Frequently Asked Questions

About salmon and salmon farming

How is farmed salmon produced?

From the time the salmon starts as a tiny egg until it is ready to eat, nearly three years have passed. In other words, it’s a long and complex process. At Nordlaks, we own all parts of the salmon production chain, which we call the value chain. This means we have facilities for broodstock, smolt, vaccination, and sea sites. We also have a feeding center, a slaughterhouse and filleting department, our own box, pallet, and oil factory, well boats and service boats with our own crew, as well as a sales and marketing department. Additionally, we have a quality department that performs internal controls and ensures that our operations consistently meet all legal requirements and certification criteria. This ensures that the salmon is safe to eat and that customers receive the quality they expect.

The first step in the value chain for a new generation of Nordlaks salmon is extracting the eggs from the broodstock. After the eggs have been fertilized, they are kept cool in our hatcheries, until they have hatched. Then the baby salmon are moved to freshwater tanks to grow. As the smolt grows larger, it is vaccinated. The salmon then goes through a smoltification process, transitioning from a freshwater fish to a saltwater fish. This process mimics the life cycle of wild salmon, which starts in freshwater rivers and then moves to the saltwater sea. When our smolt is ready, it is transferred to one of our sea-based farming sites. Most of our salmon spend the rest of their lives in traditional pens, while some are moved to our more exposed site. In the more exposed sea area, we have constructed the Ocean Farm (Havfarmen). Here, the salmon live for the rest of their lives. The salmon is then sent to the slaughterhouse and filleting department for the production of whole fish and other salmon products, such as fillets. Finally, it is sold and shipped to our markets.

You can read more about the different steps in the value chain here (only in Norwegian).

How do salmon farming facilities work?

A typical salmon farming facility at Nordlaks consists of six to ten pens, each holding between 250 and 750 tons of salmon. The pens have a floating element on top and a net cage where the salmon swim. At Nordlaks, the pens vary in size, but most are between 30 and 50 meters in diameter, while the net cages are between 30 and 45 meters deep. Here, the salmon live until they are large enough to be harvested. They are then transported alive in a well boat to the slaughterhouse, where they are euthanized.

One of Nordlaks’ largest projects, Havfarmen, is also one of our farming facilities. The facility is more exposed in the sea, about five kilometers from land, unlike our traditional facilities, which are located within fjords. At Havfarmen, the pens are larger in both diameter and depth. Havfarmen has six pens, each holding up to 1500 tons of salmon, with a total capacity of up to 10,000 tons of salmon. You can read more about Havfarmen here.

The salmon has plenty of space in the pens. Nordlaks operates with a standard of 98 percent water and two percent salmon in each pen, which corresponds to 25 kilograms of fish per cubic meter of water. This is also legally regulated.

At Nordlaks, we are developing a new facility, Hydra, which will be ready in 2025. The unit will have a closed roof and walls down to 20 meters below the sea surface. The closed construction is intended to prevent sea lice and disease from reaching the fish. Read more here.

Traditional farming facility, Havfarmen, and an illustration of Hydra.

What do farmed salmon eat?

The feed contains all the essential nutrients fish need for good growth and health, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The salmon is fed dry feed that includes fish meal, fish oil, fava beans, green peas, wheat, corn, and soy. Only certified, deforestation-free, and GMO-free soy is imported to Norway. On average, fish feed in Norway consists of about 75 percent vegetable ingredients and 25 percent marine raw materials. The type of feed the salmon receives depends on their size and type. You can read more on the website of one of our feed suppliers, Skretting, here.

Together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries sets the Norwegian feed regulations. These regulations aim to ensure safe feeding and safe products, contributing to good fish health and a good environment. Production is regulated by the Food Act (Norwegian “Matloven”) and through the provisions of the EEA Agreement. These are incorporated into Norwegian law in the regulations under the Food Act. (Source: Norwegian regulations for salmon feed (salmonfacts.com))

How much feed does a farmed salmon need?

Farmed salmon grows more per kilogram of feed than other land animals. One salmon needs about 1.2 kilograms of feed to gain one kilogram of weight. In comparison, a cow needs five kilograms of feed, while a pig needs about three kilograms of feed to gain one kilogram of weight.

Numbers are based on averages and may vary. Source: Norwegian Seafood Council

How much salmon is produced annually?

In 2022, 2.9 million tons of salmon were produced worldwide. At Nordlaks, we had 54,000 tons of our own production in 2022, while the total slaughter volume was 75,000 tons. This corresponds to 424 million meals, making us Norway’s sixth and the world’s eleventh largest salmon farming company.

What is the difference between Atlantic salmon and other types of salmon?

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a type of salmon found in the Atlantic Ocean. In the farming industry, there are several types of salmon, with Atlantic salmon being the most common in Norway. Other types of salmon include Pacific salmon, which is a collective term for several species that mainly live in the Pacific Ocean. The most common species include chum, coho, sockeye, pink, and chinook.

There are several differences between Atlantic salmon and other types of salmon. The differences can be based on species, geographical location, and farming practices. The color, taste, texture, and size of the salmon can also vary among the different species.

Which countries have the most salmon farming?

In 2022, 2.9 million tons of salmon were produced globally. Norway accounted for more than half of this production, making Norway the country with the most salmon farming. Chile is the world’s second-largest salmon producer, with about half of Norway’s production. They also produce trout and coho salmon. Together, Chile and Norway account for nearly 65 percent of the world’s farmed salmon production. The countries account for 79 percent of the world’s Atlantic salmon production and 51 percent of the world’s trout production. There is a considerable drop to the third-largest nation, which is Scotland, followed by Canada, the Faroe Islands, Australia, the USA, and Iceland.

The largest companies in the industry include Mowi, SalMar, AquaChile, Lerøy, Cermaq, Cooke Aquaculture, and Bakkafrost, with production spread across several countries, including Norway, Chile, Canada, and the Faroe Islands. Nordlaks is the sixth largest producer in Norway and the eleventh largest in the world.

Atlantic salmon is the dominant farmed species, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the world’s farmed salmon production.

How long does it take for salmon to grow to harvest size?

It takes about three years. However, there are variations. It depends on the sea temperature, the feed they are given, diseases, slaughterhouse capacity, and so on. Typically, the salmon weighs between four and five kilograms when harvested, with an optimal harvest weight of around five kilograms. More about salmon’s journey from roe to harvest size can be found here (only in Norwegian).

Is salmon farmed in freshwater or saltwater?

The short answer is both. Naturally, salmon is anadromous. This means that it spawns in freshwater and spends most of its life in the sea. When the salmon has hatched and weighs about 40 grams, it is placed in freshwater tanks to grow. As it grows larger (around 50 grams), it is vaccinated and then goes through a process called smoltification. Here, young salmon transitions from being a freshwater fish to a saltwater fish. This process mimics the life cycle of wild salmon, which starts in freshwater rivers and then swims to the saltwater sea. When smolt is fully adapted, it is moved to one of our traditional sea-based farming sites. Some of the fish will be moved to exposed sea-based sites, such as Havfarmen.

Sustainability and Environment

What is sustainable salmon farming?

Sustainable salmon farming encompasses various aspects. We focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. In short, this means we aim to protect the environment, ensure the well-being of our fish and people, and maintain economic viability. Aquaculture involves a complex value chain, where multiple elements can contribute to sustainable production at different stages. For instance, we have electrified over 90% of our facilities, utilize hybrid wellboats powered by LNG gas and batteries, and operate our own box and pallet factory. Currently, 100% of our production holds at least one sustainability certification.

Ensuring good fish welfare is equally important. Good fish health is beneficial in itself, but it also creates positive ripple effects, leading to strong economics and a good reputation. More importantly, it ensures that the salmon thrive in their environment. Nordlaks’ production fish are to be treated well and protected from unnecessary stress and strain. We adhere to several fundamental principles to ensure this, which you can read more about here (only in Norwegian).

Waste management is also crucial in salmon farming. At Nordlaks, we ensure our waste is handled, stored, and delivered in a responsible and sustainable manner. By viewing waste as a resource, we ensure it is part of a circular economy. In 2022, for example, we increased the recycling rate of nets from 42% to 100% and recycled 2,700 tons of sludge for material recovery in biogas plants and composting.

At Nordlaks, we also prioritize the well-being of our employees and the community around us. We actively work to ensure that employees feel a sense of belonging to the workplace and, importantly, that they feel safe in their jobs. We encourage internal career development and facilitate this. A good and healthy work environment increases job satisfaction, reduces sick leave, and encourages employees to stay with the company. Each employee is important to us, and we strategically and continuously work to be a socially sustainable company.

In addition to focusing on individual employee well-being, we also work to strengthen ties with the local community. Nordlaks is an integral part of the community, and we believe contributing to local initiatives and development projects is crucial for maintaining a positive societal impact. This can include supporting local organizations, participating in community events, and contributing to educational and training programs. Our goal is not just to be an employer but also a positive force in the community.

It is also essential to take care of our external environment. None of Nordlaks’ locations are within or directly adjacent to protected areas. You can read more about Nordlaks’ efforts in our sustainability report for 2022.

What challenges does the aquaculture industry face?

The aquaculture industry faces several challenges that we continuously work to prevent and reduce. In 2023, the industry struggled with high sea lice activity and string jellyfish, also known as barbed wire jellyfish, which also affected Nordlaks. Due to the warm summer, lice thrived and reproduced faster, resulting in more frequent delousing. This naturally stressed the salmon. As a measure, Nordlaks purchased more lice lasers, which are gentler on salmon. We also implement preventive measures against sea lice, which you can read more about below.

Environmental challenges can also arise unexpectedly. An example is the string jellyfish. These jellyfish cause burns on the fish’s skin, damaging the skin and gills, making the salmon more susceptible to infections and diseases. In the winter, the bacteria Moritella viscosa, which causes winter ulcers, thrive. Winter ulcers are most common on the salmon’s skin but can also infect internal organs. We are testing a new vaccine with promising results, but it will take time before all the fish in the sea are vaccinated. You can read more about winter ulcers on the Veterinary Institute’s website (only available in Norwegian).

Winter ulcers and burns from string jellyfish are examples of conditions that harm the salmon’s health. Disease spread, as well as other factors like unsuccessful delousing, can also lead to sudden increased mortality. If this happens, we take it very seriously. After workplace accidents, such situations are the worst we can experience. We act quickly to limit the damage and evaluate afterward to prevent similar incidents. We have strict reporting routines in case of such events and continuously work on preventive measures.

At Nordlaks, we have measures to help control these challenges. A good biosecurity plan aims to reduce and mitigate the challenges we face. This includes maintaining good hygiene on clothing and equipment to prevent the spread of viruses and bacterial diseases, and disinfecting wellboats after each use. There is also a common biosecurity plan along the coast and across aquaculture companies to prevent the spread of diseases from south to north or vice versa. Additionally, we fallow our facilities after each generation of salmon, which means that when the pens in a location are empty, we won’t have fish in that location for 5-6 months. We do this so that the sea bottom can recover. We are also legally required by law to do so.

Like all other industries and large companies, we have a responsibility to protect the environment by reducing our emissions. The measures we have taken so far have made us more sustainable in recent years. We have come a long way but can still do more. You can read more about this below or in our sustainability report for 2022.

How does salmon farming affect wild salmon populations?

It is not beneficial when species bred to have certain traits interbreed with wild species. This can lead to reduced genetic diversity in the long run, making wild salmon less adaptable and robust to environmental changes and diseases.

If farmed salmon for instance escapes, this problem can arise. Escapes are highly unfortunate for several reasons, including the potential negative impact on wild salmon through genetic mixing with farmed salmon. In recent years, we have seen a decrease in the number of escape incidents in the industry, and at Nordlaks, we aim for zero escapes. In 2023 we had three incidents, with a total of 20 fish escaping. In the three years prior to this, we had only one incident each year, all minor incidents (less than 50 fish). The decrease in escapes is an example of the aquaculture industry working together to solve challenges. We report all escape incidents and suspicions of escapes to the authorities, and this information is publicly available on the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries’ website (in Norwegian).

Close contact between aquaculture facilities and natural waterways can also lead to disease transmission. We take such incidents seriously and constantly work to prevent them. One of our preventive measures is regularly examining wild fish around the facilities.

For Nordlaks, it is important to contribute to good projects to protect wild salmon. We are partners in the “Blokkenvassdraget” project in Vesterålen, aiming to reintroduce anadromous fish to the watercourse. We also collaborate with the organization Anadrom, which includes landowners, sports fishers, aquaculture companies, and power companies. The foundation works on measures to increase wild salmon in participating rivers and develop watercourses into attractive community initiatives.

How does salmon farming affect the marine environment?

Salmon farming can affect biodiversity in several ways. The area directly beneath the facility is usually most affected. Organic particles are released into the environment through fish feces and uneaten feed. Typically, most organic matter is deposited as sediment directly under and near the facility, breaking down naturally in the sediments. We aim to minimize environmental impact, and all feeding at our sea locations is carried out and monitored from our feeding center in Børøya, Vesterålen.

We conduct regular environmental surveys to monitor the seabed environment, both beneath the facilities (B-surveys) and around the facilities (C-surveys). These legally required surveys are conducted by external companies to ensure that the individual sites are not overburdened.

Fallowing is an effective way to restore the seabed after a production cycle. This means that when the pens in a location are empty, we won’t have fish in that location for 5-6 months. We do this so that the sea bottom can recover. There is a legal requirement for two months of fallowing after each production cycle. In 2022, the average fallowing period for our sites was over six months.

We also examine wild fish around our facilities and take samples to check for feed in their stomachs. If wild fish have feed, it means we have overfed, and we adjust the feed amount at our feeding center.

Medications can also affect the marine ecosystem. However, this is strictly regulated and controlled. Our fish health department conducts environmental assessments before any medicinal treatment to ensure it does not impact other species and the seabed conditions.

What measures are taken to reduce the environmental impact from salmon farming?

At Nordlaks, we continually work to reduce environmental impacts from operating a large and complex company. We have made significant improvements in recent years and are proud to say that 100% of our production holds at least one sustainability certification. You can read more about this here.

In recent years, we have worked to electrify our facilities. As of January 1, 2024, 36 of 41 facilities are electrified, with the remaining facilities located far from high-voltage lines, making electrification challenging. However, we aim to electrify all facilities in the future.

We have invested in green technologies like hybrid well boats and feed barges that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and we use our own hydropower plants at some facilities to produce electricity. We have our own polystyrene box factory and pallet factory, meaning we no longer need to buy from other suppliers, reducing truck traffic. It is also important for us to utilize raw materials previously considered waste. Our biotechnology department produces fish oil and hydrolysate for feed production. Our vision is to utilize the entire fish and create sustainable solutions through a circular economy.

Medications are used only in accordance with a veterinarian or fish health biologist, preventing unnecessary medication use and potential environmental harm. We have various measures to reduce medication use, including zonal management with fallowing, strategic use of large smolt, lice skirts, and lice lasers, and the upcoming semi-closed system project Hydra.

Although we have made significant progress, there is always room for improvement. We are committed to continuously developing and implementing new measures to enhance our sustainability efforts.

What sustainable practices and certification schemes are present at Nordlaks?

Today, 100 percent of our production holds at least one sustainability certification. For example, all our locations are certified according to Global Good Agricultural Practices (Global G.A.P.). Global G.A.P. is a recognized international standard that primarily focuses on requirements for food safety, occupational health and safety, fish welfare, and the environment.

As of January 1, 2024, Nordlaks also has ten locations certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), another international environmental standard. This certification demonstrates that the fish have been produced sustainably, with particular attention to the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture. It monitors factors such as the number of lice treatments, seabed conditions, fish welfare, and greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving ASC certification is resource-intensive and time-consuming, but we plan to certify more of our locations in the future.

Both Global G.A.P. and ASC have Chain of Custody certification. This means that certified products must be traceable throughout the entire value chain, from production to the point of sale.

Additionally, Nordlaks holds the following certifications: IFS Food, HACCP, Kosher, GMP+, and FDA approval. Read more here.

How does salmon farming impact local communities?

Nordlaks has obtained permits from relevant authorities for operations at all our sea and land facilities. There have been no violations of land and natural resource rights. Our use of land and natural resources has positively impacted the economies of the areas where we operate. In 2022, 56.8 million NOK was paid through the Aquaculture Fund (Norwegian “Havbruksfondet”) as a result of Nordlaks’ activities. We have created new jobs in local communities and contributed to more contracts and employees for many supplier companies in the north.

Through sponsorship activities, we support local events and projects that promote culture, sports, and social activities. We invest in future labor through apprenticeships and other positions, which contribute to individual development while also strengthening the competence and workforce in the local community. At the same time, we support local businesses by purchasing services and products locally, thereby contributing to economic growth and the exchange of new knowledge and skills that benefit both parties. This mutually beneficial approach is fundamental to Nordlaks’ commitment to being a positive force in the community and fostering sustainable development on multiple levels.

For Nordlaks, the local community is essential in everything we do today and for the future. We aim to contribute to the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry and Northern Norway, which is our home. In our vision, “We create the future,” we have also connected it to the close perspective, “To develop our local community.” Our vision and values will underpin all our decisions and actions.

ASC certification sets requirements for the interaction between us and the local community we operate in. It requires transparency through regular informational meetings with local residents. Therefore, we organize open public meetings every year.

Sea lice and disease issues

How do sea lice affect farmed salmon?

Sea lice are parasitic crustaceans found on salmonid fish (salmon, trout, and charr) and are naturally present in all marine areas of the Northern Hemisphere. The lice feed on the salmon’s slime layer and blood, which can damage the fish’s outer skin barrier. These breaches can serve as entry points for various bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.

In addition, sea lice can cause increased jumping activity, which is a sign of stress. This can result in injuries, such as when the fish jump and collide with structures in the farming facility. These injuries can exacerbate the wounds caused by the lice and potentially lead to further complications for the fish’s health. You can read more about sea lice here.

Sea lice are the most common parasite on farmed salmon, and we continuously work to combat them through control measures and monitoring. You can read more about the various measures below.

What measures are taken to combat sea lice in Nordlaks’ farming facilities?

Nordlaks is required to follow regulations for combating sea lice in aquaculture facilities. The purpose of these regulations is to reduce the occurrence of sea lice to minimize harm to the salmon and to reduce and combat resistance development. The requirement is that there should be fewer than 0.5 adult female lice per salmon on average in the facility at any time, except during the spring period when the requirement is 0.2. Exceeding this limit poses a fish health problem for the salmon. Therefore, we count lice at all facilities every week, and based on these numbers, we make decisions regarding slaughter and delousing plans.

We also use lice skirts as a measure in several pens. A lice skirt is a type of barrier or screen used around the farming pens to prevent or limit the intrusion of lice. They fit closely around the nets and extend ten meters down into the water. It is most common to use lice skirts early in the production cycle on small fish.

In late 2023, Nordlaks invested in new lice lasers from Stingray. These lasers are submerged into the pens and direct beams at the lice on the salmon. This kills the lice without harming the salmon. Unlike delousing, the salmon remain in their natural environment and are not stressed. At Havfarmen and Litjevika, the two facilities where we already have lice lasers, we have seen positive results and per 01.01.24, we have not needed delousing on these facilities since the lasers were installed in 2023. Because the lasers are gentle and effective, we recently invested in 50 new lasers (previously we had 32). By the summer of 2024, lice lasers will be used in 20-30 percent of our total production.

During 2024, our new semi-closed facility, Hydra, will be put into operation. This unit will have a closed roof and walls down to 20 meters below the sea surface. The closed construction is intended to prevent sea lice and disease transmission to the fish. You can read more about Hydra here.

What delousing methods does Nordlaks use?

At Nordlaks, our goal is to treat and handle our fish as little as possible. In some cases, treatment is necessary, and we have various delousing methods for the salmon in our “toolbox.” All such treatments are performed based on an assessment of necessity made by fish health personnel (fish health biologist or veterinarian). If medications are to be used, environmental impact and resistance development are also considered, and a prescription is required.

There are both medicinal and non-medicinal delousing methods. We strive to limit the use of medicinal methods as much as possible, both for environmental reasons and to avoid resistance development. The standard for delousing is non-medicinal processes, known as mechanical treatment.

Mechanical delousing is usually performed using specialized devices or systems that physically remove the lice from the fish’s skin. We have our own well boats, Bjørg Pauline and Harald Martin, where we can treat the fish with freshwater, thermolicer (tempered water), and flushing. We can also combine these treatment methods. We also hire other delousing vessels equipped with, for example, flushing and brushing.

If it is not feasible to perform a mechanical treatment from a fish welfare perspective, a medicinal treatment with medications may be considered. Medications are used only in consultation with a veterinarian or fish health biologist. Together, we conduct professional risk assessments for both fish welfare and the surrounding environment.

Nordlaks always prioritizes non-medicinal delousing methods, and we have various measures to reduce the use of medications. Examples include zonal operations with fallowing, strategic use of large smolt, lice skirts, and lice lasers (Stingray), as well as the upcoming project with the semi-closed facility (Hydra).

How are diseases controlled in salmon farming?

It is not always possible to control diseases in farming. Some diseases spread quickly, and others are difficult to predict. However, we continuously work on preventive measures to give us a better starting point. Our fish health department conducts regular inspections, at least once a month, of our facilities. During these inspections, the health of the fish is assessed by observing their behavior in the pens and by taking samples from the salmon. If disease is suspected, samples are taken for histology examinations and PCR screening. For certain serious diseases, such as pancreas disease (PD), where the fish stop feeding, it is mandatory to send samples from 20 fish for PCR screening each month. If fish die from disease, we perform autopsies to find the cause and prevent further deaths.

Assessing the condition of the fish is also important regarding slaughtering. If an inspection reveals serious health challenges in salmon stock, we may, based on a professional assessment, prioritize treatment and/or culling of the fish. This is to reduce potential suffering and ensure the best possible fish welfare. No salmon should suffer unnecessarily, regardless of whether it has reached the desired slaughter weight or not.

Fish health and animal welfare

How is salmon farming regulated by authorities?

Like other food producers, our production is strictly regulated and controlled by the authorities, committing us to producing sustainable farmed salmon that is safe to eat. Examples of regulations and laws we adhere to include the Animal Welfare Act, the Sea Lice Regulations (Norwegian: Lakselusforskriften), and the Aquaculture Act.

There are also random and scheduled inspections conducted, among others, by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Norwegian “Mattilsynet”). This is something we are very positive about. Additionally, we have a responsibility to report to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in the event of unwanted incidents, such as increased mortality or notifiable diseases. We have procedures in place to ensure that everything is done correctly. Regular environmental surveys are also conducted to monitor the seabed environment, both beneath the facilities and in the surrounding areas. These legally mandated surveys are performed by external companies, ensuring that each site is not overloaded.

Does Nordlaks use cleaner fish?

No, we do not use cleaner fish. We have previously conducted trials in our farming facilities, but so far, we believe that using cleaner fish is not justifiable from an animal welfare perspective.

What is the practice for medicating salmon, and how does it affect the environment and humans?

At Nordlaks, we have strict guidelines for the use of chemicals and medications to ensure the health of the fish and minimize the impact on the surrounding environment. We use medications only in consultation with a fish health biologist or veterinarian, following risk assessments regarding the external environment. The use of medications and chemicals is regulated by the Aquaculture Act and requires particular caution.

The use of medications can affect the biodiversity at a site. Therefore, we have strict procedures that take the external environment into account. We also always prioritize non-medicinal treatments for sea lice and have significantly increased the capacity for such methods in recent years. Additionally, we have clear goals to reduce the use of medications, and antibiotics are never used in Nordlaks’ facilities.

You will never ingest medications when eating farmed salmon, even if the fish has been treated. Each medication has a withdrawal period, meaning a certain number of days must pass before the medication is out of the fish’s system before it can be slaughtered. This is also regulated by the Aquaculture Act. Furthermore, each medication is used only once per generation of salmon.

Does Nordlaks use antibiotics?

No, antibiotics are never used in Nordlaks’ facilities.

How is good fish welfare ensured at Nordlaks?

Nordlaks prioritizes and ensures good fish welfare through thorough follow-ups and inspections, both internal and external. We have our own fish health department that conducts monthly inspections of the conditions in all our facilities and of the fish. This includes inspections for lice and autopsies of the fish.

In case of suspected disease, samples are taken and sent for evaluation. We also carefully assess the environment to ensure optimal conditions. This includes examining conditions in the pen that could potentially affect fish health, such as debris that could cause injuries, and observing the fish’s behavior to identify any deviations.

The fish health team and our staff at the facilities, who have daily contact with the fish, maintain close communication. This enables us to act quickly when needed. The fish health team is available for emergency visits and provides continuous follow-up to ensure that all operational processes are conducted in a responsible manner that ensures the best possible fish welfare.

What is done to minimize stress and diseases among farmed salmon?

To reduce stress, we handle the salmon as minimally as possible. When handling is necessary, we do it as gently as possible. To minimize diseases and their spread, we have several measures in place. Preventive measures include vaccination and various health feeds. Examples include health feed that improves heart health and another that enhances the skin health of the salmon.