New hatchery for Hjaltland Seafarms

The site is being refurbished and extensively upgraded by its owners, Hjaltland Hatcheries Ltd., with the first production of smolts expected in 2013. It is proposed that the hatchery will produce around 3 million smolts per annum, which will help meet around 50 per cent of Hjaltland Seafarms demand.

The Development Committee approved a grant of £314,735, representing a member state contribution to lever in European Fisheries Fund and Highlands & Islands Enterprise grants. The total project costs is in excess of £3.7 million with Council support towards the infrastructure, construction, services, groundworks, feed systems and recirculation equipment costs.

Managing director of Hjaltland Seafarms Ltd, Michael Stark, said: “We very much appreciate Shetland Islands Council’s support for this project.

“Introducing the hatchery to our existing business is an important development, strengthening our operation, creating 7 new and securing the existing 185 to 198 jobs.

“This provides the final link in the chain for the complete vertical integration of our business from inception to finished product on supermarket shelves.”

Josie Simpson, Chair of Shetland Islands Council Development Committee said the project will allow the Hjaltland Group to grow its Shetland based company, which will positively impact on the Shetland economy. 

“In addition, this grant will lever in significant funds from other sources to enable the project to go ahead.”