Most modern hatchery in Europe

Siri Elise Dybdal

The move will enable Hjaltland Seafarms to become a fully vertically integrated company controlling salmon production from egg to table. The introduction of the hatchery helps the company control supply and maintain the quality of its product and, of course, grow customer confidence, the regional director said

The site is being refurbished and extensively upgraded with the first production of smolts expected in 2013.

Hjaltland is investing £5.6M in the new hatchery site, which will produce 5.4M smolts with an average weight between 85g and 200g per smolt. The site is also adopting recirculation technology (RAS).

“We will install the latest recirculation technology. The hatchery, when completed, will be the most advanced and modern hatchery in Europe,” says Stark.

According to him, the Girlsta hatchery will be fully enclosed with full water disinfection. This eliminates the risk of disease spread and escapes to wild populations.