A signature dish
Marine Border Forum Skagerrak
The Marine Border Forum Skagerrak (Marint Gränsforum Skagerrak) was a three-year (2019–2022) collaboration between Norway and Sweden aimed at strengthening the marine industry, developing cross-border cooperation and fostering knowledge exchange. The project was led by the Svinesund Committee and the former Viken County Municipality, in partnership with the University of Gothenburg/Tjärnö Marine Laboratory and the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland. It was primarily funded by the Interreg Sweden-Norway programme.
MGFS – Seaweed cultivation
Photo: Svinesundskommittén
MGFS – Seaweed cultivation
Photo: Svinesundskommittén
Key activities and focus areas
The project was structured around three main themes:
- Marine business development: Supporting existing and new businesses in the aquaculture, algae production and shellfish industries.
- Marine management: Developing dialogue and joint strategies for sustainable marine planning across the border.
- Research and academia: Encouraging stronger collaboration between research institutions and the private sector.
Two cross-border business networks were established for the oyster and algae industries. More than 15 new companies were founded within the project area, while several existing businesses expanded or began exporting.
Workshops, courses and meetings between businesses, researchers and authorities fostered new collaborations, thereby increasing expertise in sustainable resource management and marine business development. A total of 49 companies received direct support through the project.
Key results and synergies
- Political Forum Skagerrak was established as a permanent platform for political dialogue on marine issues in the Skagerrak region.
- The Industry Council Svenskt Vattenbruk och Sjömat (SVoS) was founded to unite aquaculture businesses and facilitate dialogue with regulatory authorities.
- A cross-border planning forum was created for municipal planners and business developers.
- Regulatory mapping and licensing processes for aquaculture identified differences between Norway and Sweden, leading to proposals for simplifications.
- A marine allotment project at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory demonstrated how small-scale ocean farming can contribute to increased seafood production and sustainable resource use. The project attracted over 150 media articles.
- The Skagerrak Conference brought together industry, government and academia to discuss marine business development and resource management.
Who benefited from the project?
- Businesses gained access to networks, skills development and improved regulatory conditions.
- Researchers found new collaboration arenas and increased engagement with the industry.
- Authorities, as well as more than 30 politicians, gained greater insight into the challenges and opportunities of marine business development.
- Local communities became more aware of sustainable resource use in the marine sector.
Lessons learned and future prospects
The project demonstrated that cross-border collaboration can unlock new opportunities for blue growth. In this respect, despite the challenges posed by differing regulations in Norway and Sweden, the project helped increase understanding and dialogue between authorities and businesses. Another useful lesson was that, regardless of the greater participation enabled by the pandemic-induced shift to digital solutions, physical meeting spaces remain important.
The networks and forums established as part of the project will continue to play a role in developing Skagerrak as a sustainable blue growth region. Moreover, the success of the project can help inspire other Nordic regions to pursue similar marine management and business development initiatives.
