The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has decided to revoke the operating license for the Arctic Ocean Farming facility owned by SalMar on the island of Fellesholmen. The decision, effective January 1, 2026, targets the world’s second-largest salmon producer and is a direct response to persistent violations of fish welfare, animal health, and biosecurity regulations. The regulator cited months-long difficulties in accessing this semi-offshore site in northern Norway, which prevented proper care, health management, and safety measures for the fish The Norwegian Food Safety Authority revokes SalMar’s license[1], Mattilsynet explains the decision[2], Arctic Ocean Farming banned from operations[3].
Regulator Shuts Down Arctic Ocean Farming After Series of Breaches
The situation escalated after a November 2024 incident, when thousands of fish disappeared from the facility near Tromsø. Norwegian authorities determined that the farm’s design and its exposed location often made it inaccessible for up to three months, making essential operations like delousing and slaughter impossible. The regulator stressed that Arctic Ocean Farming failed to provide convincing assurances that “serious shortcomings in operations and emergency preparedness” would be addressed. The company’s proposed improvements were deemed insufficient to resolve the core issues Mattilsynet on lack of improvement guarantees, Report on farm inaccessibility.
Acquisitions, Investments, and Controversy Surrounding SalMar
The Arctic Ocean Farming project received the green light in 2018 as part of a marine initiative by Norway Royal Salmon. After merging with NRS in 2022, SalMar took full control of the venture. In March 2025, the company bought out Aker’s 15 percent stake for NOK 650 million, becoming the sole owner of its offshore division SalMar’s acquisition history, SalMar buys Aker’s shares[4], Transaction valued at NOK 650 million[5].
Salmon Escape and Reporting Discrepancies at Arctic Ocean Farming
The farm’s closure comes amid controversy over a mass fish escape. In November 2024, Arctic Ocean Farming reported damage to both the internal and external cage nets, initially claiming that no salmon had escaped. However, a recount in May 2025 revealed thousands of fish missing compared to earlier declarations. “Uncertainty about the scale of the incident means authorities will continue to monitor the case,” stated the Directorate of Fisheries Salmon escape incident at Arctic Ocean Farming, Discrepancies in fish numbers, Authorities monitoring the situation, Further reports on the incident.
Ocean Farm 1 Continues Operations – Uncertain Future for Offshore Fish Farms
Meanwhile, SalMar’s other semi-offshore facility, Ocean Farm 1 off the coast of Frøya in central Norway, remains fully operational. This installation, described as the world’s first large-scale semi-submersible fish farm with a 110-meter diameter, completed its third production cycle in 2024. SalMar retains the right to appeal the Norwegian regulator’s decision, which could still alter the fate of Arctic Ocean Farming Ocean Farm 1 continues operations, Ocean Farm 1 technology overview[6], SalMar may appeal the decision[7].
Norwegians are not afraid to make tough calls when fish welfare and safety become public concerns. Will other countries follow suit, or will salmon farmers’ offshore ambitions face new obstacles?