Norwegian coastal municipalities received NOK 3.8 billion (€330 million) from the Aquaculture Fund in 2024, giving a significant boost to local finances, according to a new impact analysis by research institute Nofima.
The funds were distributed among 143 coastal municipalities, with several smaller communities among the largest winners.
Four municipalities each received more than NOK 100 million (€8.7 million). Frøya and Nærøysund topped the list, each with over NOK 150 million (€13 million). Senja received NOK 127 million (€11 million), Hammerfest NOK 121 million (€10.5 million), while Hitra followed closely with NOK 99 million (€8.6 million).
Smaller municipalities among top recipients
“For many municipalities, the Aquaculture Fund is a key support for local finances,” said Nofima researcher Audun Iversen, who leads the analysis.
He noted that both size and financial strength matter, and that several small municipalities ranked among the top 20 recipients in 2024 and 2025.
In some cases, income from the fund accounted for around one-fifth of annual operating costs, underlining its importance to local budgets.
Payments to fall sharply in 2025
The payouts will be far lower in 2025. Only revenues from the production levy will be distributed, cutting total payments to NOK 1.4 billion (€120 million). The most considerable sums typically come from auctions of new farming licences, which take place every second year.
Fewer production areas are also expected to qualify for growth in 2026, making future payments uncertain, Iversen said.
Fund fed by aquaculture growth
The Aquaculture Fund redistributes income from fish farming back to coastal regions. Revenues come mainly from licence auctions and production fees, linking municipal income directly to sector growth.