— September 22, 2025 —
Through site visits, networking events, and AquaNor’s exhibitions, we connected with international decision-makers, discovered technologies that could boost production back home, and shared knowledge across the region’s salmon farming, feed, processing, and supplier sectors. This Mission was a catalyst for collaboration and growth, directly supporting the long-term competitiveness of our aquaculture industry.
It was my first time visiting Norway and here are my impressions as a “Norway Newbie”!
First Impressions: A Land of Tunnels and Teamwork
With its rugged coastline and dramatic fjords, Norway is stunning – and highly advanced when it comes to infrastructure. The country invests heavily in highways and transportation systems, including an impressive network of tunnels that run under the fjords. Road grades rarely exceed 7%, so some tunnels spiral deep underground before emerging back into daylight. It’s a little unnerving at first, but quickly becomes second nature. And they have electric ferries! It was such a treat to stand on deck, enjoying the quiet ride without the smell of diesel – and knowing it’s better for the planet.
What also stood out was how deeply Norwegians work together to advance their industry. Our first stop was the spectacular Ålesund Aquarium, home to a four-million-litre tank of northern Atlantic species. The aquarium uses ambient seawater directly from the coast, allowing the creatures to experience natural conditions. That evening, we were hosted by the Norwegian Global Aquaculture Technology Hub, an organization that actively encourages collaboration – even between competitors – to solve shared challenges and move the sector forward.
Seeing is Believing at Hofseth’s Demo Trout Farm
The highlight of the pre-show tour was our visit to Hofseth’s public trout farm. Set in a breathtaking fjord framed by waterfalls, the farm includes a modern barge with indoor and outdoor spaces for education. Visitors can take a small electric vessel to the site, tour the farm, and learn about salmon and trout production in real time.
This experience left me wishing for something similar back home. Allowing the public to see a working fish farm up close could build trust, spark curiosity, and show people the care and technology that go into raising Atlantic salmon sustainably.
AquaNor: A Showcase of Innovation
Then came AquaNor itself. Imagine 25,000 visitors from over 70 countries filling eight exhibition halls – it’s a global marketplace of ideas. Our Atlantic Canada booth was busy, and people loved our “Peace, Love & Farmed Atlantic Salmon” shirts and stickers (our Canada-red theme made us easy to spot!).
In between conversations, I explored as much of the show as I could. A few highlights:
- Nofima scientists developing techniques to grow dulse in land-based aquaculture wastewater – a win for both sustainability and diversification.
- Researchers at the University of Bergen working on sea lice vaccines. Once available, this will transform how we farm salmon globally.
- Stingray’s laser technology, which targets sea lice in ocean pens. Demand is so high there’s a three-year waiting list.
These kinds of innovations have the potential to be game-changers – and they underscore the importance of research, investment, and collaboration to tackle challenges that affect the entire industry.
A Country That Celebrates Its Aquaculture Industry
Norway is a country that is proud of its aquaculture sector. As is tradition, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon opened Aqua Nor 2025, a practice continued by the Royal House of Norway for decades to acknowledge and support the aquaculture industry.
One of my favourite discoveries happened on the last day. I mailed postcards home and noticed a special salmon stamp – not just a pretty design, but one promoting aquaculture research and innovation, complete with a QR code for more information. It’s a small but telling sign of how Norway champions its industry publicly.
Bringing the Lessons Home
The Norwegians we met on our tour were incredibly generous with their time and expertise, opening their facilities to us (even on weekends!), offering tours, serving incredible Norwegian cuisine, and sharing their passion for the ocean and ocean farming.
I came home inspired – and I highly recommend joining the next Atlantic Aquaculture Mission in August 2027. Norway is not just beautiful; it’s a model for what Canada can achieve in its own way.
