Mowi Scotland reached its highest-ever freshwater production in 2024, reporting the transfer of 22.5 million smolts to sea across its farms, including Wester Ross and third-party facilities.
The logistical feat involved transporting 38 million fish by road and delivering 11 million directly to sea from late September through Christmas. According to The Scoop, Mowi’s in-house newsletter, the freshwater team played a pivotal role in maintaining smolt quality and optimizing transfer schedules, achieving a biological feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 0.98—the lowest in recent years.
Upgrades to hatcheries were cited as a key driver of success. The Inchmore facility reported a significant reduction in nitrate and dissolved CO2 levels, while Lochailort approached a milestone of producing 100 million smolts. Additional investments at the Inverpolly site, including disc-filtration systems and water sterilization technologies, are expected to secure organic production, with site upgrades set for completion by April 2025.
The freshwater teams also navigated operational challenges, including staffing shortages and harsh biological conditions. Despite these issues, sites like Loch Ness and Glenfinnan delivered strong results, with staff praised for their resilience and focus on fish welfare.
However, Mowi faced setbacks, including the planned closure of its Loch Arkaig freshwater site in April after more than 35 years of operation due to a lease dispute. The company will shift its focus to two new sites at Tervine and Braevallich on Loch Awe, aiming to produce 5 million fish annually. These sites will undergo extensive upgrades, including standardized pens and new feed systems.
Mowi Scotland has also reported progress in health initiatives, with expanded use of vaccines targeting key pathogens and improved dietary strategies to address freshwater health challenges.
