Fisheries and Aquaculture
We are a leading provider of legal consulting services for the seafood industry. We have a team of experienced lawyers who specalise in all aspects of fisheries and aquaculture law, and possess an extensive knowledge of the industry.
Our team of experts understands the regulatory framework that governs the fishing and aquaculture industries. We provide practical advice and solutions that help our clients navigate complex regulatory requirements, including government processes related to the seafood sector. Additionally, we have substantial experience with the unique contract forms within the seafood industry. We work closely with associated practice groups within the firm, including dispute resolution, contract and transactions including M&A (link).
Several of our corporate lawyers are specifically associated with the fisheries and aquaculture industry, enabling us to provide our clients with a high level of industry-specific expertise. Our international presence provides additional advantages in consultancy, especially in connection with expanding to new jurisdictions, the construction of aquaculture installations and vessels, and exporting seafood products.
Our fisheries and aquaculture team has earned a Band 1 ranking in Chambers and Partners. The team is also highly ranked in other leading legal directories which is a testament to our leading expertise in this industry.
Expertise
Our legal assistance covers the following areas:
- Regulatory counsel on framework legislation, permit systems, and framework conditions
- Application processes against public authorities
- Appeal cases for individual decisions, including orders, infringement fees, and enforced fines
- Cooperation agreements between business operators and other private law agreements
- Negotiations with customers and suppliers
- Disputes and procedures, including criminal proceedings
- Transactions, consolidation and mergers
Read our articles on Fisheries and Aquaculture

New technologies in aquaculture
New technology in aquaculture is enabling offshore farming and the increased use of closed cages. New regulations may trigger significant investments in the years to come, resulting in an increased demand for new building and supply services.

Women in law series: Heidi Ann Vestvik-Bruknapp
In celebration of the International Women's Day on March 8th we’ve asked some of our female lawyers from across our international offices what it’s like being a woman in law today. Read our first interview with Heidi Ann Vestvik-Bruknapp, associate at Wikborg Rein's Bergen office and part of the firm's fisheries and aquaculture team.

Offshore floating wind turbines and deepwater fish farms – different frameworks for success
The regulatory framework that exists within the shipping and offshore industries is long established. Whilst the existing framework effectively extends to also encompass the offshore floating wind sector in Norway, the same cannot be said for deepwater fish farms.