Sites run by Mowi and SalMar face reduced production due to lice. Photo: Rune Nilsen, Institute of Marine Research.

Mowi and SalMar face limits on lice-hit farms

Salmon farmers Mowi and SalMar have been notified that the Norwegian Food Safety Authority is considering reducing production allowances at three of their farms because the number of sea lice on salmon has consistently breached limits.

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Mowi runs two of the farms, which are located at Sunnmøre, Møre og Romsdal and SalMar – co-owner of Scottish Sea Farms – runs the other, at Flatanger in Trøndelag, Fish Farming Expert’s Norwegian sister site, Kyst.no, reports.

The companies each have the right to put their case to the authority before any decision is made.

About the reduced production measure:

  • The Norwegian Food Safety Authority can give farmers who have had a long-term or severe salmon lice problem a reduced production quota. The reduced production period will last at least two years and covers the next production cycle at the site.
  • The aim of the tool is to get the farmers to adapt operations to contagious pressures, and improve preventive measures and capacity for treatment and early harvesting. 
  • Farmers given a temporary reduction in their production limit can increase it again when they have shown that they are in control of the lice situation and manage to stay below the salmon lice limit.