Aquaculture and Fisheries
Europe Guide 2024 : Norway
Band 2
About
Provided by SANDS
SANDS is the leading legal advisor in aquaculture and fisheries. Both industries and their value chains are undergoing rapid development, and ever more reliable legal advice is needed to ensure growth and development.
SANDS’ leading position as lawyers in the field is rooted in long experience; a geographic presence along the entire coast of Norway; strong legal expertise in fisheries, aquaculture and business law; thorough knowledge of the industries’ needs and a capacity that means we always deliver top-level and effective advice.
SANDS is a national firm with a distinct regional presence and the industries’ largest players on its list of clients. Our 12 dedicated partners and lawyers are uniquely present where the industries are located along the coast – in Tromsø, Ålesund and Bergen – and from there they manage complex processes that lead to changes in regulations and legislation for the entire sector.
Chambers Review
SANDS has a strong practice assisting clients from both aquaculture and fisheries with regulatory matters in the sector. The team advises on fish breeding permits, R&D permits, production capacity controls and fishing vessel-related topics, such as the transfer of quotas. The law firm demonstrates additional experience in transaction-related matters and contentious proceedings.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Regardless of the field with which you need help, SANDS has lawyers who can handle it."
"The team has experience in all levels of the value chain in aquaculture and fisheries matters."
"The department provides quick responses and has good knowledge of the industry."
"The lawyers are specialised in the key fields and their service level and responsiveness are impressive. They have a good balance between risk and reward in their counselling."
"Regardless of the field with which you need help, SANDS has lawyers who can handle it."
"The team has experience in all levels of the value chain in aquaculture and fisheries matters."
"The department provides quick responses and has good knowledge of the industry."
"The lawyers are specialised in the key fields and their service level and responsiveness are impressive. They have a good balance between risk and reward in their counselling."
Notable Practitioners
Halfdan Mellbye is renowned for his long-standing experience in regulatory mandates, often representing fish farmers and seafood companies. He also handles contentious matters.
"Halfdan Mellbye provides very good responses to our questions."
Kenneth Steffensen is recognised for his capabilities in procedural law, and is seen acting on contentious matters related to permits.
Ole-Martin Lund Andreassen acts on matters concerning applications as well as fishing rights. He offers additional experience in handling transactions in the sector.
"He has strong expertise in the area of aquaculture permits and research licences, and the ability to relate legal aspects to commercial activities in a very good and thoughtful way."
"Ole-Martin Lund Andreassen is one of Norway's foremost lawyers in catch-based fisheries."
Ranked Lawyers at
SANDS
Norway
Members
Provided by SANDS
Bjørn-Ivar Bendiksen
Erik Meyer-Lampe
Head of Department
Olav Egil Midtgaard
Torgeir Fjeldskaar
Ulf H. Sørdal