Hofseth reported that recently reached a major milestone by releasing the first trout into a submersible cage at Bugane in Storfjorden. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in sustainable aquaculture, as the company becomes the first to test this technology specifically on trout. While several producers along the Norwegian coast have started using submersible cages for salmon, Hofseth is leading the way by applying the same innovative approach to trout. Early observations show that the trout are thriving just as well at greater depths.
“This is an important step in improving fish health and ensuring premium product quality,” says the team at the Bugane site.
After weeks of dedicated planning and preparation, the first cage was successfully deployed. The submersible system helps mitigate sea lice issues by keeping fish below the upper water layers where lice are most prevalent, thereby enhancing both fish welfare and environmental sustainability.
The End of June
By the end of June, fish will be introduced into the last of a total of nine submersible cages at the location, demonstrating the scale and commitment of Hofseth’s investment in this technology. So far, results from submersible farming initiatives along the Norwegian coast have been promising, strengthening confidence in this approach as part of the future of aquaculture.
“So far, things are going very well, and it will be exciting to see if this turns out as well as we hope,” says Johan Amdam, site manager at Bugane.
Covering the Entire Value Chain
Hofseth was established in 2002 based on a vision that more of the fish should be processed close to where it is farmed. Since then, a seafood company that covers the entire value chain in the production of salmon and trout has been built, all within a few hours in west Norway. The company has the entire value chain in the production of salmon and trout all within few hours in west Norway. With smolt facilities in Tafjord, farming in Storfjord, a harvest plant in Ålesund, and processing plants in Valderøya, Ålesund, and Syvde.
There is a direct lineage from Hofseth‘s seafood company today back to the first aquaculture pioneers in Norway. Join us on a journey back in time before we take you forward to how Hofseth is now building upon a proud history.
In Hofseth they want to become the world`s most sustainable seafood producer, they explain. To succeed in this, they consider they must produce healthy seafood without compromising on people, the environment or fish welfare. That is why they always look for better and more sustainable ways of doing. And it is this mindset that has shaped their common culture and values.
According to them, in Hofseth they have their feet “firmly on the ground. Here, you can be yourself, and we are committed to building trust by being genuine, generous, and honest. We have a flat and inclusive structure that encourages collaboration, involvement, and community.”
To constantly try something new has been a strong motivation for the company from the very beginning, they explain. “We are forward-leaning and engaged, continuously seeking new and better solutions. We see opportunities rather than limitations and take pride in daring to challenge the established norms.”
They are aware of the responsibility they have and are committed to being a responsible actor that takes care of the fish, the people, and the environment. They strive to be honest and operate with the best intentions of all our stakeholders for today and the future, they say.
“In our organization, there is a high level of execution capability. We are motivated to get things done and achieve outstanding results. We set ambitious goals and are committed to living up to the expectations placed on us by ourselves and our surroundings. We learn from our mistakes, and together, we are strong, energetic, and fearless”, they finish.
