October 29, 2007

Fish disease cuts production at Grieg Seafood

Although harvesting plans for 2008 has not been established, Norway's fish producer Grieg Seafood ASA said the company expects a 6.6 percent reduction in harvest next year due to fish diseases.

The reduction is expected to be in the range of 3000-4000 tonnes in 2008, from the previous level of 61,000 tonnes, down to 57,000-58,000 tonnes, a company statement said.

The company faced problems due to pancreas disease (PD)

and low dissolved oxygen levels in three out of four of its production regions during the second and third quarter this year, which led to fish deaths and delays in production.

A previously reported outbreak of PD on two sites in Rogaland, Norway, resulted in the death of about 1.2 million fish.

However, the group said the health status of the remaining fish was good and growth had returned to normal.