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We have known for a long time that farmed fish live in harmful conditions. Just read the Fish Health Report 2022, which shows that 58 million salmon died in Norwegian cages last year. That is 16,1 percent of all salmon. Including hatchery production, a total of 92,3 million salmon died. 

It is not just that it is dying in multitudes in the cages. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority's latest round of inspection uncovered that many businesses do not meet the requirements of the fish quality regulations.

Among other things, it has been discovered that farmed salmon with wounds and deformities have been illegally sent out of the country. 

“On the surface, it looks like a complete PR collapse. Below the surface of the sea, something far more serious is at stake. The salmon industry is at risk of making itself inedible,” writes Arne O. Holm in this week's commentary, which you should not miss. 

We have talked to gourmet restaurants in Northern Norway that will not serve farmed salmon due to a lack of sustainability and ethics, among other things. 

The fisheries industry also has its challenges. Next year, the cod quotas will be significantly reduced, and a significant reduction is expected in the red king crab quota (Norwegian only). 

The mining operations of the Norwegian mining company Rana Gruber, however, are exceeding expectations. 

Rana Gruber increased production significantly and delivered the strongest quarter in the company's history.

And in Alaska, the massive Willow oil project moves forward after a judge rejects protests by environmentalists and native tribes.

Climate and culture 

The Parliament of Greenland has decided that the island will join the Paris Agreement on climate policy and design a national climate strategy. 

In Norway, a representative for the Norwegian Parliament recently questioned what they call "Norway's lack of support" for a joint climate statement during the One Planet Polar Summit in Paris. 

Also, read this great review of "Yoik for Peace," a series of benefit concerts for peace organized by artists and cultural institutions in the High North. 

Read about this and more at  High North News. Feel free to share the newsletter with other interested parties. 

On behalf of the editorial staff, I wish you a wonderful week.

Best, News Editor Trine Jonassen