The Directorate pointed to the vulnerable coastal cod stock and believes the location is unfavorably placed, with the risk to coastal cod deemed too great. Codfarm's application seeks a biomass of 2,340 tons in an area designated for aquaculture. The basis for the Directorate's assessment that the Ramnbergvika location is unfavorably placed, as well as the specific environmental risks cited, have not been detailed publicly.
Separately, the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature has complained about the Directorate's reversal of its own decision to stop cod farming at Ode's facility on Kvamsøya in Sande. According to major media reports, the Directorate previously wanted to close the facility but reversed its decision, citing new information related to environmental impact. What specific new information led to this reversal remains unclear.
The current status of Codfarm's application for cod farming in Ramnbergvika has not been confirmed.