Ruben Oddekalv criticizes Norcod’s marketing of farmed cod as “white salmon” in Norway

Ruben Oddekalv, the leader of Norway’s Environmental Protection Association, has expressed strong opposition to the recent decision by the company Norcod to market farmed cod as “white salmon.” Oddekalv emphasizes that the environmental concerns associated with salmon farming are just as relevant to cod farming. Despite Norcod’s claims that the naming is meant to clarify for consumers that they are purchasing farmed fish, Oddekalv argues this undermines the integrity of what they are selling.

He believes that cod farming may even pose greater risks than salmon farming, as a single fish pen can hold up to 200,000 fish. Unlike salmon, which must escape upstream to spawn, cod can spawn directly in the pens if they have saltwater. Genetic spread from farmed cod could adversely affect wild cod populations, which are already struggling.

Oddekalv pointed to a recent incident in Meløy municipality where escaped farmed cod were found, raising concerns among researchers about the genetic impact on native cod. Recent evaluations by the Fisheries Institute have concluded that if the cod farming industry expands, it could significantly threaten native coastal cod stocks from Stad to Bodø.

Additionally, concerns surrounding animal welfare have been raised. The Animal Welfare Alliance warns consumers and investors about the potential risks of scaling up cod farming without adequate welfare measures in place. Oddekalv criticizes Norcod’s breeding practices, suggesting that they produce inferior fish, which may not escape.

Norcod’s new marketing strategy aims to align farmed cod with the established success of the salmon industry, but Oddekalv warns that parallels drawn with salmon farming could lead to negative perceptions among consumers.