Norwegian Food Safety Authority gives green light for major investment in juvenile fish
Norwegian Food Safety Authority gives green light for major investment in juvenile fish
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority says yes to the major investment in hatchery fish in Vevelstad, which is expected to create between 20 and 30 jobs.
On Wednesday 21 May, the answer that many have been waiting for came. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has authorised Vevelstad Settefisk's application to start large-scale production of juvenile salmon at Lauknes in Vevelstad municipality.
The estimated investment cost is more than NOK 1 billion when the facility is fully developed.
- "We've been waiting for this go-ahead. We will now build a ground-breaking hatchery in the heart of Nordland," says Knut Bråthen, CEO of Vevelstad Settefisk.
Good demand
Before Christmas, the state administrator in Nordland granted a discharge licence for the plant. This means that both professional bodies that must say yes to the hatchery venture have said yes, and everything is ready for Nordland County Council to issue the actual licence.
- "There is a shortage of hatchery fish, and we also know that demand will increase in the future in our catchment area. The hatchery fish that will be produced at Lauknes will be attractive to many," says Bråthen.
Vevelstad Settefisk plans to raise between 15 and 20 million salmon smolts a year on land in the new facility. The fish will range in size from 150 grams to one kilo.
Will lift the region
The hatchery is expected to generate 20 to 30 jobs in Vevelstad.
-"Almost 500 people live in Vevelstad municipality and the establishment will mean a lot. Our investment will strengthen Vevelstad's position as an innovative player in the aquaculture industry, create specific jobs and give the entire region an economic boost," says Bråthen.
The 100-acre site has already been zoned and approved for aquaculture, and the aim is to start construction work as soon as possible.
Facts:
Vevelstad Settefisk is owned by Aquaculture Innovation, which in turn is owned by Torghatten Aqua, based at Toft in Brønnøysund.
Contact information:
General Manager Vevelstad Settefisk, Knut Bråthen, knut.brathen@aquacultureinnovation.no Phone: 915 19 194
Director of Investor Relations and Communication in Torghatten Aqua, Stig Tore Laugen: stig.tore.laugen@torghattenaqua.no Tel: 916 00 217.
English 
Norwegian