Welcoming Speech FEAP

Good morning!

Dear Aquaculture Producers,

Lisbeth Berg-Hansen sends her apologies that she could not be here today.

I am very pleased to see so many representatives from the European aquaculture community gathered in Norway.

While the supply of wild fish is limited, aquaculture represents an opportunity to increase seafood consumption worldwide. The aquaculture industry in Norway has evolved during the last 40 years. Today, the value of the Norwegian aquaculture production exceeds the value from the fisheries sector.

The development of aquaculture in Norway is a story of both success and challenges. The production of salmon reached almost 1 million tons last year, and I consider the development of the salmon farming industry as our greatest success. But, we are still struggling to develop profitable aquaculture production of other marine species. It is my impression that other European countries meet similar challenges. Therefore, I am sure that we can gain from international cooperation in our effort to increase the aquaculture production in Europe.

Norway wants to be a driving force in the seafood business. To achieve this objective, the Government believes in dialog and cooperation with the industry. The Norwegian Seafood Federation is an important partner in the Governments’ effort to develop future aquaculture and fisheries policies.

I am pleased to see that the Norwegian Seafood Federation is an active member of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers. International cooperation is important, both for the industry and the authorities. In the beginning of July, my Minister will have the pleasure of welcoming EU Commissioner Maria Damanaki to Norway. During her visit aquaculture will be one of the main topics to be discussed.

Environmental sustainability
The demand for quality seafood is increasing worldwide. Norway and other European nations have potential for increasing the aquaculture production. In my view, the main factor which will determine if the aquaculture industry will be able to continue its growth is environmental sustainability.

Aquaculture, like any other food production, has environmental impacts. These impacts must be kept within acceptable limits.
We are currently putting great emphasis on reducing the problems of sea lice in Atlantic salmon and escapes of farmed fish in general.

During the past few years the Norwegian aquaculture industry – as is also the case in other countries – has experienced increased attention from the environmental NGOs. Recently, the Norwegian Seafood Federation adopted a new strategy to meet the environmental challenges. Instead of a strategy of defence, the Federation has now chosen a more active approach. By taking responsibility for solving the problems, the industry has gained respect by NGOs, the authorities and the public in general. The initiative came late, but I would like to give credit to the Norwegian Seafood Federation for making this change of strategy.

I believe that the aquaculture industry will be able to achieve sustainable growth. Therefore, in my view, the industry has everything to gain from investing in research and technology to solve existing environmental problems. Today’s consumers require documentation of sustainability. By solving the problems and providing the necessary documentation, the industry will prepare the road for future growth.
The Norwegian Government is currently working to define more precisely the requirements for sustainable growth in Norwegian aquaculture production.

We are, as mentioned, presently working on effect indicators for sustainable aquaculture. The indicators, when established and implemented, will make it easier to measure effects, and to define acceptable limits for environmental impacts.

Healthy food
The aquaculture industry is important as a producer of healthy food. Seafood contains high levels of many important nutrients that are not commonly found in other sources. Unfortunately, there are few studies which document the health effects of a regular intake of seafood. I would recommend that the European seafood industry gives priority to undertake research which can document the overall health effects of eating seafood.

Research on fish feed is another area which should be given priority. New sources of fish feed should be developed. Though modern aquaculture utilizes feed resources more efficiently than terrestrial production, continued growth will eventually lead to shortage of marine raw materials for feed.
To increase the feed supply sustainably, the industry must develop feed with less marine oil and meal. Algae, plankton and plant matter are potential alternative raw materials. The research must focus on food safety as well as fish welfare and health. It is important to maintain seafood's nutritional benefits for the consumer.

However, the best way to secure fish farming access to sufficient raw material in the short term, is to combat IUU-fishing and discharge, and to improve the utilisation of the fish which is caught at the high seas.

Closure
The work of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers is important. By sharing experiences, organizing discussions and joint projects you are contributing to the development of aquaculture in Europe. Governments and the industry have different roles and responsibilities, but we depend on each other to succeed. Norway is keen to learn from the experiences of others and, conversely, we hope that our own experiences can help other fish-farming countries to develop their aquaculture industries.

Aquaculture producers are in a very favourable situation, as you are producing healthy food. Food with a growing demand worldwide. Provided that the aquaculture production can be kept within the limits of environmental sustainability, I am sure that your industry will prosper in the future.

I hope that this gathering will give opportunities for fruitful discussions, and I am sure that the Norwegian Seafood Federation will take good care of you during your stay in Oslo.

I wish you the best of luck with the conference. I heard that the FEAP President has been here three times so far this year. I hope that you too will return and see our beautiful fjords.