Chile would be on course to harvest 1.5 million tons whole Atlantic salmon equivalents in 2009, but instead production will only reach 460,000 tons, one-third of that figure, Liabo told IntraFish.

While Liabo estimates Norwegian production at 920,000 tons, he said Chile has plenty of room for improvement.

Last week, at the North Norwegian marine farming association’s annual meeting, Liabo said Chile is in the midst of a period with major disease problems.

It will take ”many years” before Chile catches up with Norway again, said Liabo.