Since the last ISA outbreak swept through the islands in 2005, the industry says it has taken numerous steps, including the stepping up the number of inspections, to ensure it is better equipped when production recovers.

“Whether or not we get a clean bill of health depends on who is issuing the bill,” Atli Gregersen, deputy chairman of the Faroese marine farmers’ association, told IntraFish.

Under a general plan to combat ISA, smolt raising facilities are checked more frequently. The virus last appeared in January 2006, Gregersen said.

Previously, outbreaks happened because regulations, routines and enforcement were deficient, with too many fish farmers in close proximity, said Gregersen.

The food safety authority on the Faroe Islands was not functioning the way it should, he said.

There are 20 marine farming areas on the Faroe Islands, which are the equivalent of Norwegian production licenses.

Each salmon company is required to have at least three marine farming areas in which to operate, in line with rules for generation-based fish farming.

Previously, marine farmers operated in every fjord or other available area, but the number of companies operating was reduced to around 20.

Stringent transport regulations are in force, meaning well-boats must travel with closed wells while fish body fluid handling rules were tightened.

Initially, Gregersen’s company, Luna, will increase production to 6,000 tons live weight, something he expects others to follow.

“No one has set any target for production, but I think everyone is aiming for a joint production of 40,000 tons, with subsequent flattening out,” he said.

With the focus on producing as low-cost as possible, companies will look at increasing production once that target is achieved, Gregersen said.

Twelve thousand tons capacity Faroe Island company, Vestlax, is up for sale and is to foreign investment.

“Capital interests that want to get involved in aquaculture must be allowed to do so.” Gregersen said. “Then it really doesn’t matter where it comes from.”

Faroe Islands targets 40,000 tons of salmon production