News Feeding and Nutrition Management
Atlantic Sapphire cites rising temperatures for falling biomass

Rising water temperature will cause Atlantic Sapphire to miss its biomass target for the company’s Miami, Fla. recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility.

In a recent trading update, the Norwegian land-based aquaculture company reported that revenues for the first half of 2023 were as expected. The company also harvested a total volume of approximately 400 tons of salmon in the three months ended June 30.

“However, lower than expected biomass gain in Q3 2023 to date, primarily due to elevated farming temperatures and its consequences for overall water quality, has resulted in a lower standing biomass than earlier estimated.” a press release from the company said. Atlantic Sapphire said the standing biomass at the end of July 2023 was around 2,700 metric tons.  The company expects to achieve a lower biomass gain and revenue in H2 2023 compared to what it previously estimated.

Last October, Atlantic Sapphire also reported growing mortality rates in its Miami RAS facility

Miami is experience its hottest year. From June to July, the city had a record-breaking 46 days straight of the heat index registering upwards of 37 C. Higher water temperatures are associated with decreased fish biomass and changes in species composition.

Atlantic Sapphire said it will install more water chillers in its Miami facility “to ensure sufficient capacity at peak demand for cooling and the Company expects the temperature issue to be solved in Q3 2023.”