Mattilsynet plans to carry out 12 system audits of aquaculture companies in 2026, with a greater emphasis this year on hatchery and smolt producers, reflecting the regulator’s view that fish welfare begins at the earliest production stage.
System audits assess whether farming companies have governance systems, routines, and internal controls in place that comply with regulatory requirements for fish welfare and fish health. The reviews include inspections at around 10% to 15% of a company’s sites to verify that corporate-level procedures are implemented consistently at farm level.
According to Irja Viste-Ollestad, head of innovation, methods and analysis in Mattilsynet’s aquaculture inspection division, the aim is to test whether companies’ overall plans and management systems are translated into uniform operational practice.
Experience from 20 system audits conducted in 2024 and 2025 showed significant variation in how regulations are interpreted and applied across the sector. Mattilsynet said nine out of ten companies audited reported that the process increased their awareness of risk management and internal control, and several implemented concrete improvements to their management systems following the reviews.
The companies selected for audits in 2026 have been chosen based on size, professional assessments, previous inspection history, and factors such as incidents and recorded mortality. A larger share of hatchery and smolt producers has been included in this year’s selection.
Mattilsynet said good welfare conditions during early life stages contribute to more robust fish that cope better with transfer to sea, strengthening both fish health and overall production sustainability.
The companies currently selected for system audits in 2026 are:
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Ellingsen Seafood AS
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Fishbase Salmon AS
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Flakstadvåg Laks AS / Brødrene Karlsen AS
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Havlandet Havbruk AS
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Helgeland Smolt AS
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Lerøy Seafood Group ASA
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Mowi Seawater AS
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Norcod AS
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Salaks Produksjon AS
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SalMar ASA
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Steinvik Fiskefarm AS
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Trøndersmolt AS
The companies will be notified well in advance of the audits.