Sustainability of Norwegian salmon farming evaluated on the basis of marine feed resources : an exploratory assessment

Abstract

This study examines the sustainability of Norwegian salmon farming on the basis of its use of marine feed resources, from a biological perspective. The salmon farming industry in Norway is deemed moderately sustainable according to the assumptions and methodology applied in this thesis. However, it is pointed out that these results would most likely have been different if social and economic aspects had been included. Another aspect is that the food vs. feed issue does not accrue to the current discussion, as this is purely decided by economic considerations. The study also point out that at present, salmon is the best overall existing alternative for food production. Salmon can be produced more efficiently and with higher output than any other livestock, such as pig and poultry. The limited supply of marine resources is not considered to restrict a further expansion of the salmon farming industry in near future, but poses a challenge in the long term.

Keywords: Sustainability, salmon, feed, forage fish, FCR, fisheries management