Hatchery-based
The species is carnivorous. They consume pellet feed. The fish-in-fish-out ratio is low, meaning that quite a low volume of fish is input into this farming system as feed to produce one kilogram of salmon. All the major feed suppliers have traceability policies in place.
This production method is an open net-pen system with direct interaction to the marine environment. This means that all fish waste, uneaten feed and antibiotics used enter the environment and accumulate in sediments. In addition, farm escapes have been a major cause of concern for their impact on the wildlife population. Disease and parasites have also been regularly recorded in past years. The production system uses chemicals regularly, which could potentially impact the environment.
Norway has a strict biosecurity regulation as well as strategic environmental planning and environmental impact assessments. Measures cover disease management, waste discharge control, and water use. The overall management is largely effective.
