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Here is a summary of the most important news from the aquaculture industry in mid-May 2026. The news landscape is characterized by a demanding market with high supply, biological challenges among major players, and important legal and regulatory clarifications both nationally and internationally.

Market Pressure: High supply keeps salmon prices down

After a week of very high harvest volumes exceeding 32,000 tonnes, flat price development is reported. The salmon price is currently in the mid-60 NOK range, due to a market saturated with fish. While analysts at Fearnley Securities see signs that volume growth has peaked and predict an upturn for Mowi, Handelsbanken is more cautious and maintains its hold recommendation on SalMar due to uncertainty regarding future price development.

Why it matters: Price pressure challenges producers' margins at a time of high operating costs, and the diverging views of analysts underscore the uncertainty in the market.

Sources: [iLaks: Prisene går sidelengs](https://ilaks.no/prisene-gar-sidelengs-i-et-marked-preget-av-hoyt-utbud/), [iLaks: Varsler opptur for Mowi](https://ilaks.no/varsler-opptur-for-mowi/), [Salmon Business: Handelsbanken on SalMar](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/salmar-handelsbanken-holds-rating-as-pricing-risk-mounts/)

Biological Risk: Suspected ISA at SalMar in Trøndelag

Suspicion of Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) has been raised at SalMar's Purkholmen site in Nærøysund. The suspicion is based on positive PCR analyses, and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority plans follow-up sampling to confirm the diagnosis. This is yet another case in a region that has been hard hit by biological challenges recently.

Why it matters: ISA outbreaks entail restrictions on fish movement and requirements for rapid harvesting, which affects logistics, costs, and planned harvest weights.

Sources: [iLaks: Nok en ILA-mistanke i Nærøysund](https://ilaks.no/nok-en-ila-mistanke-i-naeroysund-denne-gang-for-salmar/), [Salmon Business: SalMar faces suspected ISA](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/salmar-faces-suspected-isa-outbreak-in-central-norway/)

Legal Defeat for Langnes Laks against the State

Langnes Laks lost its lawsuit against the state, where they claimed 300 million NOK in compensation for slow case processing and invalid decisions by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Oslo District Court acquitted the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, and the company must bear the financial losses related to the delayed startup of its smolt facility itself.

Why it matters: The ruling sets a high threshold for holding the administration liable for compensation for financial losses resulting from procedural errors, which increases the regulatory risk for private actors.

Source: [iLaks: Tapte søksmål om 300 millioner](https://ilaks.no/tapte-soksmal-om-300-millioner-kroner-i-erstatning-for-treg-saksbehandling/)

Strategic Initiative: Offshore farming and American lobbying

While Gustav Magnar Witzøe uses international media like Bloomberg to profile SalMar's offshore initiative "Ocean Farm 1," American lobby groups are working hard to pass the MARA Act in the USA. The bill aims to create a science-based framework for aquaculture in federal waters, which could open the door for commercial salmon production in the USA.

Why it matters: This shows the global trend towards

Sources: [iLaks: Witzøe på Bloomberg](https://ilaks.no/witzoe-pa-bloomberg-om-ocean-farm-1/), [Salmon Business: US lobby groups push for MARA Act](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/us-lobby-groups-push-for-mara-act-to-unlock-offshore-aquaculture/)

Here is a summary of the most important news for the aquaculture industry based on today's reporting. The news landscape is characterized by strong financial results from the largest players, political debate regarding framework conditions, as well as technological advancements in the Asian market.

Strong quarterly figures and positive market sentiment for Mowi and Lerøy

Mowi delivers its second-best first quarter ever with an operational EBIT of NOK 2.5 billion and record-high revenues. The company announces a dividend of NOK 1.2 billion, highlighting the financial strength of the sector despite biological challenges. Simultaneously, Fearnley Securities upgrades Lerøy Seafood Group to "buy," driven by an attractive valuation and expectations of an improved risk profile ahead.

[Mowi serves up NOK 1.2 billion in dividends](https://ilaks.no/mowi-serverer-12-milliarder-kroner-i-utbytte-etter-kvartal-preget-av-hoy-volumvekst/)

[Lerøy: Fearnley Securities upgrades to buy](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/leroy-fearnley-securities-upgrades-to-buy-with-nok-53-target/)

Political dissatisfaction with the revised national budget

The government is facing criticism from industry interests for maintaining the current tax burden in the revised national budget for 2026. The criticism centers on how special taxation of profitable export industries and the lack of measures to strengthen private Norwegian ownership hinder investment willingness and

Here is an analysis and summary of the most important news from the aquaculture industry as of May 1, 2026. Today's news landscape is characterized by positive market outlooks for salmon prices, combined with persistent financial uncertainty for land-based initiatives and an increased focus on operational sustainability.

Market Outlook: Price Growth and Pressure in the Value Chain

Kontali reports an upward adjustment of price forecasts for the summer of 2026, driven by limited supply growth and tight availability in the market. Meanwhile, BioMar's first-quarter results show that although feed volumes are increasing, revenue is falling due to lower prices and a decline in the technology segment. This indicates a complex market situation where producers can expect good sales prices, while the supplier industry must navigate a more demanding economic landscape.

Why it matters: For fish farmers, Kontali's forecasts mean increased margins in the short term, but BioMar's figures serve as a reminder that cost pressure and fluctuations in the feed market still require strict cost control.

Sources: [Kontali: Lifts price forecast](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/kontali-lifts-prices-forecast-on-constrained-supply/) & [BioMar: Volumes rise, revenue falls](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/biomar-volumes-rise-but-revenue-falls-on-weaker-prices-and-tech-slowdown/)

Still Critical for Atlantic Sapphire

Auditors have issued a warning regarding uncertainty related to "going-concern" for Atlantic Sapphire. The company's survival depends on a planned capital raise in 2026 that has not yet been finalized, highlighting the enormous financial challenges of large-scale land-based salmon farming.

Why it matters: This is a critical signal to investors and industry players regarding the financial risk in land-based projects, and it may affect the willingness to finance similar projects in the future.

Source: [Atlantic Sapphire: Auditor flags going-concern doubt](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/atlantic-sapphire-auditor-flags-going-concern-doubt-amid-refinancing-talks/)

Green Fleet Renewal at Nova Sea

Nova Sea has taken delivery of the new hybrid workboat "Laksholmen" from Damen Folla. This is part of the company's commitment to reducing emissions and modernizing its operational fleet with more environmentally friendly technology.

Why it matters: The investment shows that major industry players are now prioritizing hybrid technology to meet stricter emission requirements and improve their sustainability profile in daily operations.

Source: [Nova Sea: Takes delivery of hybrid workboat](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/nova-sea-takes-delivery-of-hybrid-workboat-laksholmen/)

New Leadership in Newfoundland (NAIA)

Bradley George has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA). He will take office on May 11, 2026, and will lead the organization in a region that is strategically important for North American growth.

Why it matters: Leadership changes in regional industry organizations guide the framework conditions and the dialogue between the industry and authorities, especially in areas with high growth potential like Canada.

Source: [NAIA: Bradley George appointed executive director](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/naia-bradley-george-appointed-executive-director/)

Here is an analysis of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry, focusing on market development in Asia, strategic acquisitions, and technological progress in biosecurity.

Market Boost Driven by Strong Growth in China

The spot price for Norwegian salmon is

Here is an analysis of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry, with a particular focus on developments in land-based production, market outlook, and strategic ownership.

Today's news landscape is characterized by significant operational milestones for land-based salmon, combined with positive forecasts for salmon prices and strategic positioning on the investor side.

Land-based aquaculture: Operational progress and financial adjustments

Land-based production is in a critical phase where several players are now scaling up. Salmon Evolution has reached an important milestone by putting Phase 2 at Indre Harøy into operation with the first smolt release, confirming the company's ability to carry out its planned expansion. At the same time, we see that Proximar Seafood in Japan has received relief in its loan conditions (covenants) related to sales volume for 2026, illustrating the financial complexity and risk associated with the start-up phase in land-based projects. In addition, Gigante Salmon reports a planned leadership change where Kristian Lorentsen takes over as CEO after Kjell Lorentsen, a natural generational shift in a company that has faced both operational and cost-related challenges.

[Proximar: lenders waive breached sales covenant](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/proximar-lenders-waive-breached-sales-covenant/)

[Salmon Evolution: phase 2 enters operation at Indre Harøy](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/salmon-evolution-phase-2-enters-operation-at-indre-haroy-after-first-smolt-release/)

[Gigante Salmon: CEO Kjell Lorentsen to step down](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/gigante-salmon-ceo-kjell-lorentsen-to-step-down/)

[SEB: supply peak ending, prices set to recover in H2](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/seb-supply-peak-ending-prices-set-to-recover-in-h2/)

Kverva strengthens position in Måsøval

The investment company Kverva Finans, controlled by the Witzøe family, has increased its ownership stake in Måsøval to 10.4% through a purchase of 12.7 million shares. This investment of approximately 71 million NOK shows a continued strong belief in consolidation and long-term value development in traditional, coastal aquaculture. The fact that one of the industry's heaviest players is further positioning itself in a medium-sized company like Måsøval may indicate that they see attractive values at current price levels.

* [Kverva: raises Måsøval stake to 10.4% with €6.53m purchase](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/kverva-raises-masoval-stake-to-10-4-with-nok-7

Here is a summary of the most important news from the aquaculture industry as of April 22, 2026. Today's news landscape is characterized by biological risk among the largest players, significant financial movements within land-based aquaculture, and strategic steps to secure the technology of the future.

Mowi reports suspected ISA at Frøya

Mowi has reported a suspicion of infectious salmon anemia (ISA) at the Kveitskjeret site in Frøya municipality. This is a serious situation as ISA is a listed disease that requires strict restrictions, including the possible culling of fish and the establishment of control zones. For a player like Mowi, this means a potential negative impact on harvest volumes and increased operational costs in the region, while also underlining the importance of continuous biosecurity.

[Lenke: Mowi reports suspected ISA at Norwegian site](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/mowi-reports-suspected-isa-at-norwegian-site/)

Andfjord Salmon increases budget and secures new financing

Andfjord Salmon Group AS has announced a budget increase of NOK 330 million for its current development phase at Kvalnes, combined with an expansion of loan facilities and a strategic partnership with Eidsfjord Sjøfarm. The news illustrates the capital-intensive challenges of land-based aquaculture, but also shows that the project maintains confidence in the capital market. The partnership with Eidsfjord strengthens the operational backbone of the project through increased access to smolt and expertise.

[Lenke: Andfjord Salmon launches €27.3 million placement and new terms](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/andfjord-salmon-launches-e27-3-million-placement-secures-eidsfjord-partnership-and-new-terms/)

Alsaker Fjordbruk invests in closed technology through acquisition

Alsaker Fjordbruk has acquired Ryfish, the farming operations of Fishglobe Technologies, and is simultaneously entering into a closer collaboration on the development of closed farming technology. This is an important strategic move that shows how traditional farming companies are now positioning themselves to meet future environmental requirements. By integrating Fishglobe's technology for closed systems, Alsaker is taking a clear step toward solving challenges related to sea lice and escapes in the fjords.

[Lenke: Alsaker acquires Ryfish, expands partnership with Fishglobe](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/alsaker-acquires-ryfish-expands-partnership-with-fishglobe/)

International framework conditions: Salmon Scotland demands simplification

The industry organization Salmon Scotland has sent an open letter to candidates in the upcoming parliamentary election demanding regulatory reforms and less bureaucracy. This mirrors the Norwegian debate on framework conditions and tax pressure. For investors and analysts, this is a reminder that regulatory risk and political stability are crucial factors for growth across the entire global salmon industry, not just in Norway.

[Lenke: Salmon Scotland urges Holyrood candidates to cut red tape](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/salmon-scotland-urges-holyrood-candidates-to-cut-red-tape-ahead-of-election)

Here is a summary of the most important news from the aquaculture industry as of April 21, 2026. Today's news landscape is characterized by price pressure in the Norwegian market, regulatory measures to increase productivity in Chile, and ongoing debates regarding the management and financing of wild salmon in North America.

Price drop in the Norwegian spot market

Salmon prices in Norway are experiencing a decline in week 17, with an expected spot price of EUR 6.34 per kilo (approx. NOK 74-75). The price drop is attributed to a combination of favorable sea temperatures stimulating good biological growth and increased supply, while the second quarter has had a slow start. Despite the price correction, continued stable demand from the Asian market is reported. For Norwegian exporters, this means tighter margins during a period of high production activity.

Source: [Spot price Norway: Down to EUR 6.34 / USD 7.46](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/spot-price-norway-down-to-eur-6-34-usd-7-46/)

Source: [Subpesca launches technical review of relocation requests](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/chile-subpesca-launches-technical-review-of-salmon-concession-relocation-requests/) and [Innovasea relocates Chile office](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/innovasea-relocates-chile-office-to-larger-puerto-varas-facility/)

Financial and political dispute over wild salmon management in Canada

In Atlantic Canada, a sharp conflict has arisen between the aquaculture industry and environmental organizations regarding the distribution of 81.7 million Canadian dollars in federal funds earmarked for the restoration of wild salmon stocks. Farmers are challenging the influence of environmental groups over the funds, highlighting the tense relationship between the industry and conservation interests. At the same time, we see practical restoration measures in New York, where thousands of Atlantic salmon have been released into Irondequoit Creek. These cases highlight the increased demands for the industry's corporate social responsibility (ESG) and the importance of fact-based management of shared resources.

* Source: [Canada: salmon farmers challenge conservation group over funding](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/canada-salmon-farmers-challenge-conservation-group-over-federal-wild-salmon-funding/) and [New York backs Atlantic salmon restoration](https://www.salmonbusiness.com/new-york-backs-atlantic-salmon-restoration-with-irondequoit-creek-release/)

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/)