Hatchery production at Vevelstad obtains permit

Torghatten Aqua and Vevelstad Settefisk, owned by Aquaculture Innovation, have confirmed that the State Administrator in Nordland has approved a major investment in fish farming in Vevelstad.

According to a statement released by the Administrator, the permit applies to an annual feed consumption of up to 5,676 tons for the production of salmon fry at the Lauknes location in Vevelstad municipality.

Regarding this announcement, the General Manager of Vevelstad Settefisk, Knut Bråthen said: "Barely 500 people live in Vevelstad, and the establishment will mean a lot to the municipality. This establishment will strengthen Vevelstad's position as an innovative player in the aquaculture industry, contribute with concrete jobs, and provide an economic boost to the entire region."

Now, only a permit from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority is needed before the Nordland County Council can formally award the concession for a large hatchery.

"We plan to raise between 15 and 20 million smolts annually at Vevelstad. The fish size will vary from 150 grams to one kilogram," detailed Bråthen.

Vevelstad Settefisk plans to build the facility in 2025, which will help create between 20 and 30 new jobs.