– Where does the salmon come from, asks Fisheries and Oceans Minister Cecilie Myrseth (Ap). news is with Fisheries and Oceans Minister Cecilie Myrseth (Ap) to buy salmon in one of the capital’s fresh food counters. SALMON MINISTER: – Everyone should eat more fish, including salmon, according to Fisheries Minister Cecilie Myrseth. Photo: Line Tomter / news Since she took over the cabinet post in the autumn, several salmon revelations have shaken the industry: “Nightmares” the seafood companies called the images of the sick and dead salmon along the coast. But the desire for salmon has not given up on the part of the fisheries minister. – It is from the west coast, answers the employee behind the fish counter to the fisheries minister about the salmon’s origin. It turns out to be from one of Lerøy’s facilities in Western Norway. It is, among other things, in Western Norway that Lerøy has had problems with disease and high mortality this autumn. – Give me 700 grams of salmon, says Myrseth. Will set stricter requirements for animal welfare in 2024 Myrseth is enthusiastic about the fish, which ensures 50,000 jobs in the aquaculture industry. Farmed salmon is one of Norway’s most important and most profitable export industries. The expectation of the politicians and the industry has been a fivefold increase in production by 2050. But the fisheries minister warns that the growth will come with clear demands for better fish welfare and less emissions in the future. – What prerequisites should underlie further growth for the salmon industry? – If the industry is to achieve the desired growth, we must ensure less emissions and we must ensure that the fish are well. In order to achieve growth, there must be more focus on both climate and fish welfare, says Myrseth. She believes that stronger attention directed towards fish welfare is a good development. – Many people are concerned that the animals they eat should be well. I am also interested in that. In the new year, the Minister of Agriculture and I will come up with a new policy that will ensure better animal welfare, also for farmed fish, says Myrseth, and continues: – It is time that we have a policy that takes greater account of the fact that fish should also be well, and that the food we eat is safe, healthy and good. – Damages the reputation of course The many news stories about salmon, with subsequent criticism of the farming industry, are a threat to the reputation of Norwegian salmon, according to the fisheries minister. – There have been many unfortunate cases. This, of course, damages the reputation of salmon and confidence in the industry. It is incredibly sad. I understand that many have become more concerned. It should be safe to eat salmon, says Myrseth. – How important is it that trust in the salmon industry is maintained? – It is absolutely crucial. If you don’t have confidence in the seafood industry, then people won’t buy the salmon. At the same time, a strong seafood industry is important for future welfare. FOOD VISIT: Here is Cecilie Myrseth at Mathallen in Tromsø. Photo: Mathias Sommerseth Kjellmo / news – It is important that we have great transparency, even when things happen that should not have happened. It is also important that there are enough resources for controls, and that there are unannounced inspections, says Myrseth. The industry has previously been notified before inspections, and this year has been critical of unannounced visits by Mattlsynet. – How important is it that there are consequences when the rules are broken? – When you break the rules, there must be consequences. It destroys confidence in the industry if the rules are not followed. If we are to achieve growth in the industry, you depend on trust, not least in the local communities that facilitate farming. – How much growth do you believe for the farming industry in the next few years? – It depends on how we succeed in our goals in animal welfare and emissions from the industry. Growth depends on how sustainable the industry manages to be, says Myrseth. – Are you ready to make clear demands? – I am. I have very clear expectations for the industry. It is the industry itself that must raise the confidence of the population, says Myrseth. Likes to eat raw salmon Naturally, the fisheries minister himself is fond of food from the sea. The northerner from Lavangen in Troms has pollock beef with sour cream sauce as his favorite fish dinner. Salmon is therefore on the menu this day. A dish that is suitable for both everyday and better occasions, according to her. – What kind of seafood would you serve for a romantic dinner? – I had probably made sashimi. Together with a hearty punzo sauce and some good fruit. And berries. I would drop rice. It is more delicate to pick up a slice of salmon and put it in your mouth.
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The Minister of Fisheries announces stricter requirements for fish health – news Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country
