current policies, arguing that they are “not on the basis of the welfare of the fish in the farm, but on what is best for migrating wild salmon.” He called for regulation that also prioritises conditions inside the pens.
His forthcoming role will allow him to take a more central position in shaping the political and media narrative around aquaculture, at a time when the sector faces increasing scrutiny on environmental and welfare grounds.
The recruitment process for a new regional lead covering production areas 1–4 is now under way.
Sjømat Norge represents Norway’s seafood and aquaculture sectors in regulatory and policy matters.