Salmon farming is one of the most recognizable and controversial forms of aquaculture. However, according to the 2022 report on the State of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, salmon farming represents only 4% of the major aquaculture finfish species produced worldwide. Norway, Chile, Scotland, and Canada are the leading producers in the industry.
Despite the industry’s development in these four countries, the rapid growth of salmon aquaculture has faced environmental issues and negative perceptions, which have hindered its expansion. To mitigate the impact on coastal environments, several countries, including Chile and Norway, have explored the development of a new framework to facilitate offshore aquaculture. This research reviewed the processes in five countries—Norway, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States—in their efforts to permit offshore aquaculture in their oceans.
Table 1 presents the results of this research. Norway has made significant efforts to advance offshore aquaculture, approving modifications to its legal framework to facilitate the issuance of new ’offshore’ licenses. Chile has been developing technology and exploring its ocean for suitable Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, but they still need to establish a new legal framework. New Zealand, Australia, and the United States have also made progress in enabling offshore aquaculture, including the development of technology, identification of suitable areas in offshore conditions, and engaging relevant stakeholders in discussions about offshore aquaculture.