Statistics Norway reports that In 2012, a total of 1.3 million tonnes of slaughtered farmed fish were sold, which is a new record. The corresponding first hand value came to NOK 30 billion.

Ninety-three per cent of the production in fish farming in 2012 was reared salmon, of which more than 1.2 million tonnes was produced. This corresponds to a first hand value of NOK 28 billion.

Despite higher sales, the average price per kilo decreased from NOK 25 in 2011 to NOK 23 in 2012.

Larger stocks

At the end of 2012, the total stock in salmon farms was 401 million live fish. This is an increase of almost 7 per cent compared to 2011, and a record figure.

Falling prices for trout

For reared trout, the produced quantity was 75 million tonnes, an increase of 28 per cent from 2011. The average price per kilo decreased from NOK 26 in 2011 to NOK 23 in 2012.

Less production of halibut and cod

Compared to 2011, the production of reared cod and halibut decreased by 34 and 37 per cent respectively. A total of 10 million tonnes of cod and 1.7 million tonnes of halibut were produced.

The employment figures also remained almost unchanged. Overall, 5 900 persons were engaged in aquaculture production in 2012.

Quantity is quoted as round weight. Fish that is delivered gutted is converted into round weight. The conversion factors from NS 9417 were adopted in 2012. The new conversion factors are as follows, with the old factors in parenthesis: salmon gutted with head - 1.125 (1.125), salmon gutted and decapitated - 1.266 (1.2857), rainbow trout gutted with head - 1.135 (1.125) and rainbow trout gutted and decapitated - 1.265 (1.2857).