From cod fishermen to salmon farmers

Kvarøy Arctic, the full name of the salmon farm, was founded in 1976 by Alf Olsen. The Olsen family were cod fishermen who discovered the island of Kvarøy and used it as their base. Between cod fishing seasons, they looked for new ways to secure food and income. They built simple wooden pens where they kept salmon to fatten them up and improve their flavor. These were the first steps toward salmon farming in Norway. In fact, the Olsen family were among the country’s earliest salmon farmers. To this day, Kvarøy remains one of Norway’s oldest family-owned businesses.

A family business with a clear vision

In 2008, Alf Olsen passed the company on to his three children. His eldest daughter Ida is married to Alf Knutsen, who joined the family business and now runs it alongside the Olsen brothers and his wife Ida. Coming from a true fishing family himself, Alf never imagined working in salmon farming. A fisherman’s son becoming a salmon farmer was, in his words, just not done. He was even finishing his degree to become an economics teacher. Still, he decided to commit fully to the company - and it shows. Alf’s vision, which now defines the company, is crystal clear: farm salmon with minimal environmental impact, so future generations can continue to enjoy it. Kvarøy puts this vision into practice by examining every aspect of the business to find ways to do better - for the employees, the community, the salmon, and the environment. That vision has made Kvarøy a leader in sustainable salmon farming.

Alf with his (in-law) family.

Alf’s progressive vision

When Alf took over from his father in law, he saw an industry facing major sustainability challenges. He realized that if we want to keep farming salmon in open nets, on an island like Kvarøy, things would have to change. Alf: “The values I grew up with as a fisherman’s son are what brought me to where I am today. One of the most important things my father and grandfather taught me was to take good care of the ocean, to never take more from it than we leave behind. And that principle applies to farming too. It is possible to farm salmon without leaving a large footprint.” That way, future generations can continue to enjoy salmon, and that happens to be exactly the mission we share at Sea Tales!

Island life

Alf lives on Kvarøy with his wife Ida and their children Johannes, Benjamin, and Henriette. Their home sits in the middle of the island, on a hill with a beautiful view of the small harbor, the sea, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Johannes and Benjamin often play soccer on the nearby field, but Henriette dreams of taking ballet. The only downside: the dance school is on the mainland, at least a two-hour boat trip from Kvarøy. Quite the time investment. Still, after two years of persistent asking, Alf finally gave in - starting this year, it’s ballet class every Saturday on the mainland.

The boys’ soccer days together will also come to an end soon. Johannes is turning 16, which means he’ll be leaving the island during the week to attend high school on the mainland. But not before completing the local coming-of-age tradition. Turning 16 on Kvarøy means a ceremony in the church, surrounded by friends and family, gifts, and a celebration. Only then are you considered an adult, ready to start life beyond Kvarøy.

You read it right: a remarkable island, an innovative fish farm, and an inspiring vision that aligns perfectly with the mission of Sea Tales. Want to learn more about Kvarøy? Read it here in the blog about the magical island.