The Company’s elected external auditor is Ernst & Young. The auditor is independent in relation to Marine Harvest ASA and is appointed by the AGM. The auditor fee is approved by the AGM.
The auditor presents a plan for the audit committee for the audit and is present in Board meetings dealing with the preparation of the annual accounts where the audited financial statements are reviewed and approved. The auditor is also present in all meetings with the Audit Committee.
When evaluating the independent auditor, emphasis is placed on the firm's competence, capacity, local and international availability and the level of the fee expected.
The auditor submits a management letter to the Audit Committee and the Board following its audit of the Company’s annual financial statements. The Management Letter, in addition to describing the audit review, includes an evaluation of the Company’s internal control systems.
The Board and the Audit Committee hold regular meetings with the auditor without the presence of management. The auditor also participates in the AGM. Information about the fee paid to the auditor is stated in the Annual Report note 20. The independent auditor's remuneration is split between the audit fee, other authorization services, tax advisory services and other services non-audit related.