Norwegian land-based salmon farming company Salmon Evolution ASA has confirmed that on 26 March 2022 it successfully completed the first smolt release at its new facility at Indre Harøy.
About 100,000 smolt was released with an average weight of around 300 grams. The smolt was supplied by Kraft Laks, Salmon Evolution’s in-house smolt facility acquired in August 2021.
The smolt’s transportation from Kraft Laks to Indre Harøy was carried out with a live fish carrier. After which the fish were carefully pumped into the first fish tank at Indre Harøy.
All relevant fish health parameters were constantly monitored during the process with no negative indicators identified.
According to the company, the conditions in the farm have been stable, the fish have shown good appetite and have behaved in line with expectations.
“Since we started construction back in May 2020, this is the moment that we all have been waiting for. I am extremely proud of our organisation and the fact that we have been able to adhere to our ambitious timeline, even with the challenges faced us during the pandemic,” Salmon Evolution CEO, Håkon André Berg, said.
But Berg stressed that this milestone is only the beginning.
“As we now move forward, our number one priority is the biology in our farm. Good biology will improve fish quality and translate into strong growth, which finally will be reflected in the financial performance. With our organisation now totalling more than 40 highly skilled employees, I am more confident than ever in our mission – extending the ocean potential.”
Over the coming months Salmon Evolution plans to gradually ramp up production at Indre Harøy, with the next release of smolt planned for May.
Steady state smolt release volumes are expected from the fourth-quarter 2022, where at the same time both completion of phase 1 and first harvest are expected.
