Norwegian bird haven wins reprieve from fish-farm plans
A coastal landscape used by breeding waders has won a significant reprieve, although the developer behind a major salmon-farming proposal is seeking government intervention.
Plans for a large land-based salmon farm on Norway’s Helgeland coast have suffered a setback after the Norwegian Environment Agency upheld the refusal of a discharge permit.
BirdLife Norway reported the decision on 21 September, welcoming the outcome for the landscape around Toftøya, near Brønnøysund. The organisation has opposed the development, highlighting the importance of the area for birds and the pressure that discharges could place on neighbouring waters.
The coastal mosaic includes meadows, tidal feeding areas and farmland managed at low intensity. Lapwings and Curlews breed in the area, while Eiders and Black Guillemots use its waters to feed.
According to BirdLife Norway’s account, the assessment centred on the risk of overloading the ecosystem in Toftsundet and inadequate evidence that the receiving waters could accommodate the proposed effluent. The agency’s decision leaves the earlier regional refusal in place.
Developer Helgeland Miljøfisk had sought permission for a facility capable of producing up to 40,000 tonnes of salmon annually. Its parent company, Torghatten Aqua, says the completed development could provide between 200 and 300 jobs.
The company disputes the environmental assessment. It says expert work supports the project and that it offered to increase production in stages, demonstrating compliance before each expansion. It argues that the proposal’s economic benefits have not been given sufficient weight.
Chief executive Sten Roald Lorentzen described the refusal as incomprehensible and expressed disappointment in a statement published by Torghatten Aqua.
The company says no further administrative appeal is available, but it is asking the Norwegian government to overturn the decision and grant the discharge permission needed for the project.
25 Sep 2026
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