Norway keeps door closed to Scottish bloodlines

"The stocks of Norwegian wild salmon have long been in strong decline. The risk of additional loads on the wild salmon is too large to permit the import and use of the Scottish farm salmon," the ministry wrote in a press release.

"We have a special international responsibility to take care of the Norwegian wild salmon. It is already exposed to negative effects from escaped Norwegian farmed salmon. Interference with foreign genes will enhance the negative effect. Therefore, we reject the application for the import of salmon with partly Scottish genes for farming in Norway, "said climate and environmental minister Ola Elvestuen.

Genetic impact

Genetic impact from escaped farmed salmon is considered the biggest threat to Norwegian wild salmon. Norway has some of the most important living areas for wild Atlantic salmon. About one third of the total stock is found in Norway. Imports of farmed salmon with foreign origin have never been permitted in accordance with current regulations. The idea behind importing Scottish salmon is to build a new breeding line in Norway.

"New breeding lines are needed in Norwegian aquaculture, but these must be based on Norwegian wild-type genes," said Elvestuen.

Closed facilities

Risk assessments by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research confirm that escaped farmed salmon with partial Scottish origin increases the likelihood of adverse effects on Norwegian wildlife stocks.

Alternatives to the outright ban of Scottish salmon, such as the use of land-based or closed facilities, use of sterile salmon and labelling, have been assessed in consultation with the Ministry of Fisheries and Fisheries. But after a thorough assessment, the Ministry of Climate and Environment has come to the decision that the Environmental Directorate's decision on refusal must be maintained.