Salmar founder Gustav Witzøe: — Important to agree on biological KPIs

The Directorate of Fisheries held their own “top summit” called Havbruksforumet during the opening day of the exhibition . Salmar founder Gustav Witzøe and Director of Fisheries, Frank Bakke-Jensen of the Directorate of Fisheries, opened with an intriguing conversation.

The event was an incentive to stimulate conversations that can mould the future of aquaculture, where the perspective of state administration and the industry’s own experiences could be combined.

Tighter cooperation between state administration and the industry

Both speakers talked about how the cooperation between the state administration and the commercial actors is important for a positive framework for sustainable growth.

— Our coastline, with the North Altantic salmon, is a gift. We have a profitable and subsidy free industry, that can last forever if we manage it correctly. That is the responsibility of our generation: to not miss this  opportunity – but keep it for future generations as well, said Witzøe.

Wants agreement on biological KPIs

Additionally, Witzøe highlighted the need for a set of biological KPIs that all parties in the industry agree on.

— It’s important to land an agreement on biological KPIs that everyone complies with.

The importance of being able to move sites based on what’s best for the fish was also brought up.

— At Frøya, where we operate, we know exactly where to fish for cod based on our history and local knowledge. But it’s vital to remember that the cod decides where it’s going to swim, while the farmed salmon is placed by humans. As the situation stands today, moving the salmon to better locations – based on what’s best for the salmon – is difficult, even when moving pens just 20 meters.

Joint standards and goals

Frank Bakke-Jensen also advocated for an even clearer organization of the industry, so that state administration and the industry itself can agree on standards and goals.

— Ultimately, we’re the ones reporting the numbers from the industry and we have to be able to trust the numbers we’re given by the industry. That requires a tight cooperation – and we’re already well on our way.

During Aqua Nor there’s an extensive list of professional talks and seminars.
You’ll find them all under the Official Program-ribbon in the exhibition program: