Introduction
A global aquaculture leader
Norway is the world's leading producer of farmed Atlantic salmon, and aquaculture is one of the country’s most important export industries. In 2025, the export value of farmed fish reached a record NOK 133.4 billion.
The market is mature, internationally oriented and characterised by continuous commercial and technological development across the value chain.
A regulatory landscape in transition
Innovation and commercial development have historically moved faster than regulatory reform, contributing to a complex and fragmented framework. Today, the industry is facing fundamental changes to how Norwegian aquaculture may be regulated in the future, including reforms following the 2025 White Paper on Aquaculture (Nw.: Havbruksmeldingen).
At the same time, domestic and international political developments, taxation and increasing regulatory, financial and biological risk are influencing investment decisions and continuing to drive consolidation across the industry.
Advising the seafood industry for nearly 100 years
Our Bergen office was established in 1928, and Thommessen has served as advisors to the fisheries sector for nearly a century. In the 1960s and 1970s, when fish farming was still in its infancy, we were on site as the very first fish farms appeared along the Norwegian coast.
Over the decades since, we have advised the fisheries and aquaculture industry across every business law discipline that matters to its players. Today we serve clients throughout the entire value chain. Our experience gives us in-depth insight into the issues that matter most to the industry, and the practical knowledge needed to address them.
Drawing on this experience, this publication explores the regulatory, commercial and financial developments shaping Norwegian aquaculture, and what they mean for companies and investors in the market.
