Norwegian aquaculture safety and nutritional quality

Research into Norwegian aquaculture has highlighted concerns regarding the biological and nutritional quality of farmed fish. Monitoring by the Institute of Marine Research found that Norwegian farmed fish, including salmon, trout, halibut, and cod, met EU safety standards for medicines and environmental toxins in 2025, with trace amounts of delousing agents remaining below legal limits.

However, biological studies have identified potential vulnerabilities in the industry. Research from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute suggests that farmed Atlantic salmon have lower gut bacterial diversity than wild salmon, which may lead to weaker immune systems.

Further studies led by the USDA indicate a significant decline in omega-3 fatty acid levels in farmed salmon. This nutritional shift is linked to a transition in feeding practices from marine-based oils to land-based crops like soy and canola. In Norway, marine-based feed ingredients fell from 90 percent in 1990 to approximately 23 percent in 2020. This change has raised environmental concerns regarding increased greenhouse gas emissions and potential links to deforestation in the Amazon.