Arctic Circular Seafood Synergies: Beyond the Bottom Line. Perspectives on Full Utilization & Local Processing in Alaska & Norway

Abstract

Alaskan wild salmon and Norwegian farmed salmon represent the largest share of their respective global harvests of salmon by volume, yet both are exporting the majority of their harvests and byproducts for processing and are thereby missing out the potential to create local circular production systems for more environmentally sustainable processing . Alaskan salmon and Norwegian aquaculture have an opportunity to contribute to objectives of blue growth by shifting towards circular production systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate why Alaska and Norway, rather than seeking full utilization of harvests, export for further processing and recommend how they can align their future strategies to move in the direction of local, full utilization of byproducts and thereby contribute to the objectives of blue- and circular economies. This study collected primary data from fishery stakeholders in the form of surveys and semi-structured interviews from Alaska, Norway, and Iceland. This thesis recommends collaboration strategies between Alaska and Norway, rooted in the 4-step value chain of harvest, production, trading, and consumption, which excludes exporting for further processing. This is to be achieved via the harvest and production steps through the themes of economies of scope, controlling the processing lines, efficient production lines for coproducts/byproducts, and innovation related to energy and automation. Collaborations related to trading and consumption includes sustainable branding for full utilization, market coordination for diversifying secondary products, and certifications of the workforce/production lines. It is in the interest of both Alaska and Norway to make haste in changing their processing and exporting practices in the favor of environmental stewardship and not just short-term economic gains. Both locations are in positions of diminishing advantage as the purchasers of their byproducts continue to strengthen their competitive advantages on the resources use and sale.