The Faroe Islands is the perfect location for premium aquaculture:
The Faroe Islands is an isolated island group of volcanic origin located in the middle of the North Atlantic. Ice Age glaciers have carved out narrow fjords and sounds that go far inland and provide perfect conditions for effective area management and shelter when the currents and tides of the North Atlantic turn extreme. There is an excellent continuous flow of fresh seawater into the fjords and sounds that help create the ideal conditions for biological production. The fjords and sounds used for aquaculture in the Faroe Islands are located outside populated areas in stunning surroundings, providing clean and peaceful conditions for the salmon, in addition to valuable jobs for local communities.
A linked current system of cold Arctic currents from the north and warmer currents from the North Atlantic Drift (which passes directly by the Faroe Islands) meet in the heart of the Faroe Islands and creates exceptional conditions for premium aquaculture production.
In order to thrive, salmon need cool, steady sea temperatures. The mix of cold and warm currents around the Faroe Islands creates ideal conditions for salmon and is one of the main reasons why wild salmon from all over northern Europe feed in the Faroese sea territory north of the Faroe Islands. The yearly average sea temperature in the Faroe Islands varies from 8.0 - 8.5 degrees Celsius, with relatively small seasonal variations.
Average monthly sea temperatures (2006 - 2009):
To maintain fish welfare and freshness, it is imperative that the transport time from the on-growing site to the brood stock station is as short as possible. Due to the small size of the Faroe Islands (nowhere more than 5 km to the ocean), these transport times are always short, guaranteeing optimal freshness and quality. Although the Faroe Islands is located remotely in the middle of the North Atlantic, farmed salmon from the Faroe Islands can reach the US market within just 72 hours of harvesting.