Norwegian salmon farmer Aller Aqua has lost an appeal over fines related to a salmon escape from one of its farms in October 2022.
The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries first reported Aller Aqua in March 2023, charging it with not meeting legal standards for preventing a salmon escape at Aller Aqua’s Vadheim, Norway-based facility in October 2022. The directorate ultimately decided to fine the company NOK 5 million (USD 525,500, EUR 455,282) over the escape of roughly 35,000 salmon.
Aller Aqua refused to pay the fine, leading to a court case between the directorate and the aquaculture company. The directorate won its first case in September 2025, and a Norwegian court of appeals later upheld that decision in April 2026.
Now, Norway’s Supreme Court has rejected Aller Aqua Norway’s last appeal, making the case final and solidifying the fine.
The directorate said the court placed emphasis on inadequate internal controls at Aller Aqua, inadequate risk assessments, and the fact that operations were carried out despite demanding weather conditions.
The directorate originally said its investigations found 11 different instances of noncompliance and that the risks were known and not addressed by the company. The fine was also escalated due to the fish suffering from pancreatic disease and due to the fact they were sexually mature at the time of the escape.
“It is important that serious violations of the regulations have consequences,” Norway Director of Fisheries Frank Bakke-Jensen said. “This case emphasizes the responsibility of fish farmers to ensure technically and environmentally sound operations.”
