Norway Royal Salmon ASA (NRS) subsidiary Arctic Fish reported serious biological problems at two of its locations in Dyrafjordur, Iceland.

The total mortality rate is under assessment, but is estimated to be 1,500-2,000 metric tons of fish that was ready for market, representing around a quarter of the company's total annual harvests.

The company said all possible measures are being taken to deal with the situation effectively, including accelerating harvests from the two localities in the coming weeks.

The company said Saturday "impaired fish health" caused the losses, speculating that stress during handling and limited harvesting capacity may also have contributed.