Norway is often referred to as a maritime nation, and this is not unexpected given its unique location and long coastline. But what does this mean, beyond these obvious characteristics? This book offers an in-depth exploration of how the people of Norway have relied on the sea for thousands of years to put food on the table, to build prosperity and to shape their communities. Norwegians have used the sea in a wide variety of ways over time, depending on factors such as climate, resources, technology, politics and markets. This book examines these developments from the time the first settlers found their livelihood along the Norwegian coast, through over a thousand years of commercial fishery in Norway. The story continues up to the present day, when fisheries and fish farming still ensure that Norway is one of the largest seafood exporters in the world. The book tells the tale of a society built on marine resources.