Smolt facility proposed near recreational site in western Norway
Plans have been submitted for a 35,000-square-metre smolt facility for salmon and trout in Bjørkelia, western Norway, adjacent to a golf course and near the Jølster ski centre.
Landowners Aida Gundersen and Charles Breidvik have approached Sunnfjord municipality with a request to initiate a rezoning process, seeking to convert the land from agricultural and recreational use to commercial purposes. The proposed facility would employ recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology, with the potential integration of aquaponics.
In correspondence with the municipality, Breidvik described the site as technically suitable, noting limited conflict with existing land use. Lease agreements with both the golf club and ski centre are nearing expiry.
Sunnfjord municipality has confirmed that the project would require zoning amendments and approvals from multiple regulatory bodies. A meeting between the proponents and municipal officials is expected later in the summer.
