With an increasing caseload on the resource rent tax, the fishing and aquaculture practice at Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS provides full-service advice, from commercial contracts and patent protection to disputes and transactions. Practice head Bjørn Sørgård is ‘both professionally skilled and good in human relations’ and has a proven track record of advising commercial entities and trade associations on regulatory and corporate matters. On the contentious front, Ida Espolin Johnson is a key name, with experience in public, commercial and corporate mandates. The team also includes Torbjørn Gjelsvik, an aquaculture expert, and Christopher Rønbeck who takes point on regulatory matters. In May 2024, the team also strengthened its fisheries and aquaculture financing offering with the hiring of Lene Kristin Hennø from Advokatfirmaet Schjødt.
Fishing and aquaculture in Norway
Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS
Practice head(s):
Bjørn Sørgård
Other key lawyers:
Ida Espolin Johnson; Torbjørn Gjelsvik; Christopher Rønbeck; Lene Kristin Hennø
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge of the aquaculture industry, fast, simple and active in finishing the job without any complications. Have an experienced team and good to have a contract with.’
‘Very high level of expertise in the field.’
‘Bjørn Sørgård is both professionally skilled and good in human relations.’
‘Deep industry knowledge and understanding. Swift, prompt and prudent.’
‘Extensive knowledge of law and regulations for the seafood sector. Many years of experience in lawmaking and law practice. Easily accessible lawyers when there is a need for legal advice.’
‘The lawyers have a unique combination of experience from law making and law practice, in addition to strong knowledge of the seafood sector.’
Key clients
The Norwegian Seafood Federation
Nordlaks Oppdrett AS
Nova Sea AS
Wilsgård Fiskeoppdrett AS
Sporbarhet AS
Jarle Bergs Sønner AS
STIM AS
Gildeskål Forskningsstasjon AS
Benchmark Genetics Norway AS
Norcod AS
Skår og Østervold Invest AS
Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS
Kvarøy Smolt AS
Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett AS
Biofish AS
Seløy Sjøprodukter
Salmon Evolution AS
Gigante Havbruk AS
Sisomar AS
LetSea AS
Smir AS
Work highlights
- Advised Stim AS on a patent litigation involving smoltification feed.
- Advised Nordly Holding AS on the sale of 75% of the shares in Stim AS to Summa Equity.
- Advised Norwegian Seafood Federation (Sjømat Norge) on STH 23 – the first standard contract for the Norwegian aquaculture industry.
SANDS
SANDS
' full-service fishing and aquaculture offering stands out for its strength in regulatory matters, transactions, advisory and dispute resolution. At the helm of the practice is Halfdan Mellbye, who has established experience advising on regulatory frameworks relating to fisheries and fish farming and on public administration matters. Alongside Mellbye, the team also includes Kenneth Steffensen and Erik Meyer-Lampe. The team in Tromsø include Ole-Martin Lund Andreassen, who takes point on coastal zone planning, aquaculture concessions and M&A work, and Bjørn-Ivar Bendiksen, who handles administrative processes regarding location clearances and permits.
Practice head(s):
Halfdan Mellbye
Other key lawyers:
Kenneth Steffensen; Erik Meyer-Lampe; Ole-Martin Lund Andreassen; Bjørn-Ivar Bendiksen
Testimonials
‘Experience in the industry’
‘Experience in the industry and good suggestions for solutions.’
Key clients
Norske Sjømatbedrifters Landsforening
Oddvar Nes AS
Driva Aquaculture AS
Nofima AS
Akvaplan Niva AS
Kime Akva AS
Sølvtrans ASA
Kystrederiene
Vea Fiskeri AS
Ytterstad Fiskeriselskap AS
Dahl Fiskeri AS
Østerbris AS
Arctic Swan AS
Havlandet AS
Sjøvær Holding AS
Stormfuglen Holding AS
Vestglans AS
Work highlights
- Acting as a cooperation partner with the organisation Sjømatbedriftene.
- Advising Oddvar Nes AS on its purchase of 100% of the shares in Vesterhav AS.
- Acting on behalf of Vea Fiskeri AS in connection with the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Gambler AS from the Babord Catch AS.
Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig
With several offices across the country, the Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig fishing and aquaculture team is well equipped to handle all matters related to the industry for seafood, aquaculture, and fisheries sector clients. The team is led by capable duo Arthur Duus and Mikael Rossvoll Jørgensen. Duus assists listed companies and privately owned enterprises on contracts and corporate and regulatory matters, from the Bergen office. In Tromsø, Jørgensen is a key name for public and private law matters related to the industry. For advice at the nexus of fisheries and company law, Ørjan Nilsen is a key name, while Markus Sørlie ably assists on regulatory frameworks.
Practice head(s):
Arthur Duus; Mikael Rossvoll Jørgensen
Other key lawyers:
Ørjan Nilsen; Ole Rieck; Markus Sørlie
Testimonials
‘Knowledge, capability, and result.’
‘They are professional, honest and easy to work with.’
‘The team consist of several “players” with different knowledge and skills. They can see “the whole picture”.’
‘Mr Arthur Duus responds promptly with spot-on actions. Does not waste your time. Understands the business and its mechanism.’
Key clients
Alliance Seafoods Inc
Alsaker Group
Nergård Havfiske AS
Trygvason AS
Henry Johansen Drift AS
Berg Fiskeriselskap AS
Bjølve Bruk AS
Eidsvaag AS
Eimskip
Fjon Bruk AS
Fosen Yard AS
Grimsholm Fiskedrift AS
Salmar ASA
Hermes AS
Lyder Fisk AS
Barents Shipinvest AS
Myre Maritim AS
Lerøy Norway Seafoods AS
Skjånesbruket AS
Work highlights
- Assisting Nordsjø Fjordbruk AS in a lawsuit against the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
- Advising Salmar ASA in connection with the transfer of a large number of commercial aquaculture licences (worth perhaps NOK 100 billion) from Salmar Farming to Salmar Oppdrett.
- Representing a Norwegian savings bank as lender together with Norwegian Export Finance in a NOK 1 billion facilities agreement with a Norwegian fish farming entity as borrower.
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS leverages its cross-practice strength to provide a full-service fishing and aquaculture offering, singled out for its ability to handle both contentious and non-contentious matters. ‘Dedicated and well-connected in the industry’, Mons Alfred Paulsen heads the practice and offers a wealth of experience advising clients on industry-related corporate, tax and M&A matters. Rune Ulriksen Steinsland is a key contact for contracts, while Trond Hatland is the name to note for litigation. With broad experience across transactional and operational issues, Lisa Marie Opdahl, formerly at BAHR, joined the team in July 2024.
Practice head(s):
Mons Alfred Paulsen
Other key lawyers:
Rune Ulriksen Steinsland; Trond Hatland; Lisa Marie Opdahl
Testimonials
‘We are highly satisfied with the law firm’s expertise and precise execution of their services. Their professionalism and meticulous attention to detail have consistently exceeded our expectations.’
‘Mr Mons Alfred Paulsen has the experience and expertise necessary in an industry subject to strict and complex regulation. He has high integrity and a solution-oriented focus.’
‘The partner that we work with, Rune Steinsland, has all the values important in delivering quality to us, something he does consequently: experience, a quick head, pragmatism, solution-oriented and fast.’
‘Effective and competent services, teams are set up across professions. A good discussion partner, to discuss reasonable and “creative” solutions – even when things are challenging.’
‘The people quickly understand and relate to the problems involved, and can discuss the right things to determine all relevant aspects on the table. Relaxed and easy to talk to, not only comfortable when discussing legal issues.’
‘Competent and likeable. Up to date on new regulations and implications for customers. Commercially oriented and complimentary skill set.’
‘Mons Paulsen is dedicated and well-connected in the industry. Experienced and great understanding of the industry value chain. Knowledgeable and solution-oriented. Rune Ulrichsen Stensland is a proactive and commercially oriented legal advisor. Strong M&A capabilities coupled with industry interest and understanding’
‘Mons Alfred Paulsen always comes across as solution-driven and has a great understanding of the industry and the various stakeholders both from a transactional perspective and a regulatory perspective. Rune Ulriksen Steinsland has extensive experience in the seafood industry and has advised us in transaction-related matters as well as construction and shipbuilding-related matters.’
Key clients
Firda Seafood Group AS
Måsøval AS
Pelagia AS
AS Bolaks
Kobbevik og Furuholmen Oppdrett AS
Endúr Sjøsterk AS
Lingalaks AS
Frøy AS
Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS
Austevoll Melaks AS
Skretting AS
Troland Lakseoppdrett AS
BioMar AS
Nordfjord Laks AS
DNB Bank ASA
Isqueen AS
PO 3/4 Kunnskapsinkubator
MSD Animal Health
EWOS/Cargill
NCE Seafood/The Seafood Innovation Cluster
Nordea Bank
Hav Line Gruppen AS
Austevoll Seafood ASA
Br Birkeland AS
Salmones Camanchaca
Polarsmolt AS
Sande Settefisk AS
Samlaks AS
Proximar Seafood AS
Kaldvik
Intervet International BV
Work highlights
- Representing 22 fish farmers in a group action against the Norwegian Government to reopen the “Traffic Light Judgment” of 2022.
- Assisted Måsøval AS in an appeal case against the Norwegian government following an incorrect diagnosis of fish disease and a subsequent incorrect order to slaughter up to 1 million salmon.
- Assisted Br Birkeland AS, a subsidiary of Austevoll Seafood ASA, in the sale of two fishing companies with their associated fishing permits and fishing vessels.
Wikborg Rein
With an impressive client roster featuring large domestic seafood companies, Wikborg Rein is sought after for its strength in complex regulatory issues. On this front, a key name is Martin Bryde, who oversees the practice and combines a background from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries with expertise in regulatory issues. The team is supported by a skilled group of associates including Heidi Ann Vestvik-Bruknapp and Lars Erik Kvinnsland. Previous practice head Grunde Bruland left the team in March 2024.
Practice head(s):
Martin H. Bryde
Other key lawyers:
Heidi Ann Vestvik-Bruknapp; Lars Erik Kvinnsland
Testimonials
‘Has solid expertise both when it comes to the industry’s structure, operation and challenges, and the country’s best knowledge of matters related to legal, commercial and authorities.’
‘We have worked with Martin Bryde for a long time, he knows our business and the complex cases we work with. In addition to being highly competent, he is also easily accessible.’
Key clients
Lerøy Seafood Group ASA
Mowi ASA
Lerøy Havfisk AS
Salmar Aker Ocean AS
SinkabergHansen AS
Eide Fjordbruk AS
Eidsfjord Sjøfarm AS
Erko Seafood AS
Hofseth Aqua AS
Helgeland Miljøfisk AS/Torghatten Aqua AS
Prophylaxia AS
Grieg Seafood ASA
Tombre Fiskeanlegg AS
Lingalaks AS
AS Bolaks
Troland Lakseoppdrett AS
Work highlights
- Advising Mowi ASA, Lerøy Seafood Group ASA, Grieg Seafood ASA, Tombre Fiskeanlegg AS, Eidsfjord Sjøfarm AS, Lovundlaks AS, Hofseth Aqua AS, Emildsen Fisk AS and AS Bolaks with restructuring of their business due to a new tax regime (resource tax).
- Assisting Helgeland Miljøfisk AS in a complex process to obtain necessary licences and permissions to establish a land-based aquaculture facility in Brønnøy municipality in northern Norway.
- Assisted the small fish farming company Prophylaxia AS with an application – and the following complex appeal process – to move a salmon license from one production area to a neighbouring area.
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS
Leveraging the firm’s multidisciplinary capacities, Advokatfirmaet Schjødt‘s fishing and aquaculture practice handles regulatory matters, complex disputes and cross-border work. Practice head Tore Fjørtoft is recommended for regulatory advice and restructuring for clients within the industry. Stian Tennfjord specialises in contracts and regulatory advice; Eirik Wold Sund, who joined the firm in January 2025, is another key name here. Erik Staurset Andresen left the team in July 2024.
Practice head(s):
Tore Fjørtoft
Other key lawyers:
Stian Tennfjord; Eirik Wold Sund
Key clients
Andfjord Salmon ASA
Aker BioMarine ASA
Bremnes Seashore AS
Cermaq Norway AS / Cermaq Norway Salmon AS
Engesund Fiskeoppdrett AS
Kleiva Fiskefarm AS
Norges Sildesalgslag SA
Salaks AS
Salfjord AS
Stingray Marine Solutions AS
Work highlights
- Provided fishery regulatory and strategic assistance in connection with the sale of Aker BioMarine’s Feed Ingredients business to American Industrial Partners (AIP) and Aker Capital, a transaction reflecting an enterprise value of USD 590 million.
- Provided comprehensive legal services to Norges Sildesalgslag SA, the Norwegian Fishermen’s Sales Organization for Pelagic Fish.
- Supported Artec Aqua AS in securing contracts for a NOK 1.8 billion land-based fish farming facility in Iceland for Geo Salmo ehf.
Arntzen de Besche
Arntzen de Besche offers advisory and contentious support on an array of matters in the sector, including investments, construction and transactions. The practice group is co-led by experienced partners Ole Skeidsvoll Moe, who has a broad practice across construction, licensing and litigation, and Anders Dyrseth, who focuses on corporate and M&A matters related to the industry.
Practice head(s):
Ole Skeidsvoll Moe; Anders Dyrseth
Testimonials
‘Explaining complex contractual matters easy. Good structure and competent people.’
‘Anders Dyrset have been available when needed and provided relevant advice in contract negotiations on time.’
‘We have had the pleasure of working with Arntzen de Besche on several legal issues concerning aquaculture permits for research purposes, both about governmental bodies and with industry partners.’
‘We have benefited from great access to senior personnel who have followed us over the years and efficiently address new issues that arise.’
Key clients
Aqualoop AS
Gaia Salmon Holding AS
Norwegian Fishfarming Technologies AS
Frøya Laks AS
Helgeland Laks AS
Work highlights
- Assisting Aqualoop AS on its development of the “Big Dipper”.
- Assisting Gaia Salmon AS in the process of developing a state-of-the-art land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility at Træna, Norway, which will deliver post-smolt to offshore aquaculture.
- Acts as the trusted advisor on all projects for specialised contractor Norwegian Fishfarming Technologies AS (NOFITECH) for Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facilities.
BAHR
With a notable emphasis on transactional mandates, the fishing and aquaculture practice at BAHR provides a full-service offering with ‘deep industry knowledge’. Practice head Silje Remøy, who joined the team in June 2023, combines in-house experience with expertise in corporate and M&A matters. Former practice head Lisa Marie Opdahl left the team in July 2024.
Practice head(s):
Silje Remøy
Testimonials
‘High competence in relevant areas for our company.’
‘Competent, efficient and high knowledge and quality. Know the seafood industry well.’
‘Deep industry knowledge. Efficient and competent.’
Key clients
SalMar ASA
Frøy ASA
NTS AS
Grieg Seafood ASA
Cermaq Group AS / Cermaq Norway AS
Aker Capital AS
Cargill Inc.
EWOS AS
Norges Sildesalgslag
Salmon Evolution ASA
EnFlow AS
Coast Seafood AS
The Norwegian Seafood Federation (Sjømat Norge)
Solution Seeker AS
Pelagia AS
Epax AS
Work highlights
- Acting as legal advisor to Pelagia in acquisitions (including M&A and vessels), regulatory matters, strategic investment matters and disputes.
- Representing Coast Seafood AS in several disputes against Blom Fiskeoppdrett AS, its majority owner Blom Gruppen AS and Firda Seafood Group AS.
Kvale Advokatfirma DA
With offices in Tromsø, Oslo, Bodø, and Ålesund, Kvale Advokatfirma DA handles the full spectrum of fishing and aquaculture matters. Practice head Rode S. Rønning-Hansen has a ‘unique understanding of the industry’ and a broad practice; fellow practice head Monica Gjerde Sperre takes point on aquaculture and fishery-related shipping and maritime matters. Henrik Grung is a key contact for corporate and M&A matters. At the associate level, Frederic Holen Bjørdal and Jørgen Blix Nicolaysen are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Monica Gjerde Sperre; Rode S. Rønning-Hansen
Other key lawyers:
Henrik Grung; Frederic Holen Bjørdal; Jørgen Blix Nicolaysen
Testimonials
‘Very good people, easy to understand, have a very good market insight, and understands our business.’
‘The company has a very good understanding of our industry and can adapt the legal processes in a very good way, despite a high industry complexity. A unique composition of pragmatic people with high commercial quality.’
‘Rode Rønning-Hansen has a unique understanding of the industry, both from a historical perspective and in terms of prospects. Rode is extremely meticulous, leaving very little to chance.’
‘The team from Kvale has shown a very good understanding of our needs. The combination of their knowledge of land-based aquaculture, the Norwegian seafood industry in general, and the width of legal expertise and commercial understanding are highly appreciated.’
‘Rode S. Rønning-Hansen’s advice brings more to the table than a legal opinion. Rode has a very good understanding of land-based aquaculture, and how to build it from the ground up, and his network in the seafood industry, as well as within other fields of expertise, is of great value.’
‘What stands out with Kvale’s team is the combination of in-depth knowledge of regulatory legislation within Norwegian fisheries, related legislation, their understanding of the stakeholders and their mindset, and how they manage to integrate this into the best possible foundation for our decision-making.’
‘Rode S. Rønning-Hansen is our number one go-to person. He has a good understanding of our business, and he combines this with his indebt legal skills to tailor the best solution for us, whether it comes to strategies in general or specific matters. ’
‘Rode Rønning-Hansen is an exceptional lawyer and advisor. He combines deep sector knowledge, M&A expertise and transaction experience to detangle complex issues and identify concrete solutions.’
Key clients
Andfjord Salmon
Nordlaks Group
Nergård Group
Lyngen Reker
Myre Fiskemottak
Polar Seafood Norway
Eco Seafood
Fiskernes Agnforsyning
Calanus
Myre Fiskemottak
MMC First Process
ABS
Acel
Karlsøybruket
Intership Group
Nordic Wildfish
Ervik Sævik
Nye Giske Havfiske
Nordnes
Selstad
Kystrederiene
Pareto
Fearnley
Ode
Bergtun Fiskeriselskap
Nor Seafoods
Andenes Fiskeriselskap
Work highlights
Wiersholm
Complimented by multidisciplinary teams, Wiersholm‘s fishing and aquaculture team routinely advises on M&A, financing and tax matters. Svein-Helge Hanken oversees the team and specialises in transactions within the aquaculture industry. Jon Martin Atkinson focuses on M&A and contracts within the sector. Erik Staurset Andresen, a regulatory expert, and Sigrid Ratvik Østvik, who takes point on regulatory and contractual matters, are further names to note.
Practice head(s):
Svein-Helge Hanken
Other key lawyers:
Jon Martin Atkinson; Erik Staurset; Sigrid Ratvik Østvik
Testimonials
‘The team from Wiersholm has shown a very good understanding of our needs. The combination of their knowledge of the Norwegian seafood industry in general, the width of legal expertise and commercial understanding, and regulatory needs are highly appreciated.’
‘Erik Staurset Andersen has the experience and knowledge we seek to secure our full operating license for our company. His advice brings more to the table than a legal opinion. Erik has a very good understanding of aquaculture regulations, and how to lay down complex assumptions, as well as within other fields of expertise, which are of great value.’
‘Sigrid Ratvik Østvik has also been a valued resource from the Wiersholm team and has shown an in-depth knowledge of the seafood business. Erik and Sigrid have given us good reflections and advice, which have great value beyond the legal competence they possess. They are also very responsive, open-minded and service-minded.’
‘Svein-Helge Hanken has strong customer and industry knowledge, we can deal with the issues immediately.’
‘Erik Staurset Andersen has handled aquaculture legal issues well.’
Key clients
MOWI ASA
SalMar ASA
SalMar Aker Ocean AS
Cermaq Group AS
Måsøval AS
Hofseth Aqua AS
Salaks AS
Seløy Sjøfarm AS
Kobbvåglaks AS
Gratanglaks AS
Seacalx AS
Kleiva Fiskefarm AS
Astafjord Ocean Salmon AS
Austevoll Melaks AS
Engesund Fiskeoppdrett AS
Viewpoint Seafood AS
World Heritage Salmon AS
Averøy Seafood AS
Eco Seafood AS
Losna Seafood AS
Nekton Havbruk AS
Nekton Settefisk AS
Telavåg Settefisk AS
Artic Fish ehf
Norcod AS
Gigante Salmon AS
Statt Torsk AS
Kverva AS
Scale Aquaculture AS
Insula AS
Milarex AS
Benchmark Holdings plc
Summa Equity AB
Proximar Seafood AS
Reyktal
Kistefos AS
Lumarine AS
Rimfrost AS
Work highlights
- Acted as legal advisor to Kobbvåglaks AS and Seløy Sjøfarm AS during the formation of a strategic joint venture partnership with Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett AS.