The stall of the mountain king
A ministry official will rule whether a land-based salmon farm can be built inside a mine in a Norwegian hillside, but a decision expected earlier this year has still not been made
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In Raudbergvika in Møre og Romsdal, fish farming and seafood processing company Hofseth wants to build what could be Norway's largest fish farming facility. The World Heritage Salmon project is planned inside the mountain in a former olivine mine in Fjord municipality.
The goal is an annual production of 100,000 tonnes of salmon and the creation of 200–300 jobs. The plans have created great hopes, but also significant backlash.
Divided opinions
Fjord Municipality wants the land-based fish farming facility to be built. The same goes for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, citing increased value creation and new local jobs as arguments.
The State Administrator of Møre og Romsdal, the Norwegian Agency for Cultural Heritage and the Ministry of Climate and Environment are among those who advise against the construction, and are concerned that waste from large quantities of salmon will destroy the fjord and affect the nearby Geiranger World Heritage Site.
The final word on the matter lies with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and the local community is still waiting for clarification.
Working on the assessment
Mayor of Fjord municipality, Terese Jemtegård Moen, told NRK earlier this year that she hoped for a decision before the summer. Summer came and went, and with Christmas just around the corner, the ministry has not yet concluded.
The Ministry of Local Government and Districts tells LandbasedAQ that it is still working on the assessment.
"The matter regarding the planned fish farming facility in Raudbergvika is still under consideration by the ministry. We are working on the matter and are focusing on ensuring a sound professional basis for decision-making. Unfortunately, we cannot say when a decision will be made."
Hofseth has been presented with the ministry's statement, but does not wish to comment until there are developments in the case.
