Minister of Fisheries Svein Ludvigsen

Your Majesty,

Your Excellencies

My fellow Ministers

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the opening of this year’s Aqua Nor trade show. We are particularly honoured to have His Majesty King Harald in attendance to conduct the official opening ceremony of this key venue for the international aquaculture industry. For generations, the Royal Family has shown great interest in Norwegian fisheries and the aquaculture industry. As early as in 1908, King Haakon guested Trondheim to open the Scandinavian Fisheries Exhibition. Since that time, the members of the Royal Family have opened a wide variety of fisheries-related trade fairs. Their interest and participation has helped to focus world attention on these events, and I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for their concerted efforts.

At the Ministry of Fisheries, our motto has become “Marine resources – Norway’s future”. There are those who might call us pretentious, particularly in the light of today’s difficult situation. But I would like to call your attention to this year’s trade fair bulletin, in which one of the most respected authorities in Norwegian aquaculture unequivocally states that the potential of the fish farming industry is far greater than any of us can imagine. We must not allow our immediate concerns to prevent us from recognizing the tremendous opportunities inherent in this industry in a long-term perspective. Norway is on the cutting edge internationally. Salmon farming has been a primary factor in our development, and intensive research is currently being conducted on the cultivation of new species for commercialization, new species that offer fresh prospects for growth within the industry, and thus for alleviating problems in the global food situation. We have every reason to take an optimistic view of the future.

This year, like every other year, is filled with challenges. The situation within the fish farming industry is far from satisfactory. The price of salmon has plummeted. There are troubled times ahead, and our meetings here at Aqua Nor provide me with a forum at which to discuss in greater detail the short and long-term challenges facing the salmon farming industry.

The role of the authorities in the regulation of the salmon farming industry is under debate. In principle, I believe that salmon farming is an industrial production process and that the industry itself must be held accountable for its success. In light of the current situation, the question has been raised as to whether the feed quota scheme should be continued, and what form it should take. I will come back to these and other issues later today.

The fish farming industry must be prepared to assume and maintain full responsibility for market adaptation. In other words, I am working towards establishing clearer dividing lines between business and politics. The EU only discontinued its minimum price scheme for Norwegian salmon at the end of May, and it is no secret that the European Commission is following developments in Norwegian fish farming closely. Thus, it seems most sensible to continue with a modified feed quota system until the full responsibility for market adaptation can be returned to the industry.

When it comes to salmon and salmon trout, Norway is among the champion teams in the aquaculture field. We must keep in mind that we export seafood to 150 countries throughout the world. We are one of the largest exporters of fishery products in the world. The fisheries and aquaculture industry is, and will remain, a highly global industry. Thus, it is with great pride that I note that the world’s largest aquaculture trade show is being hosted here in Trondheim, not in Santiago or Dublin, Edinburgh or Canada. It is right here in Trondheim, and let me add, Mr. Mayor, that Trondheim makes a terrific host!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The aquaculture industry is of great importance to Norway as a nation. It is an industry based on living, renewable resources and sustainable utilization of the coastal environment. The worldwide demand for seafood is rising, and Norwegian products are known abroad for their quality and reliability.

As I have said, the potential is vast. The aquaculture industry will provide a substantial base for employment, growth and development in the coastal regions. This applies to primary activities, to the feed industry, to processing and marketing, to research and resource management, and to the broad spectrum of equipment and technology and other related industries and services.

All of these activities are amply represented here at Aqua Nor. Indeed, Norwegian technology and expertise in this sphere also comprises a very significant export industry. Norwegian suppliers to the aquaculture industry have an annual turnover of close to NOK 700 million, of which some NOK 200 million are from exports. Furthermore, they provide employment for approximately 850 people.

Let me also take this opportunity to point out that the coalition Government has provided considerable support to the Norwegian export industry in terms of lower interest rates and a lower rate of exchange. This has served to enhance the competitiveness of an export-driven industry that is currently burdened by debt. The Government will continue to pursue its current course of financial policy aimed at stringent budgetary guidelines.

For many of us, Aqua Nor serves as an important meeting place. It is a place to get together, to be inspired, and to learn about innovative ideas, products and services. This trade fair has also evolved into a gathering place for researchers and a hub at which researchers and users can meet and join forces. There is not a doubt in my mind that this year’s Aqua Nor will live up to its reputation - and more!

It is my hope that your days here at Aqua Nor will prove fruitful and constructive.

Thank you.