Escape suspected at Norcod site

The company’s suspicions were aroused after a hole was discovered in one of the cages at the site. Norcod is still attempting to establish if any fish got out and, if so, the full extent of the escape.

Norcod said that it has introduced emergency procedures and has already closed the hole. Investigations are now underway to uncover the extent of a possible escape and to find the cause of the damage.

The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries is aware of the incident and has arranged for recapture nets to be sent out.

In accordance with its emergency procedures, Norcod has also alerted emergency fishermen who are expert in recapturing escaped fish.

Norcod had several locations, mostly in the north of Norway. A few weeks ago it reported a 229% increase in revenues to NOK 69 million (£5m) but its losses were also up due to a number of issues, including exceptionally high water temperatures.

The company has also just appointed a new Production Director in Arve Olav Lervåg, former Director of Aquaculture at Norway Royal Salmon which is now part of the SalMar group.

He is due to start his new role on Sunday in what could be a difficult introduction to the business.