The Norwegian government, through a resolution passed in a council held by the King, has determined the outer limits for areas where offshore aquaculture can be developed. Fisheries and Ocean Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss announced that these areas include parts of the Norwegian Sea, specifically excluding certain overlapping military zones. These decisions stem from a previously made decision in September of the previous year to open areas for offshore fish farming, promoting economic development while raising concerns from environmental groups.

Environmental organizations have warned against the government's decision to open up new areas for aquaculture, citing potential environmental impact and ecological risks. Critics argue that introducing aquaculture into these marine areas could lead to increased pollution, biodiversity loss, and conflicts with existing marine wildlife protections. Despite these concerns, the government seems poised to move forward with the development plan, emphasizing a regulatory framework to manage competitive tenders for aquaculture leases once the necessary regulations are in place.

As Norway continues to prioritize aquaculture as a vital sector for its economy, the government will now work on specifying the guidelines for area allocation and the criteria for tender processes. The establishment of these offshore aquaculture zones represents a significant expansion of Norway's fisheries management practices, but it also highlights the ongoing tension between agricultural development and environmental conservation. With strict regulations expected to follow, the government aims to mitigate potential adverse impacts, although many stakeholders remain skeptical of the efficacy of these measures.