FSA has reported two aquaculture companies

Sea lice infestation.Photo: Marit Hommedal / SCANPIX .

The Norwegian supervisory authority for plants, fish, animals and foodstuffs (FSA) has reported aqua-farming companies Måsøval and Lerøy Midt for serious lack of fish welfare.

Extensive sea lice infestation led to damage to a large number of fish in the farms. The review reports were delivered in October, but were first publicized by the FSA on Tuesday.

‘These are the most serious cases we’ve seen concerning the relationship between sea lice and fish welfare’, said FSA’s regional director, Bjørn Rothe Knutsen.

CEO of Måsøval Fisheries, Asle Rønning, told Dagens Næringsliv that it is ‘tragic and regrettable that the fish have been exposed to illnesses’.

‘Although the situation in Fjølværet was very demanding and extraordinary, this is not how we will conduct our business’, said Rønning.

CEO, Henning Beltestad, of Lerøy Seafood, wrote in a text message to Dagens Næringsliv that the company will respond to the FSA report within the deadlines that were given.

‘We are of the opinion that the company’s response will correct the impression which has been created around Lerøy Midt’s operation,’ wrote Beltestad.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today