Women in aquaculture
Diverse aquaculture in development
Måsøval is a modern aquaculture company headquartered on Frøya, with production facilities along the coast from Sunnmøre to northern Trøndelag. Ever since its inception in 1973, Måsøval has dared to think differently.
For us, diversity is about bringing together different experiences, professional backgrounds, and perspectives around a common mission. This makes the organization more robust and future-ready. In just a few years, we have grown from 80 to around 350 employees, with an increasing number of women in key roles—ranging from operations to senior management. Here, you can get to know some of them.
When biology leads
Aquaculture must be managed on nature’s terms. Ensuring that millions of salmon thrive throughout their entire life cycle requires solid expertise, precise data, and planning that minimizes environmental impact.
– As soon as you work with biology, things become unpredictable, says Henny Førde, Director of Biology, Planning, and ESG at Måsøval.
Henny’s department possesses specialized expertise and has the final say regarding fish health, production planning, and sustainability.
Since joining Måsøval in 2014, Henny has held several roles in production and sales before stepping into the role of Director of Biology, Planning, and ESG in 2023.
– Being part of the growth journey we’ve experienced has been very exciting. I’ve had the chance to try my hand at almost everything, and I feel the years have gone by incredibly fast, she says.
Diversity strengthens the organization
Diversity within the company has developed positively. In 2022, the proportion of women was 19 percent, while in 2025 it rose to 25 percent.
– I believe it is very positive to have a mix of different personalities and traits, skills, men and women, higher education, and practical experience. The more different we are, the more we complement each other, says Henny.
Apprentice with a bright future
Among them is industrial mechanic apprentice Trine Fossmo, born and raised in Frøya.
– Everything on the island revolves around the aquaculture industry, so it was natural for me to apply here for my apprenticeship, says Trine.
She appreciates varied work tasks and contributing to everything functioning optimally.
– I get to try my hand at many tasks related to everything that needs fixing, and it is very rewarding to know that I can help where needed. However, the most enjoyable part is the combination of construction and electrical work.
Trine thrives in the work environment and feels that everyone is treated with equal respect.
– It’s about finding the best solutions, both for those of us on the floor and for the company. I don’t notice any difference between those in the office and the rest of us. Gender doesn’t seem to make a difference either. Ultimately, it’s about the tasks that need to be solved, she believes.
Seeking even more women
Måsøval focuses on local recruitment and competence development. Organizational Director Sandra Holm emphasizes that the company is always looking for skilled women.
– The industry has been male-dominated, and the fact that we are now 25 percent women is very good—but we are far from the finish line. We have more women in leadership positions than before, and are constantly looking for more, she says.
She highlights the company’s values as crucial for the work environment.
– We aim to be responsible, generous, steadfast, and a bit ‘toillat’. This fosters innovation, playfulness, and a down-to-earth culture—a legacy from the time when we were a small, family-run fish farmer. Trust and unity are important, and we place great emphasis on employees recognizing each other, providing feedback, and being good team players, she says.
According to Sandra, Måsøval will need even more employees going forward, especially practitioners.
– It’s not as simple anymore. We need both those with higher education and people with vocational certificates, or those who wish to obtain one. In any case, they are warmly welcome here.
