Legislation and regulations
Aquaculture in the Faroe Islands – Legislation and Management
The Faroe Islands are widely recognized for having one of the world’s most stringent and comprehensive regulatory frameworks for aquaculture. The legislation aims, within biologically sustainable frameworks and with regard to animal welfare and the environment, to promote profitability and competitiveness in the aquaculture industry.
In the early 2000s, the Faroese aquaculture industry faced serious setbacks due to multiple disease outbreaks, including infectious salmon anemia (ISA). These challenges created instability in the sector and sparked widespread calls for stricter regulations to restore trust and ensure a predictable, healthy environment for fish farming.
In response, the Faroese government introduced the Veterinary Act on Aquaculture in 2003 - which proved to be a turning point for the industry. This legislation laid the foundation for one of the world’s most stringent and comprehensive veterinary regulatory regimes in aquaculture. In the years that followed, the reforms proved highly effective, and the Faroese aquaculture industry re-emerged stronger than ever, with exceptional biological performance and sustainable growth.
As a result, Faroese aquaculture has achieved world-class fish welfare, environmental stewardship, and zero-antibiotic production, inspiring aquaculture policy worldwide.
Key Features of Faroese Aquaculture Legislation:
• All-In, All-Out Production:
Only one generation of fish is farmed in each fjord at a time. After harvesting, the site is completely emptied, cleaned, and left fallow for a minimum of two months. This limits the risk of disease and allows the environment to regenerate.
• Strict Licensing System:
Farming licenses are limited and tied to specific locations based on environmental capacity. All operations must be approved by both the Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority and the Environment Agency.
• Separation of Year Classes & Single Operator per Fjord:
Different generations of fish must not be mixed. Only one operator is allowed per fjord to ensure oversight and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
• Comprehensive Disease Monitoring:
Fish health is continuously monitored with routine testing and inspections. Antibiotics are not used in Faroese salmon farming, thanks to robust preventive measures.
• Environmental Controls:
The health of the seabed is monitored through regular environmental testing. If negative impacts are found, companies must take corrective action, including leaving sites fallow. Operations may be restricted until conditions improve.
• EU-Aligned Veterinary Standards:
Though not an EU member, the Faroe Islands comply with EU veterinary regulations and are part of the EU’s internal veterinary zone, allowing Faroese salmon to be exported freely within the EU.
• Full Traceability & Non-GMO Feed:
Complete traceability is maintained from roe to harvest. All feed used in Faroese aquaculture is non-GMO, and most is produced under EU-compliant standards.
• Breach of Containment Protocols:
Escape prevention is a legal obligation. In the event of a suspected or confirmed breach, companies must notify authorities and act immediately to contain the incident.
