Time limits on aquaculture permits ‘will create uncertainty’

The industry group Seafood Norway has said there is no need for time limits to be imposed on aquaculture permits. Creating an expiry date for permits, it suggests, would create unnecessary uncertainty. The move has already been suggested, among others, by the county authority in Finnmark where a lot of fish farming is carried out.…

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Canadian capital pulls anti salmon farming advertisements

Anti-salmon farming billboards around Ottawa have been removed following a complaint from the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, which says the posters contained false claims. The statements included claims from the eco-activist group Wild First stating that: “Open-net pen salmon farms are banned in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.” The advertisements called on the Canadian capital…

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Genetics tailored for Scottish waters

Expertise in genetics is helping to create salmon stock with higher levels of resilience By Andrew Preston Lead, Trait Development and Land Based, Benchmark Genetics Benchmark Genetics is at the forefront of advancing sustainable salmon production through genetic improvement. While selective breeding programs have already yielded significant benefits in growth performance, robustness, and disease resistance,…

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OTAQ reports revenues ‘better than expected’

Marine technology business OTAQ plc expects to report better than expected revenues of around £4.4m for 2023, up from £4m in the previous year. In a trading update ahead of final results for the year to 31 December 2023, OTAQ said performance in the second half of the year has been stronger than the directors…

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£100 million bonus for fish farming communities

Coastal communities which host fish farming sites are set to receive  an increased payout of NOK 1.4bn (£103m) from the Norwegian Aquaculture Fund, the Oslo government has announced. The money will be used to develop various welfare and social projects in areas which are often isolated from the main urban centres. The government says it…

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Norway’s salmon giants facing welfare crackdown

Norway’s “big six” fish farming companies are set to come under close scrutiny from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority next year. Particular attention will be paid as to how well they handle fish welfare and health issues. It is hoped the move will lead to more effective welfare measures. The companies have not been named,…

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AlgaEurope 2023 highlights algae opportunities

AlgaEurope 2023, the leading conference highlighting breakthroughs and trends in the algae biomass sector, attracted 407 delegates from 40 countries and 221 organisations. Hosted in Prague, Czech Republic, from 12-15 December, the event unfolded over four days featuring a curated programme delivered by 112 expert speakers. The content spanned scientific, technological, and business dimensions within…

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US fund brings wellboat operators together

Two leading Norwegian-based wellboat businesses – AquaShip and Intership – are set to merge following a deal that has seen both of them taken over by a US investment fund. American Industrial Partners Capital Fund VII, LP, an investment fund managed by American Industrial Partners (AIP), has become the majority and controlling shareholder in both…

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Gigante takes big step towards production

Norwegian land-based fish farmer Gigante Salmon has reached a major milestone for its new plant, with the farm’s nursery pool now filled with sea water. The company is building one of Norway’s most advanced RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) facilities, on the island of Lille Indre Rosøya in Rødøy, and flooding the nursery pool is an…

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Seafood Scotland hires international marketing professional

Seafood Scotland, the national trade and marketing body for Scottish seafood, has recruited an experienced, bilingual export marketing professional to further develop its networks in key European markets. French national Marie-Anne Omnes (pictured) has been appointed Head of Trade Marketing (Europe), based in Edinburgh. She joins from the Paris office of the US Department of…

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