POTENTIAL ACHILLES’ HEEL FOR LAND BASED FISH FARMING

– This is not merely a warning for individual facilities. It’s a reputational risk for the whole industry, says Steinar Wasmuth, CEO of Bioretur AS. With years of experience in sludge and sludge treatment, he highlights how difficult it is to bring sludge management onto the agenda early in project planning. –There’s this ‘it’ll work itself out’ attitude, he says .

He warns that the report may leave lasting marks on public opinion and among authorities.

– If land‑based aquaculture becomes associated with uncontrolled discharges, it could slow investments, licensing, and progress in new projects. That would be dramatic for an industry already facing a reputational challenge, yet aiming to present itself as an environmental solution.

Sludge Management Explicitly Identified

The report points to inadequate control of sludge discharges. Wasmuth identifies this as the sector’s biggest blind spot.

– Sludge is not just an operational cost—it’s an environmental obligation. And for many, it is still managed with insufficient documentation and oversight. To fulfill our sustainability ambitions, sludge management must be treated with the same seriousness as feeding, fish welfare, and biosecurity.

Calls for Immediate Action

Wasmuth urges the industry to respond swiftly—not with finger-pointing, but with concrete and coordinated measures.

– The technology and solutions already exist. Now it’s about prioritizing them—before someone else forces us to.”