Shetland may be a location for SalMar’s offshore farm programme

Last week SalMar, Norway’s second largest Atlantic salmon producer, took full control of its offshore subsidiary when it bought out the share owned by Aker, the Norwegian industrial investment group.

 

Now Shetland News reports that SalMar is exploring the idea of what is describes as an “exposed” salmon farm east of Shetland, and has already consulted with the local Community Council on Yell. If it came off, such a move could provide a welcome economic boost for the islanders.

 

The Norwegian government has set out three zones in its own waters for possible offshore development which it is keen to exploit. But SalMar is known to be unhappy at the pace of progress and the high taxes on the salmon industry and may see the waters off Scotland and its islands as a better option. The company put on hold a great deal of investment when the salmon tax was announced four years ago.

 

Shetland News says SalMar is collaborating with regulators on a pilot project in a zone three to 12 nautical miles off the east of Shetland.

 

Chief Financial Officer Trine Sæther Romuld told the paper that options for the potential site have not been narrowed down yet.

 

The company has already given a presentation to Yell Community Council, and more information is expected to be shared over the next few months.

 

Romuld said SalMar Aker Ocean has been exploring “international opportunities” with the north east of Scotland being one region in the company’s sights.

 

She added: “The entire eastern side of Shetland is considered prosperous for exposed aquaculture, i.e. further offshore than traditional aquaculture.

 

“We have a good dialogue with the relevant authorities, and we are in early phase of community engagement."

 

Local fishermen, however, are not happy with the idea of a large structure out at sea telling Shetland News that it could be another element of spatial squeeze along with offshore wind farms.