Aquaculture in Norway

Here is an analysis and summary of the most important news for the aquaculture industry, based on today's media overview.

Today's news landscape is characterized by a clear dichotomy: while established land-based projects show increasing production volumes, new projects face strict regulatory hurdles. At the same time, salmon is consolidating its position in the important Asian market.

Land-based production: Increasing volumes for Atlantic Sapphire and Gigante Salmon

Atlantic Sapphire reports an increase in harvest volume to 1,504 tonnes (HOG) in the first quarter of 2026, up from 1,183 tonnes in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, Gigante Salmon reports a harvest volume of 930 tonnes (HOG) at an achieved price of 7 EUR/kg in the same period. These are important signs that large land-based facilities are now moving from a pure testing phase to more stable industrial production, strengthening confidence in the commercial viability of RAS technology.

Reference: [Atlantic Sapphire: reports higher harvest volumes in Q1](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/atlantic-sapphire-reports-higher-harvest-volumes-in-q1/)

Reference: [Gigante Salmon: EUR 7/kg price, 930t harvest in Q1](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/gigante-salmon-eur-7-kg-price-930t-harvest-in-q1/)

Regulatory setbacks for land-based initiatives in Europe

Plans for Columbi Salmon's land-based facility in Ostend, Belgium, have suffered a serious blow after the Council of State rejected the company's appeal and annulled the permit. This case underscores the significant political and regulatory risk that still attaches to large land-based projects, even in countries with ambitions for increased seafood self-sufficiency. For investors, this shows that technical feasibility is not enough if local permitting processes fail.

Reference: [Columbi Salmon: Ostend land-based farm permit annulled after appeal rejection](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/columbi-salmon-ostend-land-based-farm-permit-annulled-after-appeal-rejection/)

Reference: [Chile: fisheries chief outlines aquaculture and Lafkenche law reforms](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/chile-fisheries-chief-outlines-aquaculture-and-lafkenche-law-reforms/)

Salmon consolidates its position as Japan's favorite fish

For the 15th consecutive year, salmon tops the list of preferred sushi in Japan, according to a recent survey. This confirms salmon's unique position in one of the world's most quality-conscious markets. For Norwegian exporters, this stability in demand is crucial for long-term market strategy and price development, especially in times of fluctuating production costs.

* Reference: [Japan: survey puts salmon firmly ahead in sushi preferences](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/japan-survey-puts-salmon-firmly-ahead-in-sushi-preferences/)

Here is an analysis and summary of the most important news from the aquaculture industry as of April 9, 2026. Today's news landscape is characterized by fresh export figures for March, a seasonal price correction after Easter, and operational updates from major industry players.

Market Development: Price pressure after Easter despite strong underlying demand

After the Easter holiday, the spot price for Norwegian salmon has fallen to around EUR 7.25 (approx. NOK 85) per kilo. The decline is due to a combination of increased supply and a temporary weakening of demand following the holiday. Nevertheless, the figures for March show very solid underlying growth in the market, with an 11% increase in demand compared to last year. This indicates that the market has good absorption capacity for the volumes coming in.

Why this is important: Price movements immediately after holidays are common, but the double-digit growth in demand in March gives reason for optimism regarding price development throughout the spring.

Source: [Spot price Norway: Down to EUR 7.25 / USD 8.46](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/spot-price-norway-down-to-eur-7-25-usd-8-46/)

Export Status: Record-high value, but challenges for trout

Norwegian seafood exports reached NOK 15.5 billion in March, an increase of 3% from last year. Salmon is the primary driver, but for trout, the development was weaker with a decline in export volume to 5,100 tonnes. Overall, figures from the Norwegian Seafood Council show that Norwegian seafood stands strong in global markets despite economic uncertainty in some regions.

Why this is important: Export figures serve as the industry's thermometer. While salmon maintains its dominance, the decline in trout exports highlights the need to monitor species-specific market fluctuations and production challenges.

Sources: [Norwegian Seafood Council: exports reach €1.4 billion in March](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/norwegian-seafood-council-seafood-exports-reach-e1-4-billion-in-march/) and [Norway: trout exports decline in March](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/norway-trout-exports-decline-in-march/)

SalMar: Operational update for Q1 2026

SalMar has reported a harvest volume of 60,300 tonnes for the first quarter of 2026. As one of the world's largest salmon producers, SalMar's trading updates serve as an important indicator of biological status and production efficiency in Central and Northern Norway, as well as their international operations.

Why this is important: Harvest volumes provide investors and the market with insight into the company's ability to deliver according to guidance and are instrumental in setting expectations for the upcoming quarterly results.

Source: [SalMar: reports Q1 harvest volume of 60,300 tonnes](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/salmar-reports-q1-harvest-volume-of-60300-tonnes/)

Strategic Investments: Bakkafrost renews fleet in Scotland

Bakkafrost Scotland has taken delivery of a new landing craft valued at GBP 1.2 million (approx. NOK 16 million) from Bute Boat Builders. This is part of the company's long-term strategy to modernize infrastructure and improve logistics at its Scottish sites.

Why this is important: Investments in specialized vessels are crucial for managing biological challenges and streamlining daily operations, especially in exposed areas in Scotland.

Source: [Bakkafrost Scotland: takes delivery of £

Here is an analysis and summary of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry, focusing on strategic changes, land-based production, and market development.

Today's news landscape is characterized by significant strategic movements in the supplier industry and a solid operational scale-up within land-based salmon farming, both in Norway and internationally.

AKVA Group considers strategic alternatives and potential sale

AKVA Group, one of the world's leading equipment and technology suppliers to the aquaculture industry, has initiated a strategic review that may include a sale of the company. This is significant news for the sector as AKVA Group is a key provider of technology development for both cage-based and land-based farming. A potential new ownership structure or merger could change the dynamics within the supplier chain and affect the pace of innovation in the industry.

Link: [AKVA Group: launches strategic review, explores potential sale](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/akva-group-launches-strategic-review-explores-potential-sale/)

Land-based farming shows operational strength: Salmon Evolution and Nordic Aqua

Both Salmon Evolution and Nordic Aqua Partners report increased harvest volumes for the first quarter of 2026, indicating that land-based production is maturing technically and operationally. Salmon Evolution delivered 1,765 tonnes (HOG) in line with guidance, while Nordic Aqua in China harvested 771 tonnes with an improved share of "superior" quality. These are critical milestones that strengthen confidence in RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) technology's ability to deliver predictable volumes to the market.

Links:

• [Salmon Evolution: reports Q1 harvest of 1,765 tonnes](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/salmon-evolution-reports-q1-harvest-of-1765-tonnes/)
• [Nordic Aqua: harvests 771 tonnes in Q1 as production ramps up](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/nordic-aqua-harvests-771-tonnes-in-q1-as-ningbo-ras-production-ramps-up/)

Growth in the US sushi market and Chilean production

New market data shows that the sushi market in the US now generates $22 billion in revenue, driven by increased demand in inland areas. At the same time, Chile reports a growth of nearly 20% in harvest volume for the Magallanes region in January. For Norwegian exporters, this is a double-edged sword: it confirms an enormous and growing global demand for salmon, but also underscores the importance of maintaining competitiveness against Chilean production, which increasingly serves the US market.

Links:

• [Report: US sushi market reaches $22bn as demand spreads inland](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/report-us-sushi-market-reaches-22bn-as-demand-spreads-inland/)
• [Chile: Magallanes region posts 20% salmon harvest growth in January](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/chile-magallanes-region-posts-20-salmon-harvest-growth-in-january/)

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Self-Correction on Date: The source uses 01.04.2026. In English (US), this is April 1st. In English (

Here is an analysis and summary of the most important news from the aquaculture industry as of March 28, 2026. Today's news landscape is characterized by financial clarifications for land-based initiatives, biological risks related to algae and viruses, and a nervous spot market ahead of Easter.

Financial lifeline and bid warning for Atlantic Sapphire

The land-based pioneer Atlantic Sapphire in Florida has secured indicative bridge financing as part of a larger refinancing process. Simultaneously, it is reported that a group of major shareholders is preparing a possible bid for the company. This is critical for the land-based food fish sector, as Atlantic Sapphire serves as a bellwether for capital market confidence in the technology and operating model. A successful refinancing will provide the necessary breathing room to optimize production after a period of significant challenges.

* Sources: [iLaks](https://ilaks.no/ny-lanefinansiering-i-boks-storaksjonaerer-forbereder-bud-pa-atlantic-sapphire/), [Salmon Business](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/atlantic-sapphire-investor-group-backs-bridge-loan-to-support-refinancing/)

Market decline and price pressure before Easter

The salmon industry is entering the traditionally strong Easter week with unexpected price pressure. The spot price in Norway is reported down to EUR 7.86 (approx. 90-93 NOK), and