In a step that solidifies its investment in the future of land-based fish farming, Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett AS and Kvarøy Arctic CEO Alf-Gøran Knutsen joins Arctic Seafarm Holding AS as Chairman of the Board.
This week, the project also secures the official governmental permit for the flow-through system, confirming its plans to produce up to 15,000 metric tonnes of fish annually and employing 50 people. The highly anticipated land-based salmon farm currently being built within the Nesna Industrial Park in Northern Norway is located just 30 minutes south of the island of Kvarøy, the main headquarters of the family-owned Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett and Kvarøy Arctic operations. Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett is the largest stakeholder in the Arctic Seafarm project.
“We are happy to have Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett AS on board with us,” says Arctic Seafarm CEO Carsten Rimer. “Their knowledge of fish-welfare and sustainable aquaculture will be an important key to our success. I’m confident their experience and involvement in every step of the value chain from smolt deliveries through to distribution will allow this collaboration to prosper.”
The strategy for a flow-through system solves many of the persistent concerns ocean-based farms face globally including the risk of disease, unpredictable threatening ocean events, escapes, and the effects on the surrounding environment, among other factors.
A state-of-the-art flow-through system will retrieve clean, cold water from 80 meters below the sea surface, a depth that minimises the need for pest control measures. For added security, the water will be filtered for sediment and treated with a UV light before entering the flow-through system. Water temperatures will remain consistent throughout the year to facilitate optimal growing conditions.
In-line with its values, Arctic Seafarm will maintain a low climate footprint sourcing energy from solar, hydro technology, and biofuel. Further energy saving measures will be explored including the use of residual waste from salmon production.
“We believe the future of aquaculture will thrive with a co-existence of both sea farms and land-based facilities,” says Knutsen. “It’s our responsibility to find new, safe ways to feed the world's growing population with sustainable seafood. This is the path forward to facilitate responsible production and the future of equitable access to nutritious seafood globally.”
