Alf-Gøran Knutsen, CEO of Norwegian salmon farming company Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett AS and Kvarøy Arctic, has joined Arctic Seafarm Holding AS as chairman of the board, the two companies have confirmed. At the same time, the Arctic Seafarm land-based production project has received an official governmental permit for its flow through system, confirming the plans to produce up to 15,000 tonnes of fish annually and to employ 50 people.
Arctic Seafarm is currently being built within the Nesna Industrial Park in Northern Norway. This is 30 minutes south of the island of Kvarøy, the main headquarters of the family-owned Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett and Kvarøy Arctic operations.
Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett is the largest stakeholder in Arctic Seafarm.
“We are happy to have Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett AS on board with us,” Arctic Seafarm CEO, Carsten Rimer, said. “Their knowledge of fish-welfare and sustainable aquaculture will be an important key to our success. I’m confident their experience and involvement in every step of the value chain from smolt deliveries through to distribution will allow this collaboration to prosper.”
According to Arctic Seafarm, the flow-through system solves many of the persistent concerns ocean-based farms face globally including the risk of disease, unpredictable threatening ocean events, escapes, and the effects on the surrounding environment, among other factors.
The system will retrieve clean, cold water from 80 metres below the sea surface, a depth that minimises the need for pest control measures. For added security, the water will be filtered for sediment and treated with a UV light before entering the flow-through system. Water temperatures will remain consistent throughout the year to facilitate optimal growing conditions.
Arctic Seafarm will also maintain a low climate footprint sourcing energy from solar, hydro technology, and biofuel. Further energy saving measures will be explored including the use of residual waste from salmon production.
“We believe the future of aquaculture will thrive with a co-existence of both sea farms and land-based facilities,” Knutsen said. “It’s our responsibility to find new, safe ways to feed the world’s growing population with sustainable seafood. This is the path forward to facilitate responsible production and the future of equitable access to nutritious seafood globally.”
Arctic Seafarm Langset AS is 100% owned by Arctic Seafarm Holding AS.
