Salmon Evolution ‘to reach capacity in Q4’
Producer will have steady state production of 7,900 tonnes in Phase 1 of giant on-land fish farm
Land-based fish farmer Salmon Evolution expects to reach steady state production volumes of 7,900 head on gutted (HOG) tonnes of Atlantic salmon per annum in the fourth quarter of this year, it said in a market update today.
The company reported strong biological performance at its hybrid recirculation/flow-through facility on Harøy Island, Norway, with good appetite and normal mortality levels across all fish groups.
In late April the company reported that mortality – previously at very low levels - had increased in some batches, with aggregated mortality level for each batch ranging from 0.3% - 7.9% because of suspected amoebic gill disease caused by a pathogen in the intake water.
Freshwater treatment
Salmon Evolution carried out freshwater treatment with a
wellboat and strengthened intake water disinfection procedures to solve the
issue. On-site freshwater production capabilities have also been installed in
case problems arise again.
As of 30 June 2023, Salmon Evolution had around 1,047 tonnes (live weight) of standing biomass, up 31% since 21 May 2023. Batches 6 and 7 were also stocked during the quarter and are expected to add further biomass growth momentum over the coming months. Another three batches of smolts will be stocked this year: one in this quarter and two in Q4.
The company carried out its first harvest from early November to early December last year, and harvested its second batch in May. Harvest volume was around 600 tonnes HOG with 93% superior share and tight weight concentration. The company achieved an average price of NOK 95/kg HOG.
Salmon Evolution expects to initiate its next harvest late in the current quarter.
'Back in production modus'
“We are very pleased with the strong biological performance seen over the last month and to be back in production modus. During the second quarter we have gained invaluable operational know-how and look forward to continuing our production ramp-up and preparing for the next harvest,” said chief executive Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen.
Salmon Evolution is planning a second phase at Harøy that will add another 7,900 tonnes HOG of capacity, and a larger third phase will take production volume to around 31,500 tonnes HOG.
The company is also searching for a site for a 31,500-tonne land-based salmon farm in North America and has a joint venture with Dongwon Industries to produce 16,800 tonnes HOG of salmon annually in South Korea.
