Challenge

Overfishing is, unfortunately, more common than not across the world’s oceans. Adding to the challenge is the widespread discarding of fish, which makes it difficult to fully understand the impact on marine ecosystems. Another serious issue is IUU fishing—that is, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing—which undermines sustainable practices and threatens the health of our oceans.

At Lerøy, our fisheries operations are founded on the ocean’s natural resources. To ensure long-term sustainability, we are committed to managing marine species responsibly.

This means maintaining the natural dynamics of fish stocks and ecosystems—fishing in a way that allows marine life to replenish and ecosystems to remain in balance. Sustainable practices are essential to preserving the health of our oceans and securing the future of our operations.

Our ambition in this area

Contribute to the long-term sustainability and improvements of global fish resources.

How we take action / What action has been taken

Lerøy supports the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) program (read more abot MSC below).

Norway has a long tradition of sustainable fisheries management. Lerøy supports Norway's fishermen's association in working to document and increase the proportion of fisheries that meet the strict criteria relating to the stock situation, ecosystem impact and management practices in the MSC's fisheries standard. In 2022, Norwegian fishing for redfish and blue halibut was certified according to the MSC.

In 2023, the recertification process was completed, and cod and haddock caught within 12 nautical miles from 62 degrees north and onwards are once again MSC-certified. The fisheries have shown that they meet the strict criteria related to the stock situation, ecosystem impact and management practices in MSC's fisheries standard. 

How we measure our impact

Lerøy has target figures for the proportion of catch that comes from fisheries that have met the strict criteria related to the stock situation, ecosystem impact and management practices.

Target and result 

In 2024, the share of catches with MSC certification was 96%, compared to 91% in 2023. The reason for the increase is due to fisheries on cod and haddock caught within 12 nautical miles are now MSC certified.  

MSC (MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL)

The MSC recognizes well-managed and sustainable fisheries through a certification program. The MSC sets principles and criteria for sustainable fisheries which are used by a third party and voluntary certification program.

The MSC recognizes well-managed and sustainable fisheries through a certification program. The MSC sets principles and criteria for sustainable fisheries which are used by a third party and voluntary certification program.

These principles are: 

• The maintenance and re-establishment of healthy populations of targeted species
• The maintenance of the integrity of ecosystems
• The development and maintenance of effective fisheries management systems, taking into account all relevant biological, technological, economic, social, environmental and commercial

Lerøy’s strategy is to support well-managed and sustainable fisheries and increase the share of certified fish.