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Here is an analysis and summary of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry, based on the headlines from September 18, 2026.

Today's news landscape is characterized by a complex market situation with record-high harvest volumes putting pressure on the value chain, strategic acquisitions in the supplier industry, as well as a focus on future recruitment and capital management.

Market Pressure and Challenges in the Processing Stage

The past few weeks have seen the highest harvest volumes of Norwegian salmon in history. This has led to a massive freezing of fish in Europe to prevent a price drop in the spot market. At the same time, processing players like Isfjord Norway report a very demanding 2025, characterized by high raw material prices and squeezed margins. This illustrates a paradox in the industry: while volumes are at record highs, the processing stage struggles with profitability when the entry price for raw materials remains high while access to the right quality can be variable.

Why this is important: The relationship between harvest volume, freezing capacity, and processing margins is critical for the industry's total value creation. When large volumes must be frozen, it affects liquidity and future market balance.

Sources:

[Massive European freezing of fish keeps salmon prices stable](https://ilaks.no/massiv-europeisk-innfrysing-av-fisk-holder-lakseprisene-stabile/)

[Profit slump for Isfjord Norway: – The year has been demanding for the business](https://ilaks.no/resultatknekk-for-isfjord-norway-aret-har-vaert-krevende-for-virksomheten/)

Strategic Consolidation within Biological Services

STIM continues its expansion

Here is an analysis and summary of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry. The news landscape is characterized by legal frameworks, strategic capital moves among equipment suppliers, and the increasing importance of biological success in the smolt phase.

State legal disputes and frameworks

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans states that it is a goal to resolve legal disagreements between the state and aquaculture actors at the lowest possible level. This comes at a time when the industry has increasingly challenged administrative decisions, including those related to the traffic light system and resource rent taxation. Predictable frameworks and effective dialogue between authorities and industry players are critical for maintaining investment willingness in the Norwegian salmon industry.

Source: [iLaks - Fiskeri- og havministeren om rettslige uenigheter](https://ilaks.no/havministeren-viktig-at-borgere-og-virksomheter-har-mulighet-til-a-fa-provd-lovligheten-av-statens-myndighetsutovelse-for-en-uavhengig-domstol/?mtm_campaign=feed_click&mtm_kwd=havministeren-viktig-at-borgere-og-virksomheter-har-mulighet-til-a-fa-provd-lovligheten-av-statens-myndighetsutovelse-for-en-uavhengig-domstol&mtm_source=RSS2&mtm_medium=feed)

Smolt: Contrasting results and the importance of large smolt

Financial figures from Vik Settefisk and Hardingsmolt illustrate the economic range within the smolt segment. While Vik Settefisk experienced a halving of revenue and significant deficits, Hardingsmolt delivers strong results driven by a successful focus on large smolt (post-smolt). This supports a clear trend in the industry: producing larger fish on land reduces exposure time at sea, improves biological control, and directly impacts the bottom line through reduced mortality and better growth.

Sources:

• [iLaks - Røde tall for Vik Settefisk](https://ilaks.no/rode-tall-for-vik-settefisk/?mtm_campaign=feed_click&mtm_kwd=rode-tall-for-vik-settefisk&mtm_source=RSS2&mtm_medium=feed)
• [iLaks - Satsing på større fisk bar frukter for Hardingsmolt](https://ilaks.no/storsmolt-satsing-baerer-frukter-for-hardingsmolt/?mtm_campaign=feed_click&mtm_kwd=storsmolt-satsing-baerer-frukter-for-hardingsmolt&mtm_source=RSS2&mtm_medium=feed)

Strategic capital release in the supplier industry

AKVA group has entered into a sale-and-leaseback agreement with Bevest (formerly BEWI Invest) for its property on Hitra. This type of transaction is a strategic move to free up capital tied up in real estate, allowing funds to be reallocated to core activities such as technology development and operational management. For a leading technology supplier, financial flexibility is crucial in a market characterized by rapid technological development and consolidation.

Source: [iLaks - AKVA group selger industrieiendom på Hitra](https://ilaks.no/akva-group-selger-inudstrieiendom-pa-hitra-og-leier-tilbake/?mtm_campaign=feed_click&mtm_kwd=akva-group-selger-inudstrieiendom-pa-hitra-og-leier

Here is an analysis and summary of the most important news from the aquaculture industry over the past 24 hours. Today's news is characterized by persistent biological challenges, insights into top-level executive pay, and strategic leadership changes among key players.

Biological Challenges: The ISA Situation and Environmentally Driven Mortality

Biological risk remains the greatest uncertainty factor in the industry. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) recently clarified that there is no direct infection link between Benchmark's broodstock facility in Engan and the suspected ISA (Infectious Salmon Anemia) in Skjerstadfjorden, which is critical for understanding infection pathways in the Salten area. Meanwhile, Kaldvik reports escalating mortality due to jellyfish problems (and potentially algae), highlighting the vulnerability to external environmental factors that can cause significant economic losses and welfare challenges.

Why this is important: Accurate contact tracing of ISA is crucial for limiting restrictions and fallowing across entire regions. For companies like Kaldvik, jellyfish attacks demonstrate the need for better monitoring and preventive technologies to manage changes in coastal ecosystems.

Source: [Mattilsynet om ILA-bølgen i Salten](https://ilaks.no/mattilsynet-om-ila-bolgen-i-salten-omradet-for-ny-til-a-kunne-vaere-kilden-til-smitten/)

Source: [Eskalerende dødelighet fra manettrøbbel](https://ilaks.no/eskalerende-dodelighet-fra-algetrobbel/)

Economy and Management: Salary Levels and Strategic Shifts

Last year's salary statistics show that the Mowi CEO tops the list of the industry's highest-paid executives, reflecting the high level of value creation and responsibility in the world's largest salmon farming company. Simultaneously, changes are occurring in the financial leadership at Atlantic Sapphire, where Gunnar Aasbø-Skinderhaug is stepping down as CFO. This comes at a stage where land-based farming is still struggling to prove its commercial viability and stability.

Why this is important: Executive pay is an important topic for reputation and ESG reporting in an industry under scrutiny. Leadership changes at Atlantic Sapphire are closely watched by investors, as financial stability is crucial for confidence in land-based projects that have faced significant adversity.

Source: [Dette tjente oppdrettstoppene i fjor](https://ilaks.no/dette-tjente-oppdrettstoppene-i-fjor/)

Source: [Aasbø-Skinderhaug går av i Atlantic Sapphire](https://ilaks.no/aasbo-skinderhaug-gar-av-som-finansdirektor-i-atlantic-sapp

Here is an analysis and summary of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry, focusing on strategic changes, financial positioning, and social challenges in the sector.

Strategic retreat from offshore aquaculture

Nova Sea, in which Mowi is a significant owner, has chosen to withdraw from the SpiderCage project. This marks an important trend where established players re-evaluate risk and capital allocation related to exposed aquaculture, even though the founders behind the technology choose to continue the initiative on their own. The news illustrates the technical and economic barriers to moving production further offshore.

[Read more at iLaks](https://ilaks.no/mowi-eide-nova-sea-droppet-offshore-satsing/?mtm_campaign=feed_click&mtm_kwd=mowi-eide-nova-sea-droppet-offshore-satsing&mtm_source=RSS2&mtm_medium=feed)

[Lerøy raises green capital (iLaks)](https://ilaks.no/leroy-vil-hente-750-millioner-kroner-i-gronne-obligasjoner/?mtm_campaign=feed_click&mtm_kwd=leroy-vil-hente-750-millioner-kroner-i-gronne-obligasjoner&mtm_source=RSS2&mtm_medium=feed)

[Strong margins for wellboats (iLaks)](https://ilaks.no/kruttsterke-marginer-for-landets-bronnbatrederier/?mtm_campaign=feed_click&mtm_kwd=kruttsterke-marginer-for-landets-bronnbatrederier&mtm_source=RSS2&mtm_medium=feed)

[Read more at iLaks](https://ilaks.no/hoy-bekymring-for-helse-og-flere-opplever-sikkerhetsutfordringer-i-havbruksnaeringen/?mtm_campaign=feed_click&mtm_kwd=hoy-bekymring-for-helse-og-flere-opplever-sikkerhetsutfordringer-i-havbruksnaeringen&mtm_source=RSS2&mtm_medium=feed)

Here is a summary and analysis of today's most important news from the Norwegian aquaculture industry, focusing on market development, technological innovation, and sustainable feed solutions.

Introduction

Today's news is characterized by significant price pressure in the spot market due to high harvest volumes, while the industry sees important progress in circular economy and technological scaling for improved fish welfare and efficiency.

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Market Pressure and Falling Salmon Prices

For the fourth consecutive week, salmon spot prices are falling as a result of record-high harvest volumes. The increased supply in the market exceeds demand in the short term, forcing prices down and requiring strategic patience from exporters. At the same time, the exporter Norwell marks 30 years in the industry, a reminder of the importance of experience and strong sales networks in a volatile global market.

Why it matters: Price development has a direct impact on companies' liquidity and quarterly results, while Norwell's anniversary underscores the stability of independent exporters in the value chain.

Read more: [Record-high harvest volumes press down next week's salmon prices](https://ilaks.no/rekordhoye-slaktevolumer-presser-ned-neste-ukes-laksepriser/) and [Rock ‘n roll as Norwell turns 30](https://ilaks.no/rock-n-roll-da-norwell-rundet-30/)

Circular Economy: Microalgae as the Feed Raw Material of the Future

Innovation in the utilization of side streams, such as sludge and CO₂, combined with artificial light, is paving the way for local production of microalgae. This is being highlighted as "the new gold" for Norwegian aquaculture, as it can reduce dependence on imported feed raw materials like soy.

Why it matters: Securing locally sourced and sustainable protein sources and omega-3 is crucial for reducing the industry's overall carbon footprint and meeting stricter regulatory requirements for sustainability.

Read more: [Aims to secure locally sourced feed raw materials with this](https://ilaks.no/vil-sikre-kortreist-forravare-med-denne-kanskje-det-nye-gullet-i-ravarene-for-norsk-oppdrettsnaering/)

Technological Scaling and Optimized Infrastructure

The company Blue Lice is now gearing up for the commercial scaling of its technology for sea lice prevention, while the architectural firm Thommesen Architecture highlights how modern processing plants must be designed based on production flow and automation.

Why it matters: Effective control of sea lice without the use of medication is critical for biological control, while optimized processing plants are key to increasing the degree of processing and value creation on land in Norway.

Read more: [Blue Lice strengthens the team](https://ilaks.no/blue-lice-styrker-laget/) and [Has designed several of Norway's largest processing plants](https://ilaks.no/har-tegnet-flere-av-norges-storste-foredlingsanlegg-produksjonen-bestemmer-bygget/)

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Summary for Decision Makers:

The industry is at a turning point where short-term market volatility (price pressure) must be balanced against long-term investments in technology and sustainability. Developments in microalgae and preventive lice tools show an industry moving toward more proactive and circular operating models, which will be crucial for future competitiveness.

Here is an analysis and summary of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry, focusing on market development, logistics challenges, and operational activities.

Introduction

Today's news landscape is characterized by persistent pressure on salmon prices and regulatory challenges for exporters, while the industry simultaneously struggles with logistics and the competition for qualified labor.

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Market pressure and regulatory repercussions for the export sector

Salmon prices are falling for the third consecutive week as market buyers remain on the sidelines in anticipation of further price drops. At the same time, we are seeing the economic consequences of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's stricter enforcement of regulations regarding "production fish"; exporters such as A&O Seafood Export report a significant drop in profits after receiving corrections for their previous handling of fish with wounds and deformities. This underscores how both market sentiment and regulatory compliance are now placing strong constraints on profitability in the sales segment.

Source: [Avventende innkjøpere setter lakseprisen under press](https://ilaks.no/avventende-innkjopere-setter-lakseprisen-under-press/) and [Tidligere «prodfisk»-eksportør så overskuddet falle videre](https://ilaks.no/tidligere-prodfisk-eksportor-sa-overskuddet-falle-videre/)

Source: [Rekordproduksjon på Sør-Arnøy, men ferga skaper fortsatt hodebry](https://ilaks.no/rekordproduksjon-pa-sor-arnoy-men-ferga-skaper-fortsatt-hodebry/)

Vessel design as a strategic recruitment tool

Moen Marin highlights a critical success factor for the future of aquaculture: the ability to attract and retain competent crew through well-thought-out boat design. By prioritizing ergonomics, living comfort, and the working environment as early as the design phase, service vessels are transformed from mere tools into strategic advantages in an increasingly tough labor market. This marks a shift where technical specifications and human needs must go hand in hand to ensure operational stability.

Source: [– Det er ikke én ting om bord som ikke er gjennomtenkt](https://ilaks.no/det-er-ikke-en-ting-om-bord-som-ikke-er-gjennomtenkt/)

Source: [Underskuddene fortsetter for 1814 Salmon: – Fabrikken lever på eiernes nåde](https://ilaks.no/underskuddene-fortsetter-for-1814-salmon-fabrikken-lever-pa-eiernes-nade/)

Here is an analysis and summary of today's most important news from the Norwegian aquaculture industry. Today's news landscape is characterized by last year's financial results for both farmers and the supplier industry, as well as new environmental warnings related to the maintenance of production equipment.

Financial Results: Varying Profitability in the Production Segment

The financial figures for 2025 show major contrasts between Norwegian salmon farming companies. While Gratanglaks has completed an impressive turnaround and delivered strong numbers, Bjørøya found that last year's drop in salmon prices ate up margins and resulted in a meager profit. This underscores the importance of both operational efficiency and market timing in managing salmon price volatility.

Why it matters: The results demonstrate the industry's vulnerability when market prices fluctuate, and how local operating conditions and biological control are crucial for maintaining profitability during demanding years.

Sources:

[Full snuoperasjon i Gratangen (iLaks)](https://ilaks.no/full-snuoperasjon-i-gratangen/)

[Prisfall for laks vasket bort overskuddet til Bjørøya (iLaks)](https://ilaks.no/prisfall-for-laks-vasket-bort-overskuddet-til-bjoroya/)

Environment and Biosecurity: Warning Against Cleaning Tralopyril-Impregnated Nets

The Institute of Marine Research (HI) has issued a new assessment warning against the high-pressure cleaning of nets impregnated with tralopyril directly in the sea. Investigations show that this practice can lead to short-term but harmful concentrations of the substance in the immediate vicinity of the pens. This could have implications for future guidelines regarding net cleaning and the use of anti-fouling agents.

Why it matters: Environmental sustainability and the documentation of emissions are central to the authorities' regulatory focus. HI's findings may force stricter requirements for collection during cleaning or changes to which impregnation agents are permitted for use.

Source: [HI advarer mot spyling av tralopyril-impregnerte nøter (iLaks)](https://ilaks.no/hi-advarer-mot-spyling-av-tralopyril-impregnerte-noter/)

Supplier Industry: Focus on Margins and Key Appointments

In the supplier segment, Polarfeed reports a significant drop in revenue, yet the company has managed to increase its operating margin, suggesting successful cost control and a sharpening of operations. Meanwhile, equipment manufacturer ScaleAQ is strengthening its team as Stig Førre returns to the company, a strategically important appointment for one of the industry's largest technology suppliers.

Why it matters: The supplier industry must adapt to a market characterized by an increased focus on costs among farmers. The ability to maintain margins despite lower volumes, combined with experienced leadership, is critical for driving technological innovation forward in the sector.

Sources:

[Tungt omsetningsfall dro ned resultatet for Polarfeed (iLaks)](https://ilaks.no/tungt-omsetningsfall-dro-ned-resultatet-for-polarfeed/)

[Stig Førre vender tilbake til ScaleAQ (iLaks)](https://ilaks.no/stig-forre-vender-tilbake-til-scaleaq/)

Here is an analysis of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry, focusing on economic framework conditions, biological strategy, and food safety.

Today's news landscape is characterized by a clear tension between operational breakthroughs and increasing economic pressure resulting from cost growth and market fluctuations.

Economic uncertainty and margin pressure in the value chain

Nordea Markets has downgraded SalMar to a sell recommendation, citing that the market is underestimating increasing feed costs. At the same time, equipment supplier Fluctus reports continued deficits, underpinning a picture of a value chain where margins are under significant pressure, despite high activity. For investors and analysts, this is a signal that inflation in input factors, particularly feed, is now seriously impacting the bottom line of even the most efficient farmers.

Source: [Nordea Markets nedgraderer SalMar](https://ilaks.no/nordea-markets-nedgraderer-salmar-forkostnadene-undervurderes/) and [Røde tall for Fluctus](https://ilaks.no/nytt-ar-med-rode-tall-pa-bunnlinjen-til-fluctus/)

Source: [Fossing Storsmolt nær tredoblet årsresultatet](https://ilaks.no/fossing-storsmolt-naer-tredoblet-arsresultatet-i-fjor/)

Strengthened reputation through new knowledge about PFAS

A new study using advanced modeling shows that farmed salmon has a low risk of accumulating "forever chemicals" (PFAS), as the substances are effectively excreted by the fish. For the industry, this is a critically important tool in the effort toward market access and reputation building. Scientific documentation that refutes concerns about environmental toxins is crucial for maintaining salmon's position as a safe and healthy premium product in global markets.

Source: [Ny studie: Lav risiko for «evighetskjemikalier»](https://ilaks.no/ny-studie-lav-risiko-for-evighetskjemikalier-i-oppdrettslaks/)

Source: [Markedet sendte resultatene i nedoverbakke for edelfisk-oppd

Here is an analysis and summary of today's most important news from the Norwegian aquaculture industry, focusing on economic framework conditions, market forecasts, and operational development.

Introduction

Today's news landscape is characterized by major contrasts in companies' financial results, warnings of increased production costs from the financial community, as well as continued investments in specialized service equipment and key personnel.

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Biological Risk and Economic Volatility: Contrasts in Aquaculture Accounts

News from Marø Havbruk and Sørsmolt clearly illustrates the range within the industry. While Marø Havbruk is experiencing its first deficit in 18 years due to a combination of low salmon prices and outbreaks of Pancreas Disease (PD), Sørsmolt shows a solid turnaround with a significant dividend. This underscores how biological risk remains the single factor with the greatest impact on the bottom line for small and medium-sized players.

Why it matters: It reminds the industry that even long-term profitability can be broken by disease pressure, and that the ability to handle biological challenges is crucial for financial stability.

Read more: [Marø Havbruk i underskudd](https://ilaks.no/maro-havbruk-i-underskudd-for-forste-gang-pa-18-ar/) and [Sørsmolt med millionutbytte](https://ilaks.no/sorsmolt-snudde-underskudd-til-overskudd-tar-ut-39-millioner-i-utbytte/)

Market Forecasts: Expecting Feed Shock and Price Imbalance

Arctic Securities warns of an upcoming "feed shock," which will put further pressure on production costs in the time ahead. At the same time, the brokerage firm sees a possible imbalance in the salmon price that could benefit producers, and they consider current share levels attractive after a period of price decline.

Why it matters: For decision-makers, this means preparing for sustained high costs for input factors, while market dynamics may provide opportunities for those who have fish in the sea when the supply side tightens.

Read more: [Arctic Securities venter fôrsjokk](https://ilaks.no/arctic-securities-venter-forsjokk-men-ogsa-en-mulig-ubalanse-for-lakseprisen/)

Technological Specialization: New Vessel Strengthens Service Operations

Abyss has put the newly built diving boat "Fosna Neptune" into operation, a vessel specially developed for combined diving and ROV operations. This marks a trend where the service segment of the industry is investing in more advanced and specialized technology to meet stricter requirements for documentation and efficiency at the cage edge.

Why it matters: Increased use of ROVs and advanced diving technology is necessary to improve HSE, reduce response time during incidents, and ensure better maintenance of critical installations.

Read more: [Abyss med nybygget dykkerbåt](https://ilaks.no/abyss-har-satt-i-drift-nybygget-dykkerbat-til-stede-der-kunden-trenger-oss/)

Strategic Recruitment in the Supplier Industry

Brimer is strengthening its position by hiring Børre Haanes Waagan as sales manager for aquaculture. Waagan comes from a central role at MMC First Process, signaling an aggressive push by Brimer to capture market share in equipment and infrastructure for the industry.

Why it matters: The movement of key personnel between major equipment suppliers shows the tough competition for professional expertise and networks in an industry undergoing constant technological development.

Read more: [Waagan går til Brimer](https://ilaks.no/waagan-gar-fra-mmc-first-process-til-brimer/)

Here is an analysis and summary of today's most important news from the aquaculture industry.

Today's news landscape is characterized by a clear contrast between record-high production activity and increasing pressure on margins for several key players. We are also seeing signs of a natural market correction following a period of sustained price increases for salmon.

Economic Margin Pressure Despite Production Records

Several medium-sized fish farming companies are now reporting a challenging 2025, where biological challenges and increased operating costs are eating up the gains from high production. Ervik set a harvest record but did not see it reflected in the results, while Northern Lights Salmon (NLS) experienced a significant drop in results due to problematic algae. Wenberg Fiskeoppdrett also saw its operating profit halved during the same period. This underscores the industry's vulnerability to biological risk and general cost growth in the value chain, making it increasingly difficult to maintain profitability even when volumes are high.

Why this is important: The news shows that volume growth alone no longer guarantees economic success; effective cost control and biological risk management are critical factors for survival in today's market.

Sources:

[Ervik: – Vi har ikke tidligere år slaktet tilsvarende mengde fisk...](https://ilaks.no/ervik-vi-har-ikke-tidligere-ar-slaktet-tilsvarende-mengde-fisk-men-dette-gjenspeiles-ikke-i-resultatet/)

[God produksjon, men problematiske alger for nordlys–oppdretteren](https://ilaks.no/god-produksjon-men-problematiske-alger-for-nordlys-oppdretteren/)

* [Wenberg Fiskeoppdrett omorganiserer](https://ilaks.no/wenberg-fiskeoppdrett-omorganiserer-overforer-2192-millioner-kroner-til-morselskapet/)

Market Unrest and Price Correction for Salmon

After four consecutive weeks of price increases, we are now seeing a correction in the salmon price. The market is taking a more cautious stance due to a continued heavy supply of fish. This shift indicates that the price peak may have been reached for now, and that buyers are now pushing for lower prices