Su stainability
“Our core value is sustainability We must take care of our environment, so future generations can have the same opportunities as we have today We farm salmon in harmony with nature, and we strive to ensure that all our activities are performed with minimum impact on the environment ”
– Atli Gregersen, Owner & CEO
Preserving the Salmon’s Environment
For decades, we have moved our s almon pens regularly to more exposed locations with stronger currents and higher waves. Today, we raise our s almon in the harshest weather conditions compared to other s almon farmers worldwide, with the strongest currents and the highest waves. This ensures optimal animal welfare, superior quality s almon and prevents seabed pollution.
At Hiddenfjord, we regularly gather water quality and seabed measurements to ensure optimal farming conditions. To guarantee the quality of the seabed, the Faroese Environment Agency performs inspections of the seabed for every production cycle.
Our s almon are raised in the most exposed sites in the world
Another vital part in protecting the s almon´s environment is the “all-in, all-out” strategy. Each production site is limited to only one generation of s almon. Between each generation, all equipment must be dismantled, thoroughly cleaned, and approved by the Food and Veterinary Agency Thereafter, sites are required to lie fallow for a minimum of two months before a new generation can be raised in the area.
S almon Should Swim, Not Fly
Air freight is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions. A 2020 report by SINTEF, an independent Norwegian research institute, shows that air freight leaves a carbon footprint approx 50 times higher than transoceanic sea freight. *
In 2020, we became the rst company in the aquaculture industry to stop distributing s almon by using air freight. A study by SINTEF shows that Hiddenfjord has reduced carbon emissions from overseas transportation by 94% as a result of switching to only sea freight.
* Depending on ight type and distance
Sustainability Through E ciency
emissions per transport type/distance:
Feed is the second-biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of s almon production, which is why we have been constantly working on reducing our Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) as much as possible To ensure that exceptional results do not signi cantly a ect the results, we report a FCR over a period of three years. From 2022 to 2024, our FCR was on average 1 19 kg feed to produce 1 kg of s almon. We use innovative feeding systems with underwater cameras, sensors, and software for monitoring the feed pellet distribution in the sh pens. This has helped us reduce feed waste to an absolute minimum.
Fish Welfare
Regulations require that the maximum density in the pens should not exceed 1 56 lb /ft3 To enhance sh welfare and to ensure that our s almon have ample room to thrive and grow, we aim to stick to our internal maximum value of 1 25 lb /ft3 at all times. We also gather regular oxygen measurements to secure optimal shwelfare. As a result, we have some of the best survival rates in the industry To ensure that exceptional results do not signi cantly a ect the results, we report a mortality rate over a period of three years. From 2022 to 2024, our sh mortality rate was on average 10.5%, compared to a global industry average of around 15%.
Sea lice are a natural part of a wild s almon’s life, but also a big problem for most s almon farmers. Since 2010, we have done signi cant research and invested heavily to increase the size of our fresh-water s almon (smolt) before moving them into pens in the ocean. The aim of this innovative project was to reduce the time with sea lice exposure As of today, we have managed to increase the smolt size from the initial 80 g to 800 g.
From 2022 to 2024, our sh mortality rate was on average 10.5%, compared to a global industry average of around 15%
In 2014, we implemented the use of lump sh in all our pens as a natural way to ght sea lice. The lump sh eat the sea lice in a natural symbiosis with the s almon. We have dedicated marine biologists and veterinarians working on lump sh welfare, e ciency and developing new strategies. This work has been both ground-breaking and highly successful, and we have initiated several research projects about lump sh that have received worldwide recognition.
Advocating for Sustainable Practices Within the Industry
In 2003, the Faroe Islands implemented one of the most comprehensive and stringent veterinarian regulatory regimes for aquaculture in the world, the Faroese Veterinarian Act on Aquaculture Hiddenfjord was the initiator and main driving force of the process that led to this new legislation. Today, we have the s afest sh production environment regarding diseases in the world.
The Faroese Veterinarian Act on Aquaculture has provided inspiration and guidance for the implementation of sustainable aquaculture standards around the world. We continue to utilise our experience in sustainable practices through ongoing active initiatives for the improvement of sustainability standards within our industry and for advocating appropriately strict, albeit not destructive, farming regulations.
In order to preserve our planet for future generations, we must take action. That is why for us, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it is a top priority in everything we do