Salmon Evolution ends 2023 with record biomass

Land-based fish farmer Salmon Evolution recorded an all-time high biomass of more than 2,200 tonnes as 2023 drew to a close.

The Norwegian company’s latest trading update also notes that last year saw record harvest volumes. As at 31 December 2023 the company had a standing biomass of more than 2,200 tonnes (LW) and had all-time high net biomass production of 1,439 tonnes (LW) in the quarter.

Salmon Evolution’s plant at Indre Harøy, Norway, operates a hybrid flow-through system which it says is a truly sustainable production process, and also protects the fish against many of the pathogens associated with farming at sea.

The company said biological performance has been good, with the fish displaying good appetite and monthly mortality currently at 0.4% or below. Of the harvested fish this year. 92% were assessed as “superior grade” compared with an industry average of 85%.

Salmon Evolution harvested a record high 1,104  tonnes (HOG) in the fourth quarter, with a tight weight concentration. Harvest volumes in the first quarter of 2024 are expected in the range of 800-1,000 tonnes (HOG) before increasing significantly from Q2 and onwards.

Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen, CEO of Salmon Evolution, said: “The market backdrop going into 2024 is highly attractive with record high salmon prices expected. Salmon Evolution is well positioned to capitalize on this on back of a substantial increase in harvest volumes over the coming quarters, following a fully stocked farm at Indre Harøy.”