Inverkerry Hatchery and Smolt Unit at Gairloch in Wester Ross, Scotland, has undergone a major overhaul in order to meet stringent organic standards. The upgraded facility will organically produce around 1.2 million smolts for Organic Sea Harvest.
The upgraded Hendrix Genetics site was unveiled 24 August by Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, who said the “significant investment” in the new facilities was another example of how Scotland’s aquaculture industry is championing and driving innovation.
“Such innovation will ensure the sector continues to deliver improvements, in this case to fish health and welfare,” Gougeon said. “We can be rightly proud of the Scottish salmon success story, which contributes so significantly to our economy. It is imperative the aquaculture industry, and its supply chain, continues to invest in research, development, and innovation to support the sector’s long-term sustainability.”
Located at the end of the River Kerry, the Inverkerry site was first built in 1984, with the upgrade getting underway in 2020. The revamped facilities will directly support five local jobs.
“We’re proud to be part of this origin story, producing the highest-quality organic smolts for Organic Sea Harvest, which go on to thrive at sea,” Hendrix Genetics General Manager Jarl van den Berg said.
Salmon produced by Skye-based Organic Sea Harvest is certified organic by the Soil Association, and the company’s CEO, Ove Thu, said with the opening of the upgraded Gairloch hatchery, his firm now has control over the entire production cycle.
“Thanks to our friends at Hendrix, we have established the safe and steady supply of high-quality smolts we need for today´s production at Organic Sea Harvest. There is also some room for further investments to support our ambitions to grow,” he said. “We are looking forward to continuing the excellent partnership with Hendrix Genetics on our mission to establish Organic Sea Harvest as the leading producer of high quality Scottish organic salmon.”
Salmon Scotland CEO Tavish Scott said the hatchery will help to ensure good biology and high standards of fish health and welfare throughout the lifecycle of the salmon raised locally.
“The successful partnership between Organic Sea Harvest and Hendrix Genetics is helping to deliver on our sustainability pledge to be world-leading in the provision of nutritious food produced in the most responsible way,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Salmon Scotland
