Høstlund named as CEO of Nordic Aquafarms

Charles Høstlund, the former head of Norway Royal Salmon (NRS), has been appointed as CEO of Nordic Aquafarms, the land-based fish farmer.

He had been chairman of Nordic Aquafarms and his elevation follows the departure of the previous CEO, Bernt Olav Røttingsnes, who had earlier indicated he wanted to step down after six years in the post.

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RSPCA Assured suspends three farms

RSPCA Assured has suspended three Scottish salmon farms from its animal welfare scheme, following allegations of animal cruelty.

Activists from campaigning group Animal Equality presented RSPCA Assured with drone footage showing that fish had been removed from the water for longer than the maximum 15 seconds allowed, causing them distress and risking suffocation.

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Partnership deal aims to improve shrimp welfare

Aquaculture software business HydroNeo and animal welfare research and development organisation FAI have signed a partnership agreement aimed at helping shrimp farmers in Asia to adopt better practices. 

FAI’s shrimp welfare assessment framework and technology will be incorporated into HydroNeo’s digital farm management mobile application. The collaboration will provide shrimp farmers with comprehensive tools to monitor and enhance shrimp welfare.

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Nordic Halibut achieves premium prices

fish cut up into small pieces

Fish farmer Nordic Halibut has reported a sound second quarter performance with a higher harvest and a near 100% superior quality rate.

The Norwegian-based company slaughtered 140 tonnes, up from 125 tonnes, during the April to June period, with an average weight of 4.5 kg but more importantly it achieved higher prices for this premium quality and popular white fish.

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Conservatives pledge cut in salmon tax

With a general election in Norway just a year away, the Conservative Party is promising big cuts to the salmon tax.

The Conservatives, known in Norway as the Høyre Party, and their more right wing allies are currently ahead of the ruling Labour-Centre Party alliance in the opinion polls. However, the gap is not huge and the salmon tax – also known as the “ground rent” tax – is not such a major issue in towns and cities away from fish farming areas.

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Grieg Seafood sets more ambitious climate targets

Grieg Seafood group has updated its climate target in order to fall in line with the 1.5 degree Paris Agreement.

The company, which is planning to significantly reduce its own carbon emissions, said the move is to help ensure the health of the planet and the future of the aquaculture industry.

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