Leif Magne Sunde, Business Developer at SINTEF Ocean, opened with a compelling message: “Agder is a happy, green little brother in aquaculture but that color can change.”
He referred to Norway’s national traffic light system for aquaculture, which assesses environmental impact from sea lice and guidelines growth potential. Agder currently enjoys a green light, thanks to low mortality rates and minimal lice levels, but Sunde warned against complacency.
“This is a position we must earn every day,” he emphasized.
Despite representing only 1% of Norway’s sea-based aquaculture sites, Agder holds a reputation for stability and sustainability. Sunde challenged the region to consider its next move: “Should we be content as small, or grow to become relevant?”
County Mayor Arne Thomassen praised the industry’s openness to collaboration and innovation. He highlighted Agder’s strong research and industrial environments, urging the creation of stronger bridges between them.
Thomassen also pointed to the region’s dual focus on aquaculture and energy as a model for how blue and green industries can grow together.
“The future of aquaculture in Agder isn’t just about salmon, it’s about technology, energy, and sustainability. We must seize it now,” said Thomassen.
The aquaculture conference was organized by GCE NODE, Innakva Cluster, EDIH Oceanopolis and DNB.
