An initial batch of 100,000 smolts has been transferred to the first of 12 tanks at Salmon Evolution’s hybrid flow-through fish farm at Indre Harøy, on the west coast of Norway.
The next release of smolts is due in May 2022, with continuous releases expected from Q4 2022. The first harvest is also due at this time, and will coincide with completion of the first phase of the land-based salmon farming project, which is expected to produce 9,000 metric tons of salmon (MT) per year.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this. We’ve established a good team, with motivated people,” Salmon Evolution Fish Welfare Manager Oddvar Repstad said in a press release.
The average weight of the smolts, which were supplied by Kraft Laks, Salmon Evolution's in-house smolt facility, was 300 grams. The smolt company was acquired in August 2021 to secure ongoing supply to the flow-through farm. Fish were driven to the new site in a live transport carrier, then carefully pumped into the tank. All operational systems remained stable following introduction of the smolts, which Repstad said was a testament to the thorough testing and commissioning process that has been underway for the past three months.
"Since we started construction back in May 2020, this is the moment that we have all been waiting for. I am extremely proud of our organization and the fact that we have been able to adhere to our ambitious timeline, even with the challenges that faced us during the pandemic,” Salmon Evolution CEO Håkon André Berg said.
Berg said the company is now focused on maintaining the biological integrity of the farm and the fish.
“Good biology will improve fish quality and translate into strong growth, which finally will be reflected in the financial performance,” he said.
Automated feeding software is being provided by Canadian company ReelData, which is also a key technical partner of Swiss Blue Salmon, providing artificial intelligence solutions to support both land-based salmon farms.
ReelData was introduced to Salmon Evolution through a partnership with Norwegian tech supplier Laksesystemer, which provides smart feeding solutions for land-based aquaculture.
According to ReelData, its ‘ReelAppetite’ solution reduces feed waste, increases consumption, and stabilizes water quality.
"Using artificial intelligence to make better decisions and to make the feeding of our salmon autonomous has been high on the agenda for us since we established Salmon Evolution,” Salmon Evolution COO Ingjarl Skarvoy said.
Photo courtesy of Salmon Evolution
