We have now slaughtered our first batch at Hausvik — a milestone for circular, land-based salmon farming.
“It is a landmark day for us. Many have been sceptical, but this is the proof that we have made it work,” says CEO Jarle Dragvik.
The salmon has grown from 160 grams to around four kilos in nine months — 10–15 % faster than the normal growth curve in sea-based facilities. Mortality landed at 1.6 %, compared to nearly 20 % in open net pens at sea. Land-based facilities also avoid sea lice and escapes entirely.
Key milestones from the first cycle:
- Average round weight of 4 kg
- Superior share of 97 %
- Mortality rate of 1.6 %
- 160 g – 4 kg in 9 months
“We have had very good feedback on the quality of the fish from restaurants and others who have tasted it. The fish has less fat than traditional farmed salmon,” Dragvik says.
EcoFishCircle is also working on capturing the CO₂ the fish themselves produce. It is used to grow microorganisms that are converted into protein, dried, and will make up around 30 % of the fish feed composition. The next production cycle starts later this spring in a tank ten times larger than the current one, with a capacity of 120–130 tonnes — a stepping stone toward the planned full-scale 6,000-tonne facility at Lista.
“The goal is to come in below 30 NOK per kilo when we start full-scale production. We believe that is realistic,” Dragvik says — well below today’s average production cost of more than 40 NOK/kg in conventional sea pens.
Read the full feature in Dagens Næringsliv:
Land-based farming challenges the salmon industry — the goal is below 30 NOK per kilo (DN.no)