Andfjord Salmon has decided to release the smolt in the first pool during spring 2021.
The production pool at Andøya, Northern Norway, is estimated to be ready for production late fall 2020. However, the latest COVID-19 response measures from the Norwegian Government has generated uncertainty concerning the initial schedule of the smolt release. Mandatory quarantine for foreign employees has reduced the capacity at the subcontractor level.
Andfjord Salmon aims to ensure the most optimal biology, and has therefore decided to release the smolt during spring 2021.
“The economic impact of this decision is minimal. While we could have remained on schedule, we would like to give the smolt the best possible living conditions. We will ensure that the completed facility has a sufficient period of testing. Therefore, our overall assessment determines releasing the smolt during spring 2021 as more beneficial. The salmon’s welfare is our number one priority. Furthermore, we have also decided to expedite the construction of the salmon farming facility at Kvalnes, as well as the development of phase two in Kvalnes, and phase three in Fiskenes and Breivik, reports Martin Rasmussen, CEO of Andfjord Salmon.
When phase two has been completed, Andfjord Salmon will be able to release smolt during wintertime, with water intake at the depth of 160 meters, which ensures optimal winter temperatures for salmon farming. The facility initially do not have this flexibility, with only the 30 meters intake being completed in the fall of 2020.
As previously reported, Andfjord Salmon has expedited the process of building phase two of the salmon farming facility at Kvalnes, as well as phase three with the expansion of localities Fiskenes and Breivik.
The company’s goal is to reach a total production of 70.000-ton MAB (maximum allowed biomass) at locations Kvalnes, Fiskenes and Breivik, Andøya.
The ambition is to build “the world’s largest and most sustainable aquaculture facility of its kind”.
The Atlantic Arctic ocean water is retrieved from a depth of 30 and 160 meters in Andfjorden, which gives optimal farming conditions all year. The facility eliminates threats relating to sea lice, dangerous algae and escapes, with an estimated operating expense (OPEX) of NOK 34 (EUR 3.2) per kilogram salmon produced. The pools are located below sea level, and will, therefore, be filled up with fresh oxygen-rich seawater at a rate of 15-17 times a day. Andfjord Salmon has patented its unique and sustainable aquaculture method.
