Mowi Scotland has announced that its salmon farm at Loch Hourn has made the transition to new larger pens. The installation of 7 x 160m pens has replaced the 12 x 120m ones. In addition, several of Mowi's farms in Scotland have been already using successfully these larger pens.
Regarding this transition, Stephen MacIntyre, Head of Environment, indicated: "The salmon farm at Loch Hourn has been well established for 30 years. During that time, it has been a successful operation from an economic, environmental, and social viewpoint. Mowi's investment in this new larger pen and net technology will ensure that the farm continues to be successful in the future as fish farming in Scotland evolves."
To clarify, the salmon company highlights as advantages the reduction of visual impacts and fish stocking densities, better predator control, and greater control of sea lice. Besides, it will improve fish health and welfare and containment systems and safety.
Since the early 90s, Norway has experienced the proliferation of these larger 160m pens. Meanwhile, Mowi Scotland has been sending cohorts of staff from farms who make the transition. Thereby, they will learn from their Norwegian counterparts.
About this, Alex Harvey, Farm Manager, explained: "Two of our staff went on an information exchange visit to Norway. The knowledge they gained there and the guidance we received from Roar Paulsen, our Production Director, helped us understand how best to prepare the pens for smolt arrival.
"One key element of which was how to present feed to a larger number of smolts. I'm delighted to say this has given the fish the best possible start. Feed uptake has been tremendous and has given us a very encouraging start to the cycle," he added.