Abstract Text:
In 2010, Norway implemented a governance reform transferring aquaculture licensing and site coordination responsibilities from the Directorate of Fisheries to county municipalities (fylkeskommuner). The reform aimed to strengthen regional governance by decentralizing aquaculture management, improving coordination, enhancing regional development, and enabling more holistic coastal zone planning. It also introduced statutory deadlines for processing aquaculture site applications to improve efficiency and predictability for the industry.
This study evaluates the outcomes of that reform 15 years later, focusing on administrative performance, coordination, and regional development impacts.
Using a mixed-methods approach—including 38 stakeholder interviews, document analysis, and statistical review of 1,200+ site applications (2020–2023)—we assessed the counties’ delivery capacity, inter-agency collaboration, and effects on the aquaculture sector.
Key findings.
Counties were well-prepared for their new responsibilities, aided by staff transfers from the Directorate of Fisheries and early investments in capacity-building. Over time, counties developed strong professional environments, particularly through the establishment of the FAKS network (translated: Counties’ Aquaculture Cooperation), which has been instrumental in promoting coordination, knowledge sharing, and standardization .
While counties generally meet statutory deadlines for standard applications, overall processing times have increased from 2020 to 2023 , due to growing complexity of applications . Also, delays were often due to bottlenecks at other authorities, especially the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).
Findings show that counties have largely succeeded in managing their new responsibilities. The counties have effectively coordinated the multi-agency site approval process and are seen as accessible, competent, and service-oriented. However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent interpretations of what constitutes a complete application and in managing overlapping applications for the same sites. Also, challenges remain in balancing environmental and industry interests.
Counties have leveraged their broader responsibilities in planning, education, and business development to support the aquaculture sector. This includes initiating inter-municipal planning processes, funding knowledge-building projects, support for marine education, and facilitating dialogue between stakeholders.
However, increasing complexity of applications, increasing competition for coastal space and the emergence of new species (e.g., cod) demand improved tools for cumulative impact assessment and stronger cross-sectoral governance.
We conclude that while the reform has strengthened regional governance and service delivery, future success depends on continued investment in coordination mechanisms, digital infrastructure, and adaptive regulatory frameworks.
Preferred Presentation Format:
Oral
Session Preference:
Aquaculture Governance and Policy
Keywords:
Aquaculture governance, regional development, licensing, Norway, site approval, public administration, FAKS, policy evaluation