Barriers in the transition to a more circular blue bioeconomy in Norway and Iceland: multistakeholder perspectives

Abstract

The transition from a linear to a circular bioeconomy is essential for achieving both regional and international sustainability goals. While the bioeconomy has received increasing attention in policy and research, the aquatic portion—in particular fisheries and aquaculture—remains comparatively underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining the concept and implementation of circularity within the blue bioeconomy. The study employed a qualitative research approach based on 18 in-depth interviews and two focus groups with stakeholders from primary and secondary marine industries (including equipment, packaging, biotechnology, and ingredients) in Iceland and Norway. Furthermore, an analysis of sustainability reports of the 17 largest seafood companies in these countries was conducted to examine current circularity practices and metrics. The qualitative data was analysed through the qualitative software MAXQDA using a grounded theory approach and the method of constant comparisons. The sustainability reports were manually examined, and key data was collated and compared in excel. Our findings indicate four key categories of institutional barriers—social, market, resource, and regulatory—that hinder circularity in marine value chains. The sustainability reports reveal a range of circularity initiatives that companies are voluntarily undertaking though reporting metrics need to be more standardised and waste data more accurately reported. These insights highlight critical areas for policy intervention and strategic management. By focusing on two major seafood nations, this study offers valuable lessons for promoting sustainable marine resource use globally.