Biodiversity and Ecosystems Policy

SalMar’s fundamental principle is to have a minimal footprint in the areas we operate. Sustainable aquaculture is essential for global food security and for preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. Healthy oceans and wildlife are critical, not only for responsible salmon farming, but also for combatting climate change, supporting fisheries, and maintaining diverse marine ecosystems for future generations. 

SalMar acknowledges its dual role as both a beneficiary and an actor within marine ecosystems and recognizes the potential impacts of its operations. This policy defines how biodiversity and ecosystem considerations are integrated into SalMar’s operations, decision-making, and long-term strategy. 

SalMar monitors biodiversity and ecosystem impacts through operational controls, certification requirements, and industry collaborations. 

Benthic assessments  

Assessments of benthic impact and effects on marine species include B-surveys, C-surveys, and shoreline inspections in accordance with NS9410:2016. B-surveys assess seabed conditions beneath and near farms, while C-surveys extend analysis beyond immediate areas, examining sediment chemistry, benthic species, and hydrographic conditions.  

Results inform operational optimization and remediation measures such as adjusting production density, extending fallowing periods, or relocating sites. All Norwegian survey results are publicly available through the Directorate of Fisheries, here. Icelandic survey results can be found at the website of the Icelandic energy and environment agency, here.  

Wildlife Interactions 

SalMar implements measures such as optimized feeding strategies, daily removal of dead fish, and site-specific awareness of red-listed species. Employees are trained to handle incidents safely in accordance with applicable regulations, and report occurrences. ASC-certified farms follow strict wildlife mortality requirements, and similar standards apply across all sites through SalMar’s internal framework. All interactions are reported internally in SalMars quality systems and externally in the company’s Annual Report.  

Escape Prevention and Tracking 

SalMar upholds a zero-escape vision supported by continuous equipment monitoring, strict handling procedures, and collaboration with net suppliers to improve resilience. All incidents are reported internally and to authorities, with root cause analysis and corrective actions. Genetic tracing through Sporbarhet AS and industry projects such as OURO ensures accountability and aims to minimize genetic impact on wild salmon. 

Wild Salmon Monitoring 

SalMar partners with research institutes and industry initiatives to monitor rivers and track escaped salmon using scale sampling and DNA analysis. These programs cover regions in Norway and include emergency preparedness measures. 

Marine pollution 

SalMar aims to have a net positive impact on marine pollution by limiting its own pollution sources and contributing to coastal clean-up efforts. SalMar is committed to contribute to at least one coastal clean-up effort per sea site per year and encourages staff to contribute beyond this minimum. 

Certification and Audits 

All SalMar sites are certified under Global GAP, ASC or Debio certification, standards that include strict requirements on benthic impact, wildlife interactions, escape prevention, and responsible feed sourcing. These certifications ensure biodiversity considerations are embedded in daily operations and verified through independent audits.  

All biodiversity-related performance, including monitoring results, certifications, and progress on commitments, is transparently reported in SalMar’s annual sustainability report. 

SalMar is committed to protecting biodiversity and minimizing ecosystem impacts across all operations. The Group’s strategy integrates measures to reduce negative effects, strengthen positive contributions, and manage risks and opportunities related to marine and terrestrial ecosystems.  

The following sections outline the Group’s most material impacts, risks and opportunities, along with strategic targets established.  

Benthic impacts | Innovative and exposed production methods  

Aquaculture activities may impact biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly the benthic environment through feed spill and faeces from salmon in open sea cages. SalMar considers its use of innovative production methods, including access to all available aquaculture technologies, as an important approach to minimizing environmental impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. Placing sites at slightly more exposed locations also contributes to mitigating environmental impacts.  

Wildlife impacts | Salmon escapes 

Interactions with wildlife, such as birds or marine mammals attempting to access sea cages, and escape incidents that may affect wild salmon populations are recognized as potential negative impacts. Preventing escapes and avoiding harmful wildlife interactions remain key priorities for safeguarding local ecosystems. 

Marine pollution | Coastal cleanups 

Plastic components used in aquaculture, such as ropes, nets and other equipment, may contribute to marine pollution if lost or damaged at sea. SalMar recognizes this as a negative impact within its operations. At the same time, the Group’s commitment to being a net positive contributor in reducing marine pollution is reflected in coastal cleanup efforts, which create a measurable positive impact on the surrounding marine environment. 

Reputational damage and penalties | Regulatory implications 

Negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems can influence regulatory framework and limit future growth opportunities for the aquaculture industry. SalMar also recognises reputational and financial risks associated with escape incidents and biodiversity harm. As authorities develop new regulations linking growth permissions to documented environmental performance, companies may face stricter requirements, operational penalties and reduced growth potential if negative impacts are not effectively managed.