Norway's research and expertise

In Norway, kelp has been harvested and processed for over thirty years, with extensive research carried out on kelp, its processing, and its impact on the ecosystem. The research covers a period of several years and investigates possible long-term effects of kelp harvesting.

When evaluating scientific research, it is important to keep in mind the assumptions and scope of the studies and to avoid drawing conclusions that are not supported by the evidence.

Below are links to three different studies that are useful and interesting for those who want to learn about offshore kelp harvesting in a factual and informed manner.

In summary, it can be said that research confirms that regulated harvesting of offshore kelp in designated areas, where a scientific monitoring system is closely followed, has no long-term effects on the marine ecosystem or life in the seas.

The main difference between how Norwegians harvest kelp and how Icelandic kelp does it is that the holdfast is cut off the stem here in Iceland, and the biomass and small animals that live in it are returned to the sea. Norwegian research strongly confirms that fish stocks, their growth, and welfare are not significantly affected by kelp harvesting. Furthermore, about 3/4 of the kelp forests remains untouched after harvesting has taken place.

The referenced studies are as follows:

In a study conducted by the Havforskningsinstituttet (Marine Research Institute of Norway) and published in 2020, it is stated that kelp harvesting has a minor impact on fish and their growth.

https://www.hi.no/hi/nyheter/2020/januar/taretraling-har-begrenset-effekt-pa-fisk

Another study, also conducted by Havforskningsinstituttet and published in 2018, raises the question of how much kelp exists in the oceans and how important it is for diverse and vulnerable marine ecosystems. The study assesses which areas are safe for kelp harvesting and which are not, highlighting the importance of choosing harvesting areas carefully.

https://www.hi.no/hi/nyheter/2018/oktober/hvor-mye-tare-finnes-i-norge

A comprehensive study was conducted by Havforskningsinstituttet from 2013 - 2018 on how quickly kelp forests regenerate after destruction caused by sea urchin grazing (in Northern Norway) and how long individual areas need to rest between harvesting.

https://www.hi.no/hi/nyheter/2018/desember/taren-kom-tilbake-etter-traling-men-restitusjonen-tar-tid