Salmon Evolution targets increased harvest weight
New initiative from the land-based fish farmer aims to increase both harvest volume and the size of individual stock
"Following initiation of operations in phase 2 with first smolt release completed, and a successful equity raise and refinancing providing a solid capital structure going forward, Salmon Evolution is ready for the next chapter," the company says in a quarterly report today.
The "heavy lifting" of proving the system has been done, and over the next 12 months, production volumes are expected to more than double, driven by improved productivity in Phase 1 and the scaling up of Phase 2.
The company says it has achieved a significant growth boost after implementing new feed and changes to operating protocols in the first quarter. This, it believes, strengthens confidence in the communicated operating targets for the coming periods.
"With phase 2 operational anda solid capital structure in place, we are ready for the next chapter," says chief executive Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen.
Improvement programme
After completing 16 production cycles, Salmon Evolution now has a unique insight and data base related to the production of salmon in closed and controlled environments.
"This is used continuously to optimise operations. Based on this insight, Salmon Evolution has designed a targeted improvement programme for phase 1, which together with phase 2 is expected to provide significant production growth over the next 12 months," the company writes in the Q1 report.
As part of this improvement programme, the company made changes to its operating protocols in the first quarter, in addition to implementing a new and improved feed.
"Both of these changes have had significant positive effects on water quality, which strengthens confidence in the communicated operating targets for the coming periods," it says.
Preventing gas build-up
The change at the food fish plant is designed to prevent gas build-up caused by stagnant water in parts of the degassing system.
This had an immediate positive effect on feeding in all tanks after implementation.
Better feed
In addition, the company implemented a new and improved feed during the first quarter. The company has been working on this project together with its strategic feed partner Cargill in the second half of 2025.
"This involves a comprehensive recalibration of the feed formulation, in addition to the implementation of a new binder in the feed. The new feed was introduced in the first half of the quarter, with a somewhat longer acclimatisation period than expected after the implementation."
This recalibration is expected to increase biomass growth by up to 4% and improve water quality.
The new feed is also estimated to provide a slightly lower feed cost per kg.
Immediate effect
"The new binder, which was introduced and fully implemented by the end of February, has provided an immediate and noticeable improvement in water quality, with particle levels reduced by approximately 50% after implementation. Lower particle concentrations allow for increased water flow and improved hydraulics in the tanks, allowing for higher feeding intensity."
In addition, the observable water quality improved significantly. Turbidity levels were below the internal target both before and after the change, but were further improved after the change in feed composition.
"Changes in operating protocols were the main driver behind the significantly improved feeding towards the end of February, measured as percentage feeding of daily target/budget."
Although the new feed – and especially the new binder – has resulted in significantly lower particle levels, the company expects the positive effects of this to primarily come in the coming quarters. It calls this a real “game changer” for water quality.
'Significant step forward'
The biomass is now produced in an aquatic environment where the particle level is defined as very good, which makes it possible to increase the water flow and thus improve the tank hydraulics.
"Overall, Salmon Evolution considers these two improvements – protocol adjustments and feed recalibration – to be a significant step forward in the work to optimise operations and improve both biomass growth and water quality at the food fish facility on Indre Harøy," the company writes.
