Scottish Sea Farms has commenced work on a GBP 1.3 million investment to fully renew and develop a freshwater hatchery, the salmon farmer announced on Thursday.
This is the first phase of development at the Holywood site. It will involve building 16 new freshwater tanks and will begin in late June. The second phase to the project will begin in the next two years, with an additional GBP 1.5 million investment.
The company said the improvements will lead to a higher rate of health and survival for newly hatched fish. They will also result in major cost savings due to greater efficiencies and will ultimately reduce the company’s reliance on traditional oil-based water heating for its farms.
The dedicated fry production site will be rebuilt in one consolidated area, replacing all existing raceways with new tanks and equipment, according to the company. The fish hatching and handling will be contained in new buildings, and the site will be fully operational by the end of October.
Within a 40-acre site, only a total of four acres is taken up by the hatchery. The remaining land is made up of woodlands and agricultural grazing used by local farmers.
“This major investment represents a key phase in our strategic development and it will secure and improve upon the excellent health, quality and performance of the production at this site and help to grow our fresh water facilities across the company, allowing us to expand in the future,” said Mike Bauermeister, Scottish Sea Farms freshwater manager.
