Mowi has confirmed the escape of approximately 65,000 smolt from its facility in Glomfjord, Nordland, following an incident during smolt delivery on December 7.
The fish, with an average weight of 115 grams, were reported to have escaped into the surrounding waters, according Norwegian aquaculture news site iLaks.
Efforts to recapture the fish are underway, with Mowi deploying multiple nets and receiving assistance from local fishermen. However, adverse weather conditions in the region are currently preventing an accurate count of the recaptured fish, Hjetland stated.
On Monday afternoon, the Directorate of Fisheries reported that Mowi had caught 1,400 smolt in recapture nets as of December 8.
The escape incident occurred in connection with the handover of smolt, Ola Helge Hjetland, communications manager at Mowi, told iLaks.
Hjetland called the incident “very regrettable”, and stated that Mowi has initiated extensive recapture activities in the area, in collaboration with local fishermen.
“This is a serious incident,” Hjetland remarked, adding that Mowi is working with the Directorate of Fisheries to investigate the cause and identify measures to prevent similar events in the future.
He emphasized that Mowi has implemented systematic efforts to reduce escape incidents, which have significantly decreased in recent years. “It is therefore deeply regrettable to experience incidents of this nature,” he added.
