Norway's directorate of fisheries has again rejected Mowi's application for 36 development permits for its Aquastorm concept, which involves submersible salmon farming installations.

Mowi originally submitted the application on Nov. 17, 2017. The directorate first denied the request on April 30, 2019, citing that the project did not meet the required standard of "significant innovation" as outlined in the salmon allocation regulations.

Following a thorough reassessment, the directorate reaffirmed its decision in October 2024, stating that Mowi's documentation now "did not demonstrate the feasibility or operational viability of the Aquastorm project."

In its latest review, the directorate emphasized concerns regarding the size, complexity, and inherent risks associated with the Aquastorm concept, concluding that it remains too immature for testing.

The directorate has reviewed 104 applications under the development licenses scheme, as Undercurrent News also reported. 

Anne Osland, head of the allocation section at the Directorate, noted that the decision-making process has been rigorous to ensure that only projects meeting the highest standards of innovation and sustainability are approved.

"While we have been strict in our evaluations, we believe our assessments are professionally sound and aligned with the objectives of the scheme," Osland concluded.