Andfjord Salmon’s new post-smolt milestone ‘exceeds expectations’

Andfjord Salmon has reached a new milestone in its land-based aquaculture facility at Kvalnes, Andøy, with the average weight of salmon in its two operational pools recorded at two kilograms and one kilogram.

The salmon in pool K0 reached two kilograms this week, seven months after smolt release, said the Norwegian company in a press release. Around 350,000 smolt were released in pool K0 last autumn.

"Reaching an average weight of two kilograms per salmon in just over seven months exceeds our expectations,” said Martin Rasmussen, CEO of Andfjord Salmon.

Stable environment

“Combined with a current survival rate above 99%, the fish seem to enjoy a stable environment in our flow-through system.”

The fish in pool K1 crossed the one-kilogram threshold last week, after approximately 750,000 smolt were released into the pool in November last year. Survival here was also above 99%.

"Reaching an average weight of one kilogram is an important milestone as it makes the fish attractive for post-smolt purposes,” said Rasmussen.

Robust fish

“We can now supply a very robust fish for use in conventional farmers' ocean net pens, while they can increase their yearly volumes by shortening time at sea.”

Part of this volume will be sold as post-smolt to Eidsfjord Sjøfarm following an agreement in April this year.

The partnership includes deliveries of one million post-smolt in 2026 and also secures Andfjord Salmon smolt sourcing and a processing agreement with Holmøy Havbruk.

Andfjord Salmon, located on the Arctic Archipelago of Vesterålen, has been developing new pools, a harbour area, and waterways that can handle large-scale production.

The site infrastructure is designed to support future production of approximately 48,100 tonnes (HOG plus post-smolt) at Kvalnes.