Rørosfisk

Historical: Aursunden – A Trout and Arctic Char Lake

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Before 1923, Aursunden was dominated by trout and Arctic char.
To secure and increase food for the population around the lake, 385,000 whitefish fry were released in 1923, and active fishing for sustenance continued until the mid-1950s.

With increasing prosperity and access to store-bought food, fishing gradually declined. This is a challenge that many freshwater lakes and inland waters in Norway have experienced: reduced fishing leads to overpopulation of certain species and an imbalance in the ecosystem.

In Aursunden's case, this resulted in an overpopulation of whitefish, characterized by poor condition and low quality, which in turn affected the food supply for other fish species.

2011: Rørosfisk AS is established

A vision for a vital lake. In 2011, Rørosfisk AS was established by Francis, Tore, and Bjørn. Their background and driving force was a shared interest in cultivating Aursunden and restoring its natural balance.

The goal was to transform the lake into a cherished area for sport fishing, ensure outstanding quality of the trout, and establish sustainable commercial fishing.

 

2013: Objectives and Progress – Towards a Sustainable Future

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Already in 2013, the main purpose of Rørosfisk AS was clarified:

To restore Aursunden to a first-class sport fishing lake, achieve good quality trout, and conduct sustainable commercial fishing.

At this time, Aursunden was overpopulated with whitefish of poor condition and quality. There was an excess of whitefish, which led to little food for other fish species, and resulted in lean, thin fish that were poor as food fish.

The work since then has been dedicated to thinning out this overpopulated and low-quality whitefish stock. This has been a crucial step in improving the ecosystem and allowing other fish species to thrive.
Through active cultivation and thinning fishing, Rørosfisk AS, in close cooperation with NINA (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research), has achieved significant results. NINA has estimated that the total fish biomass in the lake has been reduced by a full 100 tonnes.

On average, we have fished approximately 22 tons of whitefish per year, which means over 300 tonnes over the last 13 years. This effort has contributed to building a sustainable processing company based on a healthy and renewable resource.

By 2026, the vision is that the quality of all fish in Aursunden will be very good, and the goals from 2013 will be fully achieved.

2024: Establishment of the Processing Company – New Chapter for Rørosfisk AS

To strengthen the value chain and ensure local processing of the harvested fish, the processing company was established in 2024. This represents an important step in optimizing the use of the renewable resource in Aursunden.

Collaboration is Key The success of Rørosfisk AS is built on close and good cooperation with important stakeholders:

• Aursundssjøen Fiskeforening (Aursunden Fishing Association): With around 120 rights holders, this collaboration is essential for joint management.

• Røros kommune (Røros Municipality): Local engagement and support are crucial for the region's development.

• GlommenLaagen Brukseierforening (GlommenLaagen Watercourse Owners' Association): As the regulator of Aursunden, this cooperation is fundamental for water management.
   

Our Contribution to a Sustainable Future
Rørosfisk AS focuses on a sustainable future, where we contribute positively on several levels:

• Renewable Resource: We manage and harvest a valuable, renewable resource.

• Sustainable: Our work ensures long-term and environmentally friendly use of Aursunden.

• Self-sufficiency and Food Security: We contribute to local self-sufficiency and strengthen food security, especially in crisis situations.

• UN Sustainable Development Goals: Our operations actively support several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those concerning life below water and sustainable consumption and production.