CULTURE OF ARCTIC CHAR - POSSIBILITIES IN NORWAY

This paper outlines different production strategies for farming Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus in Norway. Economics and marketing are also d iscussed. Based on recent results, the use of wild Arctic char for smo lt production may represent an alternative to intensive smolt producti on. In addition, the effects on the remaining wild fish populations of intensively harvesting small char are positive. The first experiments with sea ranching of anadromous Arctic char in northern Norway show h igh survival and return rates after the first summer in sea. Arctic ch ar forced to stay in seawater during winter experience high mortality and reduced growth. Problems attributed to low seawater tolerance in w inter might be reduced by supplying freshwater, or by transferring the fish to brackish or freshwater. The relatively small Arctic char cann ot compete in traditional markets with Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Further commercial development of Arctic char culture depends on marketing the species as a high-quality exclusive product.