Aquaculture in troubled waters? Public acceptance of the Norwegian Salmon farming industry and its environmental impacts

Norway is the world's largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar), generating substantial profits. However, environmental and equity concerns related to the industry's use of public resources, such as areas for fish farms in Norwegian fjords, challenge its public acceptance. In 2023, the Norwegian government implemented a resource rent tax on salmon farming, and the use of market-based instruments is now being considered to reduce environmental impacts. This study uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to assess Norwegian households' preferences for reducing environmental impacts, specifically those concerning farmed salmon welfare and the effects of escaped salmon on wild populations. It also evaluates public attitudes toward the newly introduced resource rent tax and a proposed environmental tax. The results show public support for both taxes when combined. People have strong preferences for reducing environmental impacts, and particularly those with strong animal welfare concerns. By focusing on public acceptance of specific environmental impacts, this study provides information about people's ranking of environmental improvements, which can guide policymakers in designing an environmental tax. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal level. • Examine public attitudes toward expansion of salmon aquaculture in Norway • Examine public preferences to improve wild and farmed salmon welfare • Find strong public support for resource rent and environmental tax combined • Find strong preferences to improve both farmed and wild salmon welfare • Environmental tax should incentivize reducing farmed salmon mortality and escapees