Andfjord celebrates first smolt release

Andfjord Salmon announced at the weekend that it has successfully released smolt in the company’s first land-based pool at Kvalnes, on the island of Andøya in Norway.

Company CEO Martin Rasmussen said: “Release of first smolt is obviously an important and enjoyable milestone for Andfjord Salmon.

“The operation was well prepared and was executed in a safe and predictable manner.”

The release involved approximately 200,000 smolt, supplied by Nordland Akva AS with an average weight of 120 grams, being released into the pool.

Rasmussen added: “Our concept is centred around recreating the salmon’s natural habitat on land, as far as it is practically possible to do so. We are now entering a period with increasing amount of natural light and rising temperatures. This is good for fish health and development.”

He concluded: “The smolt has quickly adapted to its new surroundings after being released into the pool earlier today. The biological conditions in the pool are exactly as planned.

“This has been a great start, but the hard work starts now. We look forward to proving the many excellent benefits of our land-based fish farming facility in the coming months and years,”

Andfjord Salmon, which is listed on the Euronext Growth stock market, says it has set an ambition to develop the world’s most fish-friendly and sustainable fish farming facility of its kind.

The company has opted for a flow-through system – not a recirculating aquaculture system – which aims to recreate the salmon’s natural habitat on land, producing salmon with very low energy consumption and the smallest possible environmental footprint.

Earlier this month, International food group Jerónimo Martins announced a major investment in Andfjord, and other investors include feed group Nutreco and Norwegian seafood business Holmøy.

Andfjord Salmon holds a licence to produce 10,000 tonnes salmon (MAB, or maximum allowed biomass) at Kvalnes, equivalent to a target production volume of 19,000 tonnes, heads on gutted weight.

Smolt at Andford Salmon