Salmon Industry Handbook 2017

Salmon Farming
Industry Handbook
2017
Marine Harvest Updated as of 10 May 2017

Forward-looking Statements
This handbook includes forward-looking statements that reflect Marine Harvest's current
expectations and views of future events. These forward-looking statements use terms and
phrases such as "anticipate", "should", "likely", "foresee", "believe", "estimate", "expect",
"intend", "could", "may", "project", "predict", "will" and similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements include statements related to population growth, protein

consumption, consumption of fish (including both farmed and wild), global supply and
demand for fish (and salmon in particular), aquaculture’s relationship to food consumption,
salmon harvests, demographic and pricing trends, market trends, price volatility, industry
trends and strategic initiatives, the issuance and awarding of new farming licenses,
governmental progress on regulatory change in the aquaculture industry, estimated
biomass utilization, salmonid health conditions as well as vaccines, medical treatments and
other mitigating efforts, smolt release, development of standing biomass, trends in the
seafood industry, expected research and development expenditures, business prospects
and positioning with respect to market, and the effects of any extraordinary events and
various other matters (including developments with respect to laws, regulations and
governmental policies regulating the industry and changes in accounting policies, standards
and interpretations).
The preceding list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all our forward-looking
statements. These statements are predictions based on Marine Harvest’s current estimates
or expectations about future events or future results. Actual results, level of activity,
performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements as the realization of those results, the level of activity,
performance or achievements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to changes to the price of salmon; risks related to fish feed; economic and market
risks; environmental risks; risks related to escapes; biological risks, including fish diseases
and sea lice; product risks; regulatory risks including risk related to food safety, the
aquaculture industry, processing, competition and anti-corruption; trade restriction risks;
strategic and competitive risks; and reputation risks.
All forward-looking statements included in this handbook are based on information available
at the time of its release, and Marine Harvest assumes no obligation to update any forward-
looking statement.
2 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

The Marine Harvest Salmon
Farming Industry Handbook
The purpose of this document is to give investors and financial

analysts a better insight into the salmon farming industry, and
what Marine Harvest considers to be the most important value
drivers.

Table of content
1. Introduction 5 8. Feed Production 50
8.1 Overview of feed market 51
2. Positioning of salmon 7 8.2 Relative feeding (*) 53
2.1 Seafood as part of food consumption 8 8.3 Salmon feed producers 54
2.2 Seafood as part of overall protein consumption 9 8.4 Salmon feed ingredients 55
2.3 Atlantic Salmon as part of overall protein consumption 10 8.5 Feed raw material market 57
2.4 Stagnating wild catch – growing aquaculture 11
2.5 Fish Consumption 12 9. Financial Considerations 58
2.6 Salmonids contribute 4.4% of global seafood supply 13 9.1 Working Capital 59
2.7 Considerable opportunities within aquaculture 14 9.2 Capital return analysis 62
2.8 Supply of farmed and wild salmonids 15 9.3 Currency overview 64
2.9 Salmonids harvest 2016 16 9.4 Price, cost and EBIT development in Norway 66
9.5 Effects of geographical diversification 67
3. Salmon Demand 17
3.1 Macro demand trends 18 10. Barriers to Entry – Licenses 68
3.2 A healty product 19 10.1 Regulations of fish farming in Norway 70
3.3 Resource efficient production 20 10.2 Regulations of fish farming in Scotland 75
3.4 Climate friendly production 21 10.3 Regulations of fish farming in Chile 76
3.5 Relative price development of protein products 22 10.4 Regulations of fish farming in Canada 77
4. Salmon Supply 23 11. Risk Factors 83

4.1 Total harvest of Atlantic salmon 1997-2017E 24 11.1 Salmon disease prevention and treatment 84
4.2 Diminishing growth expected going forward 25 11.2 Most serious health risks to salmon 85
4.3 Few coastlines feasible for salmon farming 26 11.3 Fish health and vaccination (Norway) 86
11.4 Research and development focus 87
5. Salmon Markets 27
5.1 Global trade flow of farmed Atlantic salmon 28 12. Indicators Determining Harvest Volumes 88
5.2 Farmed Atlantic salmon by market 29 12.1 Projecting future harvest quantities 89
5.3 Development of value vs. volume 30 12.2 Yield per smolt 90
5.4 Price neutral demand growth – historically 6-8% 31 12.3 Development in biomass during the year 91
5.5 Historic price development 32
5.6 Historic price development by local reference prices 33 13. Secondary Processing (VAP) 92
5.7 Different sizes – different prices (Norway) 34 13.1 European value-added processing (VAP) industry 94
13.2 Market segment in the EU (2016) 95
6. Industry Structure 35 13.3 The European market for smoked salmon 96
6.1 Top 5-10 players of farmed Atlantic salmon 36
6.2 Number of players in producing countries 37 Appendix 97
Weight conversion ratios and key words 98
7. Salmon Production and Cost Structure 38 Price indices vs. FOB packing plant 99
7.1 Establishing a salmon farm 39 Some historic acquisitions and divestments 100
7.2 The Atlantic salmon life/production cycle 40 Atlantic salmon production cycle 103
7.3 Influence of sea water temperature 42 Sustainability of fish feed 104
7.4 Production inputs 43 The Global Salmon Initiative & the ASC 105
7.5 Cost component – disease and mortality 45 Marine Harvest history 106
7.6 Accounting principles for biological assets 46 MHG has a leading position across the value chain 107
7.7 Economics of salmon farming 47 Marine Harvest farming 108
7.8 Cost structure for Marine Harvest in 2016 48 Marine Harvest sales network 109
7.9 Production costs for Marine Harvest in 2016 49 Marine Harvest processing facilities 110
Marine Harvest sales channels (2016) 111
Historical average foreign exchange rate 112
Sources for industry and market information 113

01
Introduction

01 Introduction
Salmon is the common name for several species of fish of the

family Salmonidae (e.g. Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon), while
other species in the family are called trout (e.g. brown trout,
seawater trout). Although several of these species are
available from both wild and farmed sources, most
commercially available Atlantic salmon is farmed. Salmon live
in the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific, as well as the Great
Lakes (North America) and other land locked lakes.
Typically, salmon are anadromous: they are born in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, then
return to fresh water to reproduce.
About 70% of the world’s salmon production is farmed. Farming takes place in large nets in
sheltered waters such as fjords or bays. Most farmed salmon come from Norway, Chile,
Scotland and Canada.
Salmon is a popular food. Salmon consumption is considered to be healthy due to its high
content of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids and it is also a good source of minerals and
vitamins.

02
Positioning of salmon

02 Positioning of salmon
2.1 Seafood as part of food consumption
Per capita Food Consumption (2011)

273
Kg per year
147
102
63
47 52
Produce Grain Dairy & Eggs Meat Sugar & Fat Other
The average human eats around 685 kg of food each year. Most of this food is produce such as vegetables,
fruits, and starchy roots. Animal protein, such as seafood, poultry, pork, and beef, amounts to just under 10%
of the total diet.
Per capita Meat Consumption (2011)

70
60
50
Kg per year
40
30
20
10
0
1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011
Other Meat Seafood Poultry Pork Beef
Meat as a food source has gradually become more important. The global per capita consumption has
almost doubled since 1961, and the seafood segment is a big contributor to this increase.
Sources: FAO/National Geographic: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/what-the-world-eats/

2.2 Seafood as part of overall protein consumption
The UN estimates that the global population will grow to approximately 9.7 billion by 2050.
Although 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by the ocean, only 6% of the protein sources for human
consumption is produced there.
Assuming consumption per capita stays constant, this implies a 35% increase in demand for protein. The UN
however, estimates that the actual demand will double. We know that resources for increased land based
protein production will be scarce, so a key question is how the production of protein sources from the sea can
be expanded.
Sources: FAO (2013); FAOstat Food Balance Sheets, United Nations population data; World Population Prospects: The
2015 Revision

2.3 Atlantic Salmon as part of overall protein
consumption
Most animal protein in our diets comes from pork, poultry, and beef, with salmon production
representing a small portion of global protein supply.
In 2016, FAO estimated a production of 118 million tonnes Carcass Weight Equivalent (CWE) of
pork, 115 million tonnes Ready to Cook Equivalent (RTC) of poultry, and 69 million tonnes CWE of
beef and veal.
In contrast, the total production of farmed Atlantic salmon was around 2 million tonnes (GWE). If we
combine both the farmed and wild catch of all salmonids it amounts to 3.6 million tonnes (GWE) in
2016.
Sources: OECD-FAO (2016) Agricultural Outlook 2016-2025, Kontali Analyse

2.4 Stagnating wild catch – growing aquaculture
Over the past few decades, there has been a considerable increase in total and per capita fish
supply. As the fastest growing animal-based food producing sector aquaculture is a major
contributor to this, and it outpaces population growth.
Great progress in breeding technology, system design and feed technology in the second half of the
twentieth century has enabled the expansion of commercially viable aquaculture across species and
in volume. In 2013-15, China alone produced 62% of global aquaculture output, while Asia as a
whole accounted for 88%.
The World Bank developed a scenario analysis in their report Fish to 2030 (2013) projecting that
aquaculture will continue to fill the supply-demand gap, and that by 2030, 62% of fish for human
consumption will come from this industry.
In 2015, aquaculture accounted for half of all fish supplies destined for direct human food
consumption. However, fish has been estimated to account for only 6% of the global protein
consumption (and about 16% of total fish and animal protein supply).
Sources: FAO (2013) World Fisheries and Aquaculture, OECD-FAO (2016) Agricultural Outlook 2016-2025, World Bank
(2013) Fish to 2030

2.5 Fish consumption
Development of global average Fish consumption per continent

fish consumption 2013-2015
Given the expected production growth of 17% during 2015–25 and the projected world population
growth of 11% over the same period, we will most likely see a global increase in the average fish
consumption level.
By 2025, per capita fish consumption is estimated to be 21.8 kg (vs. 9.9kg in the 1960s and 20.4kg in
2015). This is equivalent to another 28 million tonnes supply of seafood, which aquaculture is
estimated to provide.
According to FAO, per capita consumption is expected to increase in all continents in the period
2016-2025. Asia is expected to have the highest growth, whilst only slight growth is anticipated in
Africa. In general, per capita fish consumption is likely to grow faster in developing countries.
However, more developed economies are expected to have the highest per capita consumption.
Sources: FAO (2016); The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture OECD-FAO (2016) Agricultural Outlook 2016-2025

2.6 Salmonids contribute 4.4% of global seafood
supply
Although several of the salmon species are available from both wild and farmed sources, almost all
commercially available Atlantic salmon is farmed. Even with an increase in production of Atlantic
salmon of more than 800% since 1990, the total global supply of salmonids is still marginal compared
to most other seafood categories (4.4% of global seafood supply). Whitefish is about ten times larger
and consists of a much larger number of species.
In 2015, more Atlantic salmon was harvested than Atlantic cod and pangasius. However the harvest
of Atlantic salmon was only around 25% of two of the largest whitefish species, tilapia and Alaska
pollock.
Note: Live weight (LW) is used because different species have different conversion ratios
Source: Kontali Analyse

2.7 Considerable opportunities within aquaculture
The illustration above shows that Atlantic salmon has the highest level of industrialisation and the
lowest level of risk compared to other aquaculture species. The size of the circles indicates volume
harvested.
Although Atlantic salmon is relatively small in harvest volume compared to other species, it is a very
visible product in many markets due to the high level of industrialisation.

2.8 Supply of farmed and wild salmonids
2 400
Wild Farmed
2 200
2 000
1 800
Thousand tonnes GWE
1 600
1 400
1 200
1 000
800
600
400
200
-
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
The general supply of seafood in the world is shifting more towards aquaculture as the supply from
wild catch is stagnating in several regions and for many important species. Wild catch of salmonids
varies between 700 000 and 1 000 000 tonnes GWE, whereas farmed salmonids are increasing. The
total supply of salmonids was first dominated by farmed in 1999. Since then, the share of farmed
salmonids has increased and has become the dominant source.
The total supply of all farmed salmonids exceeded 2 million tonnes (GWE) in 2016. The same year,
the total catch volume of wild salmonids was about one third of farmed, with chum, pink and sockeye
being the most common species.
About 20% of the total wild catch of salmon is imported frozen by China (from the US, Russia and
Japan), and later re-exported as frozen fillets.

2.9 Salmonids harvest 2016
2 500
Wild Catch
2 000
Thousand tonnes GWE
Farmed
1 500
1 000
500
-
Atlantic Small Chum Pink Large Sockeye Coho Chinook
salmon trout trout
Atlantic salmon: By quantity, the largest species of salmonids. Farmed Atlantic salmon is a versatile
product, which can be used for a variety of categories such as smoked, fresh, sushi, as well as
ready-made meals. The product is present in most geographies and segments. Due to biological
constraints, seawater temperature requirements and other natural constraints, farmed salmon is only
produced in Norway, Chile, UK, North America, Faroe Islands, Ireland, New Zealand and Tasmania.
Pink: Caught in USA and Russia and used for canning, pet food and roe production. Since quality is
lower than the other species it is a less valued salmonid. The fish is small in size (1.5-1.7 kg) and is
caught over a very short time period.
Large trout: Produced in Norway, Chile and the Faroe Islands, the main markets are Japan and
Russia. Trout is mainly sold fresh, but is also used for smoked production.
Small trout: Produced in many countries and most often consumed locally as a traditional dish as
hot smoked or portion fish. Small trout is not in direct competition with Atlantic salmon.
Chum: Caught in Japan and Alaska. Most is consumed in Japan and China. In Japan, it is available
as fresh, while in China it is processed for local consumption and re-exported. Little chum is found in
the EU market. Varied quality and part of the catch is not for human consumption.
Coho: Produced in Chile and is mostly used for salted products. It is a competitor of trout and
sockeye in the red fish market. Although Russia has increased its import of this fish over the last few
years, Japan remains the largest market.
Sockeye: Caught in Russia and Alaska. It is mostly exported frozen to Japan, but some is consumed
locally in Russia and some canned in Alaska. Sockeye is seen as a high quality salmonid and is used
for salted products, sashimi and some is smoked in the EU.
Chinook/King: Small volumes, but highly valued. Alaska, Canada and New Zealand are the main
supplying countries. Most quantities are consumed locally. Chinook is more in direct competition to
Atlantic salmon than the other species and is available most of the year.

03
Salmon Demand

03 Salmon Demand
3.1 Macro demand trends
Fisheries are almost fully

exploited
Resource efficient
Increasing world
production compared to
population
other animal production
Growing middle class
Soil erosion
Healthy product
The global population is growing at an unprecedented speed, resulting in an increased global

demand for food. As the middle class is growing in large emerging markets, we especially expect
consumption of high quality proteins to increase.
The health benefits of seafood are increasingly being promoted by global health authorities, and
aquaculture is more resource efficient than agriculture.
The supply of wild fish has limited potential to meet this demand growth, and soil erosion means we
need to investigate new ways of thinking about how to feed the world.
Atlantic salmon as a healthy, resource efficient and climate friendly product from the ocean fits well
with these global trends.

03 Salmon Demand
3.2 A healthy product
Proteins: Omega-3: Vitamins: Mineral:

High quality High content Rich in D and High content
easy digestible
proteins, and of Omega- 3 B12 vitamins of iodine &
high content of fatty acids selenium
taurin
Atlantic salmon is rich in the long chain omega-3, EPA and DHA, which reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease. Data also indicates that EPA and DHA reduce the risk of a large number of
other health issues.
Salmon is nutritious, rich in micronutrients, minerals, marine omega-3 fatty acids, very high quality
protein and several vitamins, and represents an important part of a varied and healthy diet. FAO
highlights that: “Fish is a food of excellent nutritional value, providing high quality protein and a wide
variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and D, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium and
iodine in marine fish”.
The substantial library of evidence from multiple studies on nutrients present in seafood indicates
that including salmon in your diet will improve your overall nutrition, and may even yield significant
health benefits. In light of global obesity rates, governments and food and health advisory bodies
around the world are encouraging people of all ages to increase their seafood intake, with particular
focus on the consumption of oily fish, such as salmon. The U.S. Department of Health and the US
Department of Agriculture recommend an intake of at least 237 grams of seafood per week for
Americans in general. The UK National Health Service, the Norwegian Directorate of Health and
several other national health organisations, recommend eating fish at least twice a week.
Source: FAO, Marine Harvest, WHO, The Norwegian Directorate of Health (2011), Health and Human Services (2010), US
Department of Health (2016) Dietary guidelines for Americans 2015-2020

03 Salmon Demand
3.3 Resource efficient production
Protein Retention 31 % 21 % 18 % 15 %
Energy Retention 23 % 10 % 14 % 27 %
Edible Yield 68 % 46 % 52 % 41 %
Feed Convertion Ratio (FCR) 1.1 2.2 3.0 4-10
Edible Meat pr 100 kg fed 61 kg 21 kg 17 kg 4-10 kg
To optimize resource utilization it is vital to produce animal proteins in the most efficient way. Protein
resource efficiency is expressed as “Protein retention”, which is a measure of how much animal food
protein is produced per unit feed protein fed to the animal. Salmon has a protein retention of 31%,
which is the most efficient in comparison with chicken, pork, and cattle (see table above).
Energy retention is measured by dividing energy in edible parts by gross energy fed. Both cattle and
Atlantic salmon has a high energy retention compared to pork and chicken.
The main reason why salmon convert protein and energy to body muscle and weight so efficiently is
because they are cold-blooded and therefore do not have to use energy to heat their bodies. They
also do not use energy standing up like land animals.
• Edible yield is calculated by dividing edible meat by total body weight. As much as 68% of Atlantic
salmon is edible meat, while other protein sources have a higher level of waste or non-edible
meat.
• Feed conversion ratios measure how productive the different animal protein productions are. In
short, this tells us the kilograms of feed needed to increase the animal’s bodyweight by one kg.
Feed for Atlantic salmon is high in protein and energy which accounts for the feed conversion ratio
being even more favourable for Atlantic salmon than protein and energy retention when compared
with land animal protein productions.
• Edible meat per 100kg of feed fed: The combination of the FCR ratio and edible yield, gives
salmon a favourably high quantity of edible meat per kg of feed fed.
Source: Ytrestøyl T., Aas T.S., Åsgård T. (2014) Resource utilisation of Norwegian salmon farming in 2012 and 2013.
Nofima report 36/2014 pp. 35., Volden, H and N. I. Nielsen, (2011) NorFor-The Nordic feed evaluation system. Wageningen
Academic Publishers. Energy and metabolizable protein supply, www.journalofanimalscience.org, Skretting (2012)
Delivering SUSTAINABL

03 Salmon Demand
3.4 Climate friendly production
In addition to its resource efficient production, farmed

fish is also a climate friendly protein source. It is
expected to become an important solution to providing
the world with vitally important proteins while limiting
the negative effect on the environment. There is for
example less environmental impact in salmon
production compared to other protein producers.
When comparing the environmental impact of farmed

salmon to traditional meat production, the carbon
footprint for the farmed salmon is 2.9 carbon
equivalents per kilogram of edible product whilst
corresponding figures are 2.7kg and 5.9kg of edible
product for chicken and pork, respectively. Cattle’s
carbon footprint is as much as 30 carbon equivalents
per kilogram of edible product.
Freshwater is a renewable but limited natural

resource, and human activities can cause serious
damage to the surrounding environment. In Norway,
farmed Atlantic salmon requires 2,000 litres per kg of
fresh water in production which is significantly less
than other proteins.
Carbon Footprint
2.9 kg 2.7 kg 5.9 kg 30 kg
kg CO2/kg edible meat
Water Consumption
2,000 litre (1) 4,300 litre 6,000 litre 15,400 litre
litre/kg edible meat
Note: 1) The figure reflects total water footprint for farmed salmonid fillets in Scotland, in relation to weight and content of
calories, protein and fat .
Source: Marine Harvest, Mekonnen, M.M. & Hoekstra A.Y. (2010), Ytrestøyl et. al. (2014), SINTEF Report (2009) Carbon
Footprint and energy use of Norwegian seafood products, IME (2013). SARF. (2014) Scottish Aquaculture’s
Utilisation of Environmental Resources

03 Salmon Demand
3.5 Relative price development of protein products
Along with some other major food sources containing animal protein, like pork and lamb, salmon has
become relatively cheaper over the past few decades. However, recently the price of salmon has
increased more than other proteins.
Salmon has historically always been a rather expensive product in the shelves. Only lamb has had a
higher relative price.
Source: International Monetary Fund Marine Harvest

04
Salmon Supply

04 Salmon Supply
4.1 Total harvest of Atlantic salmon 1997-2017E
North
CAGR Norway Chile UK America Others Total
1997-2017E 7% 9% 3% 4% 7% 7%
2005-2017E 6% 3% 3% 3% 10 % 5%
2010-2017E 3% 22 % 2% 2% 9% 6%
Note: Figures are in thousand tonnes GWE and “Others” includes the Faroe Islands, Ireland, Tasmania, Iceland and
Russia.

04 Salmon Supply
4.2 Diminishing growth expected going forward
3 000
Growth 2016-2020E: 15 %
CAGR 3 %
2 500 Growth 2005-2016: 73 %
CAGR 5 %
Thousand tonnes GWE
2 000
1 500
1 000
500
2017E
2019E
2018E
2020E
2005
2007
2009
2010
2012
2014
2016
2006
2008
2011
2013
2015
Farmed Atlantic salmon supply World population rebased
Supply of Atlantic salmon has increased by 384% since 1995 (annual growth of 8%). The annual
growth has diminished in recent years with 5% growth in the period 2005-2016. Kontali Analyse
expects growth to diminish further going forward and has projected a 3% annual growth from 2016 to
2020.
The background for this trend is that the industry has reached a production level where biological
boundaries are being pushed. It is therefore expected that future growth can no longer be driven only
by the industry and regulators as measures are implemented to reduce its biological footprint. This
requires progress in technology, the development of improved pharmaceutical products,
implementation of non-pharmaceutical techniques, improved industry regulations and intercompany
cooperation.
Too rapid growth without these measures in place adversely impacts biological indicators, costs, and
in turn output.
Note: Marine Harvest does not provide guidance of industry supply except from guidance depicted in quarterly
presentations.
Source: Kontali Analyse, Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, World
Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision

04 Salmon Supply
4.3 Few coastlines feasible for salmon farming
The main coastal areas adopted for salmon farming are depicted on the above map. The coastlines
are within certain latitude bands on the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
A key condition is a temperature range between above zero and 18-20oC. The optimal temperature
range for salmon is between 8 and 14oC.
Salmon farming also requires a certain current to allow a flow of water through the farm. The current
must however be below a certain level to allow the fish to move freely around in the sites. Such
conditions are typically found in waters protected by archipelagos and fjords and rule out several
coastlines.
Certain biological parameters are also required to allow efficient production. The biological
conditions vary significantly within the adopted areas and are prohibitive for certain other areas.
Political willingness to permit salmon farming and to regulate the industry is also required. Licence
systems have been adopted in all areas where salmon farming is carried out.

05
Salmon Markets

05 Salmon Markets
5.1 Global trade flow of farmed Atlantic salmon
Historically, the main market for each production origin has been:
• Norway – EU, Russia and Asia
• Chile – USA, South America and Asia
• Canada – USA (west coast)
• Scotland – mainly domestic/within the UK (limited export)
Each producing region has historically focused on developing the nearby markets. As salmon is
primarily marketed as a fresh product, time and cost of transportation has driven this trend.
A relatively high price differential is therefore required to justify cross Atlantic trade as this requires
the cost of airfreight. Such trade varies from period to period and depends on arbitrage opportunities
arising from short term shortage and excess volume from the various producing countries.
The Asian market is generally shared as the transportation costs are broadly similar from all
producing regions.
Distribution of frozen salmon is much more straightforward but this category is decreasing.
Note: Figures are from 2016 and in thousand tonnes GWE. Not all markets are included in the illustration.

05 Salmon Markets
5.2 Farmed Atlantic salmon by market
Europe (incl. Russia) and North America are by far the largest markets for Atlantic salmon. However,
emerging markets are growing at significantly higher rates than these traditional markets. As all
harvested fish is sold and consumed in the market, the demand beyond 2016 is assumed equal to
supply (estimated by Kontali Analyse). The market for Atlantic salmon has on average increased by
5.7% in all markets over the last 10 years and by 7.3% over the last 20 years.

05 Salmon Markets
5.3 Development of value vs. volume
Growth 2012-2016: 72 %
CAGR 14 %
Growth 2004-2012: 128 %

CAGR 7 %
When analysing an average of the reference prices, the value of salmon sold in 2016 is almost 4
times higher than in 2004. During the same period the underlying volume has only grown by 79%
(CAGR 5%). This is a good illustration for the strong underlying demand for the product.

05 Salmon Markets
5.4 Price neutral demand growth - historically 6-8%
60 %
2016
Change in average FCA-Oslo price (EUR)
40 %
20 %
0%
-10 % -5 % 0% 5% 10 % 15 % 20 % 25 %
-20 %
-40 %
-60 %
Global supply change
Analysing the data results in a linear correlation between

Global supply Change in avg global supply and change in the Nasdaq price from
growth YOY price FCA Oslo Norway. This accounted for 84% of the annual price
development between 2000 and 2011. In 2012 and 2013
2001 15 % -25 % demand for salmon significantly overperformed.
2002 8% -3 %
2003 7% -11 % The price correlation across regional markets is generally
2004 6% 7% strong for Atlantic salmon.
2005 5% 23 %
2006 1% 23 % Growth in global supply of Atlantic salmon is estimated at
2007 10 % -21 % 157% in the period 2000-2016 (annual CAGR 6%),
varying between -4% and 22% annually. Variation in
2008 5% 1% growth rates has been the main determinant for the
2009 3% 12 % variation in prices. Annual average prices have varied
2010 -4 % 35 % between EUR 2.42 (2003) and EUR 6.61 (2016).
2011 12 % -17 %
2012 22 % -10 %
2013 2% 42 %
2014 8% -5 %
2015 5% -4 % Source: Kontali Analyse
2016 -4 % 46 %

05 Salmon Markets
5.5 Historic price development
Due to the long production cycle and the short shelf life of the fresh product (about 3 weeks), the
spot price clears on the basis of the overall price/quantity preference of customers.
As salmon is perishable and marketed fresh, all production in one period has to be consumed in the
same period. In the short term, the production level is difficult and expensive to adjust as the
planning/production cycle is three years long. Therefore, the supplied quantity is very inelastic in the
short term, while demand also shifts according to the season. This has a large effect on the price
volatility in the market.
Factors affecting market price for Atlantic salmon are:

Supply (absolute and seasonal variations)
Demand (absolute and seasonal variations)
Globalisation of the market (arbitrage opportunities between regional markets)
Presence of sales contracts reducing quantity availability for the spot market
Flexibility of market channels
Quality
Disease outbreaks
Food scares
Comparing FCA Oslo, FOB Miami and FOB Seattle, there are clear indications of a global market as
the prices correlate to a high degree.

05 Salmon Markets
5.6 Historic price development by local reference
prices
The three graphs show yearly average prices of salmon from 2000 to week 16 in 2017. As in most
commodity industries, the producers of Atlantic salmon are experiencing large volatility in the price
achieved for the product. The average price (GWE based) for Norwegian whole salmon since 2000
has been about EUR 4/kg (NOK 31.73/kg), for Chilean salmon fillet (2-3lb) USD 3.6/lb (USD 7.9/kg),
and for Canadian salmon (8-10lb) USD 2.3/lb (USD 4.5/kg). The pricing of Scottish and Faroese
salmon is linked to the price of Norwegian salmon. The price of Scottish salmon has normally gained
a premium of EUR 0.4-0.6/kg (NOK 3-5/kg) to Norwegian salmon. The price of the Faroese salmon
used to trade with a small discount versus Norwegian salmon. However, due to geopolitical events in
recent years salmon from Faroes now has a premium over Norwegian salmon in selected markets.

05 Salmon Markets
5.7 Different sizes – different prices (Norway)
The most normal market size for a salmon is 4/5 kg GWE. The reason for the different sized fish is
mainly because salmon farming is a biological production process, where the fish has different
growth cycles and the biomass represents a normal distributed size variation.
The markets for the different sizes vary, as can be seen in the above graph. The processing industry
in Europe mainly uses 3-6 kg GWE but there are niche markets for small and large fish. As these
markets are minor compared to the main market, they are easily disrupted if quantities become too
high. Generally, small fish sizes are discounted and large sized fish are sold at premium.
In Norway over the past 5 years, we have

Size distribution Norway seen a normal distribution on harvest size
35 %
around the mean of 4-5 kg (GWE), where
30 % market risk and biological risk are balanced
25 % out. Drivers behind a smaller size can for
20 % instance be disease, early harvest when
there is a need for cash flow or early harvest
15 %
to realise ongoing capacity. Larger fish (6-
10 % 7kg +) may be a result of economies of
5% scale/lower production costs, production for
0% niche markets or other market requirements.
1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 7+
Size bands in kg GWE

06
Industry Structure

06 Industry Structure
6.1 Top 5-10 players of farmed Atlantic salmon
Top 10 - Norway H.Q. Top 5 - United Kingdom* H.Q. Top 5 - North America* H.Q. Top 10 - Chile H.Q.
1 Marine Harvest 236 000 Marine Harvest 45 000 Cooke Aquaculture 56 000 Salmones Multiexport 50 000
2 Lerøy Seafood 115 700 Scottish Seafarms 28 000 Marine Harvest 43 300 Cermaq** 40 000
3 Salmar 115 600 The Scottish Salmon Co. 24 300 Cermaq** 21 000 Empresas Aquachile 39 000
4 Cermaq** 60 000 Cooke Aquaculture 21 000 Grieg Seafood 10 700 Marine Harvest 36 900
5 Grieg Seafood 40 500 Grieg Seafood 13 500 Northern Harvest 14 500 Pesquera Los Fiordos 36 000
6 Nova Sea 37 100 * * Australis Seafood 30 000
7 Nordlaks 35 000 Camanchaca 30 000
8 Sinkaberg-Hansen 29 000 Blumar 28 000
9 Norway Royal Salmon 26 800 Nova Austral 22 000
10 Alsaker Fjordbruk 26 500 Yadrán 20 000
Top 10 722 200 Top 5 131 800 Top 5 145 500 Top 10 331 900
Total 1 054 000 Total 141 700 Total 148 100 Total 454 000
Share of total 69 % Share of total 93 % Share of total 98 % Share of total 73 %
Note: All figures in tonnes GWE for 2016
* UK and North American industry are best described by top 5 producers.
** Cermaq is a fully owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation
The Marine Harvest Group represents the largest total production and produces around one quarter
of the salmon produced in Norway, and about one third of the total produced in North America and
the UK.
In Norway and Chile there are several other producers of a significant quantity of Atlantic salmon. In
Chile, several of the companies also produce other salmonids, such as coho and large trout.
Note: 2017E volumes are Marine Harvest’s guiding figures

Source: Kontali Analyse, Marine Harvest, Quarterly reports

06 Industry Structure
6.2 Number of players in producing countries
The graph shows the number of players producing 80% of the farmed salmon and trout in each
major producing country.
During the last decade the salmon farming industry has been through a period of consolidation in all
regions and this is expected to continue.
Historically, the salmon industry has been made up by many small firms. As illustrated above, this
has been the case in Norway, and to some degree in Scotland and Chile.
The higher level of fragmentation in Norway compared to Chile is the result of the Norwegian
government’s priority for decentralised structures and local ownership. In Chile the government place
fewer demands on ownership structures in order to grow the industry faster.
There are a total of 151 companies who own commercial licenses for salmon and trout in Norway,
however some of these are controlled by other companies. The total supply is produced by 98
companies (through themselves or subsidiaries).
There are approximately 1,320 commercial licenses for the on-growing of Atlantic salmon, trout
and coho in Chile. 87% of these are held by 20 companies with the 10 largest firms accounting for
70% of the total licenses. Only between 300-350 licenses are in operation.
Note: See appendix for some historical acquisitions and divestments


07
Salmon Production and Cost Structure

07 Salmon Production and Cost Structure
7.1 Establishing a salmon farm
The salmon farming production cycle is about 3 years.

During the first year of production the eggs are fertilised and
the fish is grown to approximately 100 grams in a controlled
freshwater environment.
The fish is then transported to seawater cages where it is

grown to around 4-5 kg over a period of 14-24 months. The
growth of the fish is heavily dependent on the seawater
temperatures, which vary by time of year and across regions.
When it reaches harvestable size, the fish is transported to

processing plants where it is slaughtered and gutted. Most
salmon is sold gutted on ice in a box (GWE).

7.2 The Atlantic salmon life/production cycle
10-16 months
Spawn
Brood – Parr -
Smolt
14-24 months
Transfer Growth phase

to sea in sea
Slaughtering Processing
Note: See appendix for some historical acquisitions and divestments

Source: Marine Harvest

7.2 The Atlantic salmon life/production cycle
The total freshwater production cycle takes approximately 10-16 months with the
seawater production cycle lasting around 14-24 months, giving a total cycle length
of 24-40 months. In Chile, the cycle is slightly shorter as the sea water temperatures
are more optimal with fewer fluctuations.
In autumn, the broodstock are stripped for eggs and the ova inlay takes place
between November and March. The producer can speed up the growth of the
juveniles with light manipulation which accelerates the smoltification process by up
to 6 months.
In Norway, smolts are mainly released into seawater twice a year. Harvesting is
spread evenly throughout most of the year, although most harvesting takes place in
the last quarter of the year as this is the period of best growth. During summer, the
supply to the market is significantly different to the rest of the year as the harvesting
pattern shifts to a new generation. During this time the weight dispersion between
the large and small harvested salmon is greater than the rest of the year.
After a site is harvested, the location is fallowed between 2 and 6 months before the
next generation is put to sea at the same location. Smolts may be released in the
same location with a two year cycle.

7.3 Influence of sea water temperature
The sea water temperatures vary considerably throughout the year in all production regions. While
the production countries in the northern hemisphere see low temperatures during the beginning of
the year and high temperatures in autumn varying as much as 10oC, the temperature in Chile is
more stable varying between 10oC and 14oC. Chile has the highest average temperature of 12oC,
while Ireland has 11oC and the three other regions have an average temperature of about 10oC.
As the salmon is a cold-blooded animal (ectotherm), the temperature plays an important role in its
growth rate. The optimal temperature range for Atlantic salmon is 8-14oC, illustrated by the shaded
area on the graph. Temperature is one of the most important natural competitive advantages that
Chile has compared to the other production regions as the production time there historically has
been shorter by a few months.
With high seawater temperatures, disease risk increases, and with temperatures below 0oC, mass
mortality becomes more likely, both of which cause the growth rate to fall.
Source: Marine Harvest, www.seatemperature.org

7.4 Production inputs
Eggs Smolt
There are several suppliers of eggs to the The majority of smolt are produced
industry. Aquagen AS, Fanad Fisheries Ltd, ”in-house” by vertically integrated salmon
Lakeland and Salmobreed AS are some of farmers. This production is generally for a
the most significant by quantity. Egg suppliers company’s own use, although a proportion
can tailor their production to demand by may also be sold to third parties. A smolt is
obtaining more or less fish for breeding during produced over a period of 6-12 months from
the preceding season. Production can easily the eggs being fertilised to a mature smolt
be scaled. The market for salmon eggs is with weight of 60-100 grams. There has been
international. a trend that smolts (post smolt) are increasing
in size in order to shorten the time at sea
(100-1,000 grams).

7.4 Production inputs
Labour
According to SSB the Norwegian aquaculture industry employed 6 730 full time members of staff in
2015. A Nofima report stated that 15 000 people were employed in businesses involved in activities
connected with the aquaculture industry in 2013. In total there are over 21 000 full people employed
full time either directly or indirectly by the aquaculture industry in Norway.
According to the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO), over 2 100 people are employed
in salmon production in Scotland. The Scottish Government estimates that over 8 000 jobs are
generated directly or indirectly by the aquaculture industry.
Estimates on Canadian employment say that around 14 000 people are employed in aquaculture,
where 5 800 jobs are employment on farms .Direct employment in Chilean aquaculture (including
processing) was estimated at around 30 000 people in 2014.
The Marine Harvest Group has a total of 12 717 employees in 24 countries worldwide
(31 Dec 2016).
In Norway, salaries and levels of automation are highest in the Group, while the opposite is the case
in Chile. Salaries in the UK and Canada are lower than in Norway.
Electricity
Electricity is mainly used in the earliest and last stage

in the salmon’s life cycle. To produce a good quality
smolt, production normally takes place in tanks on
land where the water temperature is regulated and/or
recirculated which requires energy (accounting for 4-
5% of smolt cost in Norway). The cost of energy
consumption will depend on the price of electricity and
the temperature. A cold winter will demand more
electricity to heat the water used in the smolt facility.
The size of the smolt will also affect the electricity
consumption as a larger smolt has a longer production
cycle in the smolt facility. When the salmon is
processed energy is consumed. However, this
depends on the level of automation (2-3% of harvest
cost in Norway).
Source: Marine Harvest, Kontali Analyse, SSB, SSPO, Government of Canada, Estudio Situación Laboral en la Industria
del Salmón”, Silvia Leiva 2014

7.5 Cost component – disease and mortality
EBIT costs per kg decline with increasing harvest weight. If fish is harvested at a lower weight than
optimal (caused by diseases for example), EBIT costs per kg will be higher.
During the production cycle, some mortality will occur. Under normal circumstances, the highest
mortality rate will be observed during the first 1-2 months after the smolt is put into seawater, while
subsequent stages of the production cycle normally have a lower mortality rate.
Elevated mortality in later months of the cycle is normally related to outbreaks of disease, treatment
of sea lice or predator attacks.
There is no strict standard for how to account for mortality in the accounts, and there is no unified
industry standard. Three alternative approaches are:
Charge all mortality to expense when it is observed
Capitalise all mortality (letting the surviving individuals carry the cost of dead individuals in the
balance sheet when harvested)
Only charge exceptional mortality to expense (mortality, which is higher than what is expected under
normal circumstances)
It is not possible to perform biological production without any mortality. By capitalising the mortality
cost, the cost of harvested fish will therefore reflect the total cost for the biomass that can be
harvested from one production cycle.

7.6 Accounting principles for biological assets
Biological assets are measured at fair value less cost to sell, unless the fair value cannot be
measured reliably.
Effective markets for the sale of live fish do not exist so the valuation of live fish implies establishment
of an estimated fair value of the fish in a hypothetical market. The calculation of the estimated fair
value is based on market prices for harvested fish and adjusted for estimated differences. The prices
are reduced for harvesting costs and freight costs to market, to arrive at a net value back to farm. The
valuation reflects the expected quality grading and size distribution. The change in estimated fair
value is recognised in profit or loss on a continuous basis, and is classified separately (not included in
the cost of the harvested biomass). On harvest, the fair value adjustment is reversed on the same
line.
The biomass valuation includes the full estimated fair value of fish at and above harvest size (4 kg
LW). For fish between 1 kg and 4 kg LW a relative share of future value is included. In the best fair
value estimate for fish below 1 kg, smolt and broodstock is considered to be accumulated cost. The
valuation is completed for each business unit and is based on biomass in the sea for each sea water
site. The fair value reflects the expected market price. The market price is derived from a variety of
sources, normally a combination of achieved prices last month and the most recent contract entered
into. For Marine Harvest Norway, quoted forward prices (Fish Pool) are also included in the
calculation.
Operational EBIT
Operational EBIT and other operational results are reported based on the realised costs of harvested
volume and do not include the fair value adjustments on biomass.

7.7 Economics of salmon farming
The salmon farming industry is capital intensive and volatile. This is a result of a long production
cycle, a fragmented industry, market conditions and a biological production process which is affected
by many external factors.
Over time, production costs have been reduced and productivity has increased as new technology
and techniques have improved. In recent years, costs have trended upwards due to several factors
including rising feed costs, biological costs and more stringent regulatory compliance procedures.
Reported revenues: Revenues are a gross figure; they can include invoiced freight from reference
place (e.g. FCA Oslo) to customer, and have discounts, commissions and credits deducted. Reported
revenues can also include revenues from trading activity, sales of by-products, insurance
compensation, gain/loss on sale of assets etc.
Price: Reported prices are normally stated in the terms of a specific reference price e.g. the Nasdaq
price for Norway (FCA Oslo) and UB price for Chile (FOB Miami). Reference prices do not reflect
freight, and other sales reducing items mentioned above. Reference prices are for one specific
product (Nasdaq price = sales price per kg head on gutted fish packed fresh in a standard box). Sales
of other products (frozen products, fresh fillets and portions) will cause deviation in the achieved
prices vs. reference price. Reference prices are for superior quality fish, while achieved prices are for
a mix of qualities, including downgrades. Reference prices are spot prices, while most companies will
have a mix of spot and contract sales in their portfolio.
Quantity: Reported quantity can take many forms. Quantity harvested = Fish harvested in a specific
period in a standardized term; e.g. Gutted Weight Equivalent (GWE), which is the same weight
measure as Head-on-Gutted (HOG), or Whole Fish Equivalent (WFE), the difference being gutting
loss. Quantity sold can be reported using different weight scales:
• Kg sold in product weight.
• Kg sold converted to standard weight unit (GWE or WFE).
• Quantity sold could also include traded quantity.

7.8 Cost structure for Marine Harvest in 2016

7.9 Production costs for Marine Harvest in 2016
The figures below illustrate the main cost components and their relative importance in the farming of
salmon in the four biggest regions. The cost level is chosen for illustration purposes.
Norway (NOK) Canada (CAD) Scotland (GBP) Chile (USD)

Feed 15.20 2.44 1.56 1.96
Primary processing 2.76 0.47 0.29 0.50
Smolt 2.91 0.58 0.42 0.67
Salary 2.00 0.51 0.22 0.25
Maintenance 1.18 0.21 0.16 0.23
Well boat 1.06 0.18 0.19 0.26
Depreciation 1.00 0.25 0.19 0.23
Sales & Marketing 0.30 0.01 0.04 0.02
Mortality 0.71 0.00 0.12 0.03
Other 6.36 1.11 0.81 1.44
Total* 33.49 5.77 4.00 5.58
Feed: As in all animal production, feed makes up the largest share of the total cost. The variation in
costs between the countries is based on somewhat different inputs to the feed, logistics and the feed
conversion ratio.
Smolt: Smolt production is done in two different ways; in closed/re-circulated systems in tanks on
land or in lakes. The smolt is produced in fresh water until it weighs around 100g and is placed in
sea water. The UK has the highest costs as there has been low scale production in both land based
systems and tanks. Chile has historically used lakes for this production and has had cheap labour,
while in Norway there has been a shift from production in lakes to large scale production in land-
based systems.
Salary: Salary levels differ between the production regions but in general the salary cost is low as
automated production means the cost of labour cost is a minor part of the total cost.
Well boat/processing: Transportation costs of live fish, slaughtering, processing and packing are all
heavily dependent on quantity, logistics and automation.
Other operational costs: Other costs include direct and indirect costs, administration, insurance,
biological costs (excluding mortality), etc.

08
Feed Production

08 Feed Production
8.1 Overview of feed market
The global production of manufactured feed was around 1,026 million tonnes in 2016. The majority is
used for land living animals, where more than 90% is used in the farming of poultry, pig and
ruminants. Only 4%, or 39.9 million tonnes, of the global production of manufactured feed was used
in aquatic farming.
Most aquatic feed produced globally is used for carp as this is the predominant fish species. Feed for
salmonids only accounts for 11% of the total production of aquatic feed.

08 Feed Production
8.1 Overview of feed market
Global production of feed to salmonids 2016

6%
11 %
Atlantic Salmon
Large Trout
Pacific Salmon
83 %
Atlantic salmon is the most farmed species of salmonids and is therefore the largest consumer of
salmonid feed.
Most of the feed used in farming of salmonids is produced close to where it is farmed. Norway used 46%
of the global feed directed towards the salmonid segment in 2016 and Chile used 28%.

08 Feed Production
8.2 Relative feeding (*)
Relative feeding - seasonal profile

35 %
30 % Norway
25 %
Chile
% of biomass
20 %
UK
15 %
10 % North America
5%
0%
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
The production of feed around the world varies as there are large deviations in sea
temperature. Norway has the largest seasonality in production. The low season is from
February to April, the high season is from July to September, with mid season in between.
Production in the low season can be as low as only 30% of the high season. Feed is
considered a perishable product with a shelf life normally up to a maximum of one year. As the
turnover of feed is usually high the shelf life is not considered an issue in large operations.
*Relative feeding: (Feed sold or fed during a month) / (Biomass per primo in month)

08 Feed Production
8.3 Salmon feed producers
During the last decade, the salmonid feed industry has become increasingly consolidated. Since 2008,
there three producers have controlled the majority of the salmon feed output; Skretting (subsidiary of
Nutreco which has been acquired by SHV), EWOS and BioMar (subsidiary of Schouw). The companies
all operate globally.
In mid-2014, Marine Harvest began production of feed from its new feed plant. The plant produced
310,242 tonnes in 2016 compared to a global salmonid feed production of around 3.7 million tonnes.
Marine Harvest’s market share has more than doubled between the end of 2014 to 2015.
The major cost elements when producing salmonid feed are the raw materials required and production
costs.
The feed producers have historically operated on cost-plus contracts, leaving the exposure of raw
material prices with the aquaculture companies.
Source: Kontali Analyse, Marine Harvest

08 Feed Production
8.4 Salmon feed ingredients
Typical feeding patterns throughout the growth cycle
Growth intervals 0.1 – 0.2 kg 0.2 – 1 kg 1 – 2 kg 2 – 3 kg 3 – 4 kg 4 – 5 kg

Feed consumption
(Norway) 0.08 kg 0.75 kg 1.00 kg 1.05 kg 1.10 kg 1.20 kg
Time, months 2 4 4 3 2 2
Atlantic salmon feeds should provide proteins, energy and essential nutrients to ensure high muscle
growth, energy metabolism and good health. Historically, the two most important ingredients in fish feed
have been fish meal and fish oil. The use of these two marine raw materials in feed production has been
reduced and replaced with ingredients such as soy, sunflower, wheat, corn, beans, peas, poultry by-
products (in Chile and Canada) and rapeseed oil. This substitution is mainly due to heavy constraints on
the availability of fish meal and fish oil.
Atlantic salmon have specific nutrient requirements for amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and
other lipid- and water soluble components. These essential nutrients can in principle be provided by the
range of different raw materials listed above. Fish meal and other raw materials of animal origin have a
more complete amino acid profile and generally have a higher protein concentration compared to
proteins of vegetable origin. As long as the fish receives the amino acid it needs it will grow and be
healthy and the composition of its muscle protein is the same irrespective of the feed protein source.
Consequently, feeding salmon with non-marine protein sources results in a net production of marine fish
protein.
During the industry’s early phases, salmon feed was moist (high water content) with high levels of
marine protein (60%) and low levels of fat/oil (10%). In the 1990s, the feed typically consisted of 45%
protein, made up mostly of marine protein. Today, the marine protein level is lower due to cost
optimisation and the availability of fish meal. However, the most interesting development has been the
increasingly higher inclusion of fat. This has been possible through technological development and
extruded feeds.
Source: www.nifes.no, Holtermann

08 Feed Production
8.4 Salmon feed ingredients
Feed and feeding strategies aim to grow a healthy fish fast at the lowest possible cost.
Standard feeds are designed to give the lowest possible production cost rather than
maximised growth. Premium diets formulated for the best growth rate are being used in
situations where the difference between sales price and production cost make these diets
profitable.
Feeding control systems are used at all farms to control and optimise feeding. The feeding
is monitored for each net pen to ensure that the fish is fed to maximise growth (measured
by the Relative Growth Index - RGI). At the same time the systems ensure that feeding is
stopped immediately when the maximum feed intake has been provided to prevent feed
waste. The fastest growing fish typically also have the best (i.e. lowest) feed conversion
ratio (FCR).

08 Feed Production
8.5 Feed raw material market
Fish oil: Since 2009 fish oil prices have steadily increased. The average price of fish oil was about USD
2 200 per tonne in 2016.
Fish meal: Fish meal has also seen an increasing trend in price. On average, fish meal has been more
expensive, but over the last couple of years fish oil has surpassed fish meal on price.
Rapeseed oil: Up until 2011, rapeseed oil and fish oil had a correlating price development. However, in
the last few years there has been a decreasing trend in the price of rapeseed oil.
Soy meal: Soy and corn have traditionally been very important vegetable protein sources in fish feed. As
a consequence of demand from China increasing faster than the increase in soy production and more
corn used for energy purposes, the price for soy meal (and other vegetable proteins) has increased.
Parallel to this, there has been an increase in genetic modified (GM) production of soy and corn. Non-
GM products have been sold with a premium making them more expensive. The average price in 2016
was USD 504 per tonnes.
Wheat: Prices for wheat have remained stable over the years with generally good production and
supply/demand in balance.
Source: Holtermann

09
Financial Considerations

09 Financial Considerations
9.1 Working capital
The long production cycle of salmon requires a significant working capital in the form of biomass.
Working capital investments are required to cater for organic growth, as a larger “pipeline” of fish is
needed to facilitate larger quantities of harvest. On average, a net working capital investment of
approximately EUR 2.2 is required to be invested the year prior to obtaining an increase in harvest
volume of 1 kg. This requirement has increased over time, and fluctuates with variations in exchange
currencies.
Net working capital varies during the year. Growth of salmon is heavily impacted by changing seawater
temperatures. Salmon grows at a higher pace during summer/autumn and more slowly during
winter/spring when the water is colder. As the harvest pattern is relatively constant during the year, this
leads to a large seasonal variation in net working capital. Studies have shown that a variation of between
EUR 0.2-0.4 per kg harvest volume should be expected from peak to bottom within a year. For a global
operator, net working capital normally peaks around year end and bottoms around mid-summer.

9.1 Working capital
Harvest month
Sales price EUR 5/kg
For illustration purposes, the farming process has been divided into three stages of 12 months. The
first 12 month period is production from egg to finished smolt. After this, 24 months of on-growing in
the sea follows. After the on-growing phase is over, harvest takes place immediately (illustrated as
“Month 37”). In a steady state there will at all times be three different generations at different stages
in their life cycle. Capital expenditure is assumed equal to depreciation for illustration purposes. The
working capital effects are shown above on a net basis excluding effects from accounts receivables
and accounts payables.
At the point of harvest there have been costs to produce the fish for up to 36 months, some costs to
produce the smolt two years ago, further costs incurred to grow the fish in seawater and some costs
incurred related to harvest (”Month 37”). Sales price should cover the costs and provide a profit
margin (represented by the green rectangle).
Cash cost in the period when the fish is harvested is not large compared to sales income, creating a
high net cash flow. If production going forward (next generations) follows the same pattern, most of
the cash flow will be reinvested into salmon at various growth stages. If the company wishes to grow
its future output, the following generations need to be larger requiring even more of the cash flow to
be reinvested in working capital.
This is a rolling process and requires substantial amounts of working capital to be tied up, both in a
steady state and especially when increasing production
Source: Marine Harvest, Norges Bank

9.1 Working capital
The illustration above shows how capital requirements develop when production/biomass is being
built from ”scratch”. In phase 1, there is only one generation (G) of fish produced and the capital
requirement is the production cost of the fish. In phase 2, the next generation is also put into
production, while the on-growing of G1 continues, rapidly increasing the capital invested. In phase 3,
G1 has reached its last stage, G2 is in its on-growing phase and G3 has begun to increase its cost
base.
At the end of phase 3, the harvest starts for G1, reducing the capital tied-up, but the next
generations are building up their cost base. If each generation is equally large and everything else is
in a steady state, the capital requirement would have peaked at the end of phase 3. With a growing
production, the capital requirement will also increase after phase 3 as long as the next generation is
larger than the previous (if not, the capital base is reduced). We see that salmon farming is a capital
intensive industry.
To equip a grow-out facility you need cages (steel or plastic), mooring, nets, cameras, feed
barge/automats and boats.

9.2 Capital return analysis
Investments and payback time (Norway) - assumptions
Normal site consisting of 4 licenses
Equipment investment: MEUR 3.5 - 4.5

Number of licenses: 4
License cost (second hand market) MEUR: 28 - 40 (~MEUR 7 - 10 per license)
Output per generation: ~4 000 tonnes GWE
Number of smolt released: 1 000 000
Smolt cost per unit: EUR 1

Feed price per kg: EUR 1.3 (LW)
Economic feed conversion ratio (FCR): 1.2 (to Live Weight)
Conversion rate from Live Weight to GWE: 0.84
Harvest and processing incl. well boat cost per kg (GWE): EUR 0.4
Average harvest weight (GWE): 4.5kg

Mortality in sea: 10%
Sales price: EUR 5/kg
To increase capacity there are many regulations to fulfil.
In this model, we focus on a new company entering the industry and have used only one site for
simplicity. Most companies use several sites concurrently, which enables economies of scale and
makes the production more flexible and often less costly.
Also for simplicity, in this model smolts are bought externally. Smolts are usually less costly to
produce internally, but this depends on production quantity.
The performance of the fish is affected by numerous factors including feeding regime, sea water
temperature, disease, oxygen level in water, smolt quality, etc.
The sales price reflects the average sales price from Norway over the last five years.
Source: Marine Harvest, Kontali Analyse, Norges Bank

9.2 Capital return analysis
Results
Because of the simplifications in the model and the low, non-optimal production regime, production
costs are higher than the industry average. Due to high entry barriers in terms of capital needs and
falling production costs with quantity, new companies in salmon production will experience higher
average production costs. During the production of each harvest the working capital needed at this
farm, given the assumptions, would be peaking at around MEUR 8.8 (given that the whole harvest is
harvested at the same time).
With a sales price at the average level in the period 2012-2016, payback time for the original
investments would be around 9 years. This result is very sensitive to sales price, license cost and
economic feed conversion ratio (FCR).
The sales price of EUR 5/kg is based on the average price in Norway in the 5-year period 2012-
2016.

9.3 Currency overview
Norwegian exposure vs foreign currency
Exporters deal in the traded currency, while the customer has an exposure to both. For example a
Russian processor trades salmon in USD, but they sell their products in the local currency, rubles
(RUB).
Most Norwegian producers are exposed to currency fluctuations as the majority of the salmon they
produce is exported. Most of the salmon is exported to countries within the EU and traded in EUR.
The second largest traded currency is USD. Some players in countries in Eastern Europe, the
Middle East and some Asian countries prefer to trade salmon in USD rather than in local currency.
The price of salmon quoted in traded currency will compete with other imported goods, while the
price of salmon quoted in local currency will compete with the price to consumers of products that
are produced domestically.
There is a currency risk involved in operating in different currencies, and therefore many of the
largest industry players hedge currencies often with back-to-back contracts. The currency risk
arising from salmon sales denominated in the traded currency is usually absorbed by the exporter,
while the currency risk in local currency is absorbed by the customer.
Source: Kontali

9.3 Currency overview
Exposure against local currency – Developments 2012-2016(1)
Europe is the largest market for Norwegian produced salmon, so EUR is the predominant currency
for Norwegian salmon producers. Russia is an important salmon market, however, due to the trade
sanctions the exposure to the Russian RUB is limited. Other markets have therefore recently
increased its direct exposure.
Key markets for Chilean produced salmon are the USA and Brazil, so exposure to USD and BRL
(Brazilian real) in local currency terms is followed closely. The exposure to RUB has increased over
the years as the Russian market has become more important for Chilean exporters.
Feed production: Currency exposure

The raw materials required to produce feed is as a rule of thumb quoted in USD (approx 70%) and
EUR (approx 30%), based on long term average exchange rates. The raw materials generally
account for 85% of the cost of producing feed. The remaining costs, including margin for the feed
producer, are quoted in local currency.
Secondary Processing: Currency exposure

The biggest market for value added products is Europe, hence the vast majority of currency flows
are denominated in EUR, both on the revenue and cost side. In the US and Asian processing
markets currency flows are denominated largely by USD and EUR on the revenue side whilst costs
are denominated in USD, EUR and local currency.
Source: Kontali
Note: (1) The table shows exposure against local currency weighted against total exports

9.4 Price, cost and EBIT development in Norway
Norwegian profitability over time

7
4
EUR
-1
1993
1994
1996
1999
2001
2002
2004
2005
2007
2008
2010
2013
2015
2016
1995
1997
1998
2000
2003
2006
2009
2011
2012
2014
EBIT/kg Price/kg GWE Cost/kg GWE
A falling trend in the price of salmon from 1993-2004 was due to supply growth being higher than the
structural growth in demand.
As a result of the cost benefits of industrialisation, consolidation and economies of scale, combined
with improvements in the regulatory framework and fish health improvements, the cost curve also
had a falling trend in this period.
In the last decade product innovation, category management, long term supply contracts, effective
logistics and transportation has stimulated strong demand growth for salmon, in particular in the
European markets. In recent years, costs have trended upwards due to several factors including
rising feed costs, biological costs and more stringent regulatory compliance procedures.
The average EBIT per kg for the Norwegian industry has been positive with the exception of a few
shorter periods. The last 10 years it has been EUR 1.1 per kg in nominal terms (EUR 1.2 per kg the
last 5 years).
Source: Kontali Analyse, Norges Bank, Bloomberg, NOK has been converted to EUR using the historical yearly foreign
exchange rate found in the Appendix

9.5 Effects of geographical diversification
The illustration above depicts Marine Harvest’s performance across different countries over the last
5 years. In all regions, the biological risk is high and this impacts cost significantly from period to
period. The variance in EBIT per kg is high, however, the geographic specific risk can be diversified
with production across regions.
Source: From 2012 to 2014 has NOK been converted to EUR using the historical yearly foreign exchange rate found in the
Appendix

10
Barriers to Entry - Licenses

10 Barriers to Entry – Licenses
Due to biological constraints, seawater temperature

requirements and other natural constraints, farmed salmon is
only produced in Norway, Chile, UK, the Faroe Islands,
Ireland, North America, New Zealand and Tasmania.
Atlantic salmon farming began on an experimental level in the

1960s but became an industry in Norway in the 1980s and in
Chile in the 1990s.
In all salmon producing regions, the relevant authorities have a

licensing regime in place. In order to operate a salmon farm, a
license is the key prerequisite. The licenses constrain the
maximum production for each company and the industry as a
whole. The license regime varies across jurisdictions.

10.1 Regulations of fish farming in Norway
License and location

Fish farming companies in Norway are subject to a large number of regulations. The Aquaculture Act
(17 June 2005) and the Food Safety Act (19 December 2003) are the two most important laws, and
there are detailed provisions set out in several regulations which emanated from them.
In Norway, a salmon farming license allows salmon farming either in freshwater (smolt/fingeling
production) or in the sea. The number of licenses for Atlantic salmon and trout in sea water was
limited to 990 licenses in 2016. Such limitations do not apply for licenses in fresh water (smolt
production), which can be applied for at any time. Farming licenses in sea water can use up to four
farming sites (six sites are allowed when all sites are connected with the same licenses). This
increases the capacity and efficiency of the sites.
New licenses in the sea are awarded by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and
are administered by the Directorate of Fisheries. Licenses can be sold and pledged, and legal
security is registered in the Aquaculture Register. Since 1982, new licenses have been awarded only
in limited years. In 2013, Norwegian authorities announced a plan to issue 45 new “green” licenses.
These were awarded in 2014 and Marine Harvest Norway AS was granted one license. Licenses last
in perpetuity, but may be withdrawn in case of a material breach of conditions set out in the license or
in the aquaculture or environmental legislation.
The production limitations in Norway are regulated as "maximum allowed biomass" (MAB), which is
the defined maximum volume of fish a company can hold at sea at all times. In general, one license
sets a MAB of 780 tons (945 tons in the counties of Troms and Finnmark). The sum of the MAB
permitted by all the licenses held in each region is the farming company's total allowed biomass in
this region. In addition, each production site has its own MAB and the total amount of fish at each site
must be less than this set limit. Generally, sites have a MAB of between 2.340 and 4.680 tons.
The Norwegian Government announced revised aquaculture regulations in January 2017 with the
intention of securing sustainable growth of the industry. As the parliament decided in 2015, the coast
is divided into 13 areas of production. Possible future growth or reduction will be based on the level of
sea lice in an area. The new areas will be implemented on 1 October 2017, and there will be an
opportunity to increase the production from that point depending on the level of sea lice. Any
reduction in production capacity will not be imposed before 2019. If the criteria for growth are
satisfied, the production areas may grow by a maximum of 6% per every two years.

Access to licenses
Until November 2015, an industry player had to apply for approval from the Government if they got
control of more than 15% of the total licenced biomass in Norway. Such approval could be given if
specific terms regarding the applicant’s R&D activity, fish processing and apprenticeships in coastal
regions were met. This act on ownership limitation was removed in November 2015 but it is still the
case that no one company in the industry can control more than 50% of the total biomass in any of
the regions of the Directorate of Fisheries.
The figure below depicts an example of the regulatory framework in Norway for one company:
• Number of licenses for a defined area: 5

- Biomass threshold per license: 780 tonnes live weight (LW)
- Maximum biomass at any time: 3,900 tonnes (LW)
• Number of sites allocated is 3 (each with a specific biomass cap)
In order to optimise the production and harvest quantity over the generations of salmon, the
license holder can operate within the threshold of the three sites as long as the total biomass in
sea never exceeds 3,900 tonnes (LW).
• There are also biomass limitations on the individual production sites. The biomass limitation varies
from site to site and is determined by the carrying capacity of the site.
Maximum
GEOGRAPHICAL biomass at
AREA any time 3,900
tonnes
(5 licenses)
Site 1
- Allowance for use of 2 licenses Site 2
- Max 1,560 tonnes - Allowance for use of 5 license
- Max 3,900 tonnes
Site 3
- Allowance for use of 4 licenses
- Max 3,120 tonnes

The graph above shows the harvest per license in Number of grow-out sea water
2016 for the Norwegian industry as a whole and for licenses for salmon and trout in
the largest listed companies. The graph is organized Norway:
by highest harvest quantity.
 2007: 929
Because of the regulation of standing biomass  2008: 916
(maximum allowed biomass - MAB) per licence (780  2009: 988
tonnes LW), the production capacity per licence is  2010: 991
limited. Annual harvest quantity per license in
Norway is currently at about 1 200 tonnes GWE.  2011: 990
Larger players typically have better flexibility to  2012: 963
maximise output per license which means that the  2013: 959
average harvest figure for the industry as a whole is
lower than the figure for the largest companies.  2014: 973
 2015: 974
 2016: 990
Source: Marine Harvest, Quarterly reports Q4-16, Directorate of Fisheries

Estimated MAB-utilisation in Norway 2005-2017E

1 000 000
900 000
800 000
Tonnes WFE
700 000
600 000
500 000
Total Biomass - Atlantic salmon and trout
400 000
Total MAB capacity (assessed for commercial use)
300 000
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Jul
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017E
The maximum production of each industry player is set by the company’s total MAB. However, the
production varies due to productivity, fish health, sea temperature and other conditions. The total
production of salmon and trout in Norway has increased over recent years. New “green” licenses(1) j,
have also been introduced and represent an increase of approximately 4.5% in the total product.
In June 2015 the Norwegian Government announced a five percent growth opportunity for all
existing licenses. There were strict conditions attached to the offer, and the maximum sea lice level
was set to an average of 0.2 sea lice per fish. The growth opportunity was priced at NOK 1 million
per license. Marine Harvest applied for 22 licences, all for sites in Agder and Troms.
In 2017 the total MAB capacity is expected to gradually increase mainly due to the implementation of
previously announced green licenses and gradual approvals of development license applications.

Note: The primary aim of the new “green” licenses is to stimulate the use of environmentally friendly technology for
commercial use

Closed production in sea
Marine Harvest has applied for licenses for three different systems for closed production in the sea. The Egg
(A) is 44 meters high and 33 meters wide, and 90% of the structure will be underwater. The Marine Donut (B)
is 22,000 m3 with high circulation. Salmon farming in rebuilt bulkships (C) with 70 000 m3 fish tank volume, is
designed for more open waters.
Land-based Sheltered Exposed Open sea
In November 2015 the Norwegian Government announced a new category of licence. Development
licenses are intended to motivate investment into new farming technologies. Development licences
allocated are free of charge for up to 15 years. After that if the project is carried out in line with the
set criteria, the licences could be converted into commercial licences at a cost of NOK 10 million.
By 1 May 2017, 56 concept applications had been submitted, out of which three have been
approved and 11 denied. The concepts mainly vary in their exposure to the sea, open vs. closed
structure, and between submerged and unsubmerged solutions.
So far Marine Harvest has applied for four different projects with a total of 34 licences. So far The
Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries has decided that “The Egg” and “Marine Donut” concepts qualify
for the development license scheme.
Source: Directorate of Fisheries

10.2 Regulations of fish farming in Scotland

In Scotland, instead of a formal license, permission is required from three institutions before setting up a fish
farming site; Planning Permission from local regional Council, a Marine Licence from Marine Scotland and a
discharge license from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Maximum Allowed Biomass (MAB)
for individual sites is determined based on the environmental concerns, namely the capacity of the local marine
environment to accommodate the fish farm. As a consequence, MAB for salmon farms is not uniform and varies
between 100 tons to 2,500 tons depending on site characteristics and its geographic location.
Access to licenses
In Scotland it is legal to trade licenses and although no restriction on number is given, there is a limit on
production quantity ascribed to any one company. This limit is determined by the Competition Commission
Authorities. Licensing aquaculture operations in the UK is currently in a transitory state; all new applications
require planning application for permission to operate, as long as SEPA and Marine Scotland consent. The
granting of the planning permission is aligned to the Crown Estate lease for a 25 year period. All existing fish
farm leases without planning permission in Scotland are currently undergoing a review process which will
transfer them from the Crown Estate to local regional councils who will automatically grant a 25 year lease. Sites
with Planning Permission are not required to go through this review process.
The environmental license can be revoked in cases of significant and long-term non-compliance.
Most existing licenses are automatically renewed at the end of their lease period.
New license applications take around 6-12 months for the planning permission and around 4-6 months for the
environmental discharge license. Expansion of existing facilities is the most efficient route in terms of cost and
time, whilst brand new sites will take longer and have to go through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
process. The environmental license is charged annually at around GBP 9 000, whilst the standing rent is levied
to the Crown Estate on the basis of production levels as follows: GBP 22.50 per tonne harvested for Mainland
sites; GBP 20.50 per tonne for Western Isles sites; GBP 1 000 annual charge if no harvesting; GBP 2 000
annual charge if dormant. However a year on year increase to the dormancy charge is being introduced to
encourage the use of dormant sites. The applications are also charged at GBP 174 per 0.1 hectare of farm area,
while the environmental license costs GBP 4 000 for a new site.

10.3 Regulations of fish farming in Chile

In Chile the licensing is based on two authorisations. The first authorisation is required to
operate an aquaculture facility and specifies certain technical requirements. It is issued by
the Fishery Sub Secretary (Economy Ministry) and is granted for an unlimited time and can
be traded. From August 2016 a time limit has been set and licenses must be used or they
will expire. The second authorisation relates to the physical area which may be operated (or
permission to use national sea areas for aquaculture production). This is issued by the Sub
Secretary of the Navy (Defence Ministry). The use of the license is restricted to a specific
geographic area, to defined species, and to a specified limit of production or stocking
density. The production and stocking density limit is specified in a Environmental and
Sanitary Resolution for the issued license and according to new regulations issued during
2016, density may depend on production, sanitary and environmental conditions. For
Atlantic salmon, density ranges from 8 to 17 kg/m3
.
Access to licenses
The trading of licenses in Chile is regulated by the General Law on Fisheries and
Aquaculture (LGPA), in charge of Ministry of Economy and Defense. Aquaculture activities
are subject to different governmental authorisations depending on whether they
are developed in private fresh water inland facilities (i.e. hatcheries) or in facilities built on
public assets such as lakes or rivers (freshwater licenses) or at sea (sea water licenses).
To operate a private freshwater aquaculture facility requires ownership of the water use
rights and holding of environmental permits. Environmental permits are issued when
operators demonstrate that their facilities comply with the applicable environmental
regulations.
Licenses for aquaculture activities in lakes, rivers and seawater are granted based on an
application, which must contain a description of the proposed operations, including a plan for
complying with environmental and other applicable regulations. Licenses granted after April
2010 are granted for 25 years and are renewable for additional 25-year terms. Licenses
granted before April 2010 were granted for indefinite periods. License holders must begin
operation within one year of receiving a license and once the operation has started, the
Chile license holder cannot stop or suspend production for a period exceeding two consecutive
years. Subject to certain exceptions, license holders must maintain minimum operational
levels of not less than 5% of the yearly production specified in the RCA (Resolución de
Calificación Ambiental). Until August 2016, all licenses not used could be kept by the holder
if they prepared an official Sanitary Management Plan. Now however operations must begin
within a time frame of 3-4 years or the license will expire.
License holders must pay annual license fees to the Chilean government and may sell or
rent their license. At the moment, no new licenses will be granted in the most concentrated
regions, Regions X, XI, and XII (Chile is made up of 15 administrative regions).

10.4 Regulations of fish farming in BC, Canada
License and location: British Columbia

In British Columbia, authorisation is required at both Federal and Provincial level to operate a marine
fish farm site. The Federal Government regulates the activity and operations of aquaculture and the
Provincial Government administers the Crown lands where fish farms are located. The Province
grants a tenure license to occupy an area of the ocean associated with the individual fish farming site.
A tenure area encompasses the rearing pens, ancillary infrastructure and moorings. Individual site
tenures have a specific timeline ranging from five to twenty years. The term of tenure is based upon
the provincial policy at the time of offer. In 2017, the annual fee for a typical 30 hectares tenure is
$12,600 cad. This rental fee is calculated based on the tenure size and a provincially indexed land
value. Each tenure license contains a renewal provision once expired. It is uncommon for a tenure to
not be renewed, however breaches to a tenure agreement can fetter the renewal processes.
The Federal Government grants an Aquaculture License that incorporates several conditions which a
farm must observe. The Aquaculture license conditions are linked and conform to The Federal
Fisheries Act. Aquaculture license conditions regulate production parameters including the species
being farmed, the Maximum Allowable Biomass (MAB) on the site, the use of rearing equipment and
the allowable environmental impact. Production or “MAB” is specific to each Aquaculture licensed
facility. Smaller farms are typically licensed for 2,200mt. MAB with larger capacity facilities licensed to
produce 5,000 mt. per cycle. Since December 2016, Federal Licenses are issued for a six year
period. The annual Federal Aquaculture License fee is calculated at $2.55 cad per licensed metric ton
of MAB for operational sites - facilities that are fallow pay a $100 CAD licensing fee. All Aquaculture
licenses are renewable but may be lost or suspended for non-compliance issues and non-payment of
fees.

10.4 Regulations of fish farming in BC, Canada
Access to licenses: British Columbia

All acquisitions of authorisations and licenses require consultation with First Nations and local
stakeholders. The time taken to acquire licenses for a new farm varies from one to several years. The
cost for preparing a new site license application can range from $200,000 - $300,000 cad. Recently
the Provincial government instituted a moratorium on new site applications but has allowed existing
sites to amend their tenure size and infrastructure based on specific conditions. Companies can still
obtain new tenures by relocating existing tenures to locations “more suitable for safety or matters of
public interest.” The Federal Government has harmonized its licensing process with the Province and
offers amendments to existing licenses in lieu of new licenses.
Provincial tenures and Federal licenses can be assigned to a different operator through a government
assignment process. A company may transfer licenses to another company providing the rationales
for the assignment are supported by the government processes. Several licenses and tenures have
been transferred by companies in British Columbia siting changes to species production, distance to
market, processing or company ownership.

10.4 Regulations of fish farming in Newfoundland,
Canada
License and location: Newfoundland

The Provincial government is the primary regulator and leasing authority in Newfoundland. The
Province regulates the activity and operations of aquaculture, and administers the Crown lands where
fish farms are located. The Department of Environment and Conservation grants a Lease for
Aquaculture to occupy an area of the land/ocean associated with the individual fish farming site.
They also issue a Water Use License/Permit that authorises the producer to install and operate the
facility in the water. A Lease for Aquaculture encompasses the rearing pens, ancillary infrastructure
and moorings. Individual site leases are typically granted for 50 years. In 2017, the annual fee for
typical 30 hectares tenure is $8/ha cad. The fee is reviewed every five years and may increase (at
that time) at a value not to exceed 100%. Leases must be used for aquaculture at least once every 2
years. The Water Use License/Permit remains in force as long as the site is issued an Aquaculture
License, provided the proponent meets all conditions listed in the permit. There is a one-time fee for
this of $400 cad, and annual fees for water use of $1,000 cad.
The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Provincial Government) grants an annual Aquaculture
License that incorporates several conditions which a farm must observe. In 2017, the annual fee is
$145/ha cad. Conditions are linked to the Aquaculture Code of Containment (Newfoundland) and all
Federal regulations as listed below. The Aquaculture License also stipulates conditions for fish
transfer through the Aquatic Animal Health Division, and prescribes specific Bay Management Areas
Agreements for the South Coast of Newfoundland. Annual statistics are reported as part of the
renewal process. Production or “MAB” is specific to each licensed facility as per the original
application submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Farms are typically licensed
for 2,500 to 5,000 mt. per cycle. All Aquaculture licenses are renewable but may be lost or
suspended for non-compliance issues and non-payment of fees.
There are fees for government wharfs set at $2,000 cad/wharf/year.

10.4 Regulations of fish farming in Newfoundland,
Canada
The Federal Government is responsible for navigation, disease prevention affecting international
trade, and the environment under the Fisheries Act, Navigable Waters Act, Health of Animals Act and
the National Aquaculture Activities Regulation (AAR). The AAR allows an operator to deposit BOD
matter (feed, faeces and biofouling organisms), registered drugs and pest control products (eg.
SLICE). There are threshold limits for BOD and mandatory reporting for the deposit of BOD (benthic
waste footprint), drugs and pest control products. Transport Canada (Federal) issues a 5-year
Navigable Waters Protection Act approval for each site, provided there are no concerns for marine
traffic/transportation.
Access to licenses: Newfoundland

Proponents must submit an “Aquaculture Licensing Process for Sea Cage Sites” application to the
Newfoundland Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DFA) for each new or acquired marine site.
Application fees are $150 for new sites, and $200 dollars for acquired sites. The DFA refers the
applicants’ information to all other agencies. It takes about nine months to transition an existing site
to a new owner, and approximately one year for a new application. This includes obtaining an
Aquaculture License; Water Use License, Crown Lease and Navigable Protection Act approval. The
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Federal) also reviews the applications to ensure that the site
would meet AAR and Fisheries Act requirements. In addition, a formal Risk Assessment is
completed with respect to the National Code on Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms by
the proponent and the Introductions and Transfers Committee (both Federal and Provincial).
Consultation with local residents, towns, development groups and commercial/recreational fishermen
is required. The cost for preparing a new site license application is estimated at $80,000 - $120,000
cad.
Applicants can apply for a one year “Site Hold” to the DFA. This allows the proponent to complete
the necessary work to submit a full application. There is a $1,000 fee for this. All new sites of the
same company must be 1 km apart, 5 km if sites are operated by different companies.
Provincial approvals can be assigned to a different operator through a government assignment

process. A company may transfer licenses to another company providing the rationales for the
assignment are supported by the government processes.

10.4 Regulations of fish farming in New Brunswick,
Canada
License and location: New Brunswick

The Provincial government is the primary regulator and leasing authority in New Brunswick. The
Province regulates the activity and operations of aquaculture, and administers the Crown lands where
fish farms are located. The Department of Natural Resources grants a Marine Aquaculture Lease to
occupy an area of the ocean associated with the individual fish farming site. The Marine Aquaculture
Lease encompasses the rearing pens, ancillary infrastructure and moorings. Individual site leases are
typically granted for 20 years. In 2017, the annual fee is $250/ha cad. Leases are subject to the
provisions of the provincial Aquaculture Act. The Department of Environment issues a Marine Finfish
Aquaculture Approval to Operate that oversees production and harvest activities, waste
management, chemical storage, environmental quality limits (benthic performance thresholds),
infrastructure integrity, and reporting. The approval is typically issued for three years.
The Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (Provincial Government) grants a 3-year
Commercial Aquaculture License that incorporates several conditions which a farm must observe. In
2017, the annual fee is $50/year cad. Conditions are linked to the Aquaculture Act and all applicable
federal/provincial legislation. The Commercial Aquaculture License also stipulates conditions for fish
transfer through the Aquatic Animal Health Division, and prescribes specific Aquaculture Bay
Management Areas. Annual statistics are reported as part of the renewal process. Production or
“MAB” is specific to each licensed facility as per the original application submitted to the Department
of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. Farms are typically licensed for 270,000 to 350,000 fish
per cycle. All Commercial Aquaculture Licenses are renewable but may be lost or suspended for
non-compliance issues and non-payment of fees.

10.4 Regulations of fish farming in New Brunswick,
Canada
The Federal Government is responsible for navigation, disease prevention affecting international
trade, and the environment under the Fisheries Act, Navigable Waters Act, Health of Animals Act and
the National Aquaculture Activities Regulation (AAR). The AAR allows an operator to deposit BOD
matter (feed, faeces and biofouling organisms), registered drugs and pest control products (example,
SLICE). There are threshold limits for BOD and mandatory reporting for the deposit of BOD (benthic
waste footprint), drugs and pest control products. Transport Canada (Federal) issues a 5-year
Navigable Waters Protection Act approval for each site, provided there are no concerns for marine
traffic/transportation.
Access to licenses: New Brunswick

Companies must submit an Aquaculture License Application for Marine Sites to the Department of
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (New Brunswick) for each new or acquired marine site. The
DAAF refers the applicants’ information to all other agencies. It takes about nine months to transition
an existing site to a new owner, and approximately one year for a new application. This includes
obtaining a Commercial Aquaculture License; Approval to Operate, Marine Aquaculture Lease and
Navigable Protection Act approval. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Federal) also reviews
the applications to ensure that the site would meet AAR and Fisheries Act requirements. Fees are
$10 cad for lease applications. Consultation with local residents, towns, development groups and
commercial/recreational fishermen is required. The cost for preparing a new site license application
ranges from $80,000 - $120,000 cad.
Provincial approvals can be assigned to a different operator through a government assignment

process. A company may transfer licenses to another company providing the rationales for the
assignment are supported by the government processes.

11
Risk Factors

11 Risk Factors
11.1 Salmon disease prevention and treatment
Maximising survival and maintaining healthy fish stocks are primarily

achieved through good husbandry and health management practices
and policies. Such practices, in addition, reduce exposure to pathogens
and the risk of health challenges. The success of good health
management practices has been demonstrated on many occasions and
has contributed to an overall improvement in the survival of farmed
salmonids.
Fish health management plans, veterinary health plans, biosecurity plans, risk mitigation plans,
contingency plans, disinfection procedures, surveillance schemes as well as coordinated and
synchronised zone/area management approaches, all support healthy stocks with emphasis on
disease prevention.
Prevention of many diseases is achieved through vaccination at an early stage and while the
salmon are in freshwater. Vaccines are widely used commercially to reduce the risk of health
challenges. With the introduction of vaccines a considerable number of bacterial health issues
have been effectively controlled, with the additional benefit that the quantity of medicine
prescribed in the industry has been reduced.
In some instances however medicinal treatment is required to maximize the chance of survival
and even the best managed farms may use medicines from time to time. For several viral
diseases, no effective vaccines are currently available.

11 Risk Factors
11.2 Most serious health risks to salmon
Sea lice: There are several species of sea lice, which are naturally occurring seawater parasites.
They can infect the salmon skin and if not controlled they can cause lesions and secondary infection.
Sea lice are controlled through good husbandry and management practices, the use of lice
prevention barriers (eg. skirts), cleaner fish (different wrasse species and lumpsuckers, which eat the
lice off the salmon), mechanical removal systems and when necessary licensed medicines.
Pancreas Disease (PD): PD is caused by the Salmonid Alphavirus and is present in Europe. It is a
contagious virus that can cause reduced appetite, muscle and pancreas lesions, lethargy, and if not
appropriately managed, elevated mortality. PD affects Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in seawater
and control is achieved mainly by management and mitigation practices. Combined with these
measures, vaccination is also used where PD represents a risk and which provides some additional
level of protection.
Salmonid Rickettsial Septicaemia (SRS):SRS is caused by an intracellular bacteria. It occurs

mainly in Chile but has also been observed, but to a much lesser extent, in Norway, Ireland and the
UK. It causes lethargy, appetite loss and can result in elevated mortality. SRS is to some extent
controlled by vaccination, but medicinal intervention (licensed antibiotics) may also be required.
Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN):IPN is caused by the IPN virus and is widely reported. It is a
contagious virus that can cause mortality if not managed appropriately. IPN can affect Atlantic salmon
fry, smolts and larger fish post-transfer. Available vaccines can protect against IPN and good results
are obtained by optimizing husbandry and biosecurity measures. In addition, using IPN resistant fish
(QTL-based fish selection) has contributed significantly to reducing the incidence of IPN. .
Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI): HSMI is currently reported in Norway and
Scotland. Symptoms of HSMI are reduced appetite, abnormal behaviour and in most cases low
mortality. HSMI generally affects fish in their first year in seawater and control is achieved mainly by
good husbandry and management practices.
Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA): ISA is caused by the ISA virus and is widely reported. It is a
contagious disease that causes lethargy, anaemia and may lead to significant mortality in seawater if
not appropriately managed. Control of an ISA outbreak is achieved through culling or harvesting of
affected fish in addition to other biosecurity and mitigation measures. Vaccines are available and in
use in areas where ISA is considered to represent a risk.
Gill Disease (GD): GD is a general term used to describe gill conditions occurring in seawater. The
changes may be caused by different infectious agents; amoeba, virus or bacteria, as well as
environmental factors including algae or jelly-fish blooms. Little is known about the cause of many of
the gill conditions and to what extent infectious or environmental factors are primary or secondary
causes of disease.

11 Risk Factors
11.3 Fish health and vaccination (Norway)
The increase in production of Atlantic salmon in Norway in the 1980s resulted in an increase
of disease outbreaks. In the absence of effective vaccines, the use of antibiotics reached a maximum
of almost 50 tonnes in 1987. With the introduction of effective vaccines against the main health
challenges at that time, the quantities of antibiotics used in the industry declined significantly to less
than 1.4 tonnes by 1994 and has since then continued to be very low. These developments, along
with the introduction of more strict biosecurity and health management strategies, allowed for further
expansion of the industry and an increase in production.
During the last two decades there has been a general stabilisation of mortality in Norway, Scotland
and Canada, which has been achieved principally through good husbandry, management practices
and vaccination. The trend in Chile in recent years stems from infection pressure from SRS in the
industry and insufficient protection offered by today’s vaccines against SRS.
Source: Kontali Analyse, Norsk medisinaldepot, Norwegian Institute of Public Health

11 Risk Factors
11.4 Research and development focus
Fish Welfare and Robustness • Development of cost effective, sustainable

• Development of better solutions for and healthy salmon diets which ensure
prevention and control of infectious production of robust fish
diseases • Identify the best harvesting methods, fillet
• Minimization of production-related yield optimisation and the most efficient
disorders transport and packaging solutions
• Optimisation of smolt quality • Net solutions and antifouling strategies
Product Quality and Safety Footprint

• Continuously develop better technological • Validate and implement novel methods for
solutions for optimised processing, sea lice control
packaging and storage of products, while • Reduce dependence on medicines and
maintaining a consistent high quality. limit the discharge of medicinal residues
• Escape management and control
New Growth • ASC implementation; Undertake R&D
• Development of methods to reduce projects that will facilitate and make ASC
production time at sea implementation more effective
• Production in exposed areas
• Production in closed sea-going units
Production Efficiency
According to Zacco (Norwegian patenting office), the rate of patenting in the salmon farming industry
has grown rapidly in the last two decades. Considerable R&D is undertaken in several areas and the
most important developments have been seen in the feed and vaccine sectors, carried out by large
global players. In this industry the majority of producers are small and do not have the capital to
undertake and supervise major R&D activities. This is expected to change as consolidation of the
industry continues.
Smolt, on-growing production and processing

The technology used in these phases can be bought ”off the shelf” and very few patents are granted.
Technology and producers are becoming increasingly more advanced and skilled.

12
Indicators Determining Harvest Volumes

12 Indicators Determining Harvest Volumes
12.1 Projecting future harvest quantities
Standing Biomass
Source of information: Kontali Analyse
Feed Sales Smolt Release

Source of information: Source of information:
Feed companies Producing companies
Seawater Disease
Vaccine Sales
Temperature Outbreaks Source of
Source of information:
Source of information:
information: Media, e.g. ScanVacc
Meteorological institutes
Barentswatch
The three most important indicators for future harvest quantities are standing biomass, feed sales
and smolt release. These three are good indicators for medium term and long term harvest, while the
best short term indicator is standing biomass categorized by size. As harvested size is normally
above 4 kg, the available quantity of this size class is therefore the best estimate of short term supply.
If no actual numbers on smolt releases are available, vaccine sales could be a good indicator of
number of smolt releases and when the smolt is put to sea. This is a good indicator on long term
harvest as it takes up to 2 years before the fish is harvested after smolt release.
Variation in seawater temperature can materially impact the length of the production cycle. A warmer
winter can for example increase harvest quantities for the relevant year, partly at the expense of the
subsequent year.
Disease outbreaks can also impact the harvest quantity due to mortality and slowdown of growth.

12.2 Yield per smolt
5,5
5,0
Kg fish (GWE) / smolt released
4,5
4,0
3,5
3,0
2,5
2,0
1,5
1,0
01G 02G 03G 04G 05G 06G 07G 08G 09G 10G 11G 12G 13G 14G 15GE
Generation
Norway Chile UK Faroe Islands North America
Yield per smolt is an important indicator of production efficiency. Due to the falling cost curve and the
discounted price of small fish, the economic optimal harvest weight is in the area of 4-5 kg (GWE).
The number of harvested kilograms yielded from each smolt is impacted by diseases, mortality,
temperatures, growth attributes and commercial decisions.
The average yield per smolt in Norway is estimated at 3.36 kg (GWE) for the 15 Generation.
Since 2010, the Chilean salmon industry has been rebuilding its biomass after the depletion caused
by the ISA crisis which began in 2007. In 2010/11, the Chilean salmon industry showed a very good
performance on fish harvested due to the low density of production (improved yield per smolt). In line
with the increased density, biological indicators have deteriorated significantly in 2012-14. Average
yield per smolt for 15G is estimated at 2.89 kg (GWE).
Average yield in the UK, North America and Faroe Islands for 15G is estimated at 2.98kg, 4,43kg and
4.89kg, respectively.
Source: Kontali Analyse, Marine Harvest

12.3 Development in biomass during the year
Due to variations in sea water temperature during the year, the total standing biomass in Europe has
a S-curve, which is at its lowest in May and at its peak in October. The Norwegian industry is focused
on minimising the natural fluctuations as license constraints put a limit to how much biomass can be
in sea at the peak of the year.
In Chile the situation is different due to more stable seawater temperatures and opposite seasons
(being in the Southern hemisphere). A more steady water temperature allows the possibility of
releasing smolts during the whole year and gives a more uniform utilisation of the facilities. The
relatively low standing biomass in Chile from March 2016 is due to the impact of an algae bloom.

13
Secondary Processing (VAP)

13 Secondary Processing (VAP)
In processing we distinguish between primary and secondary

processing.
Primary processing is slaughtering and gutting. This is the

point in the value chain at which standard price indexes for
farmed salmon are set.
Secondary processing is filleting, fillet trimming, portioning,

producing different cuts like cutlets, smoking, making ready
meals or Packing with Modified Atmosphere (MAP).
Products that have been secondary processed are called

value-added products (VAP).

13.1 European value-added processing (VAP) industry
• A total value of > EUR 25 billion
• Employees > 135,000
• Extremely fragmented – more than 4,000

companies Fish
66%
Others
• About 50% of all companies have less than 20 19%
employees
Shellfish
• Traditionally the EBIT-margins have been and
between 2% and 5% mussels
15%
• The average company employs 33 people and

has a turnover of EUR 4.2 million
The seafood industry in Europe is fragmented with more

than 4,000 players. Most of the companies are fairly
small, but there are also several companies of significant
size involved in the secondary processing industry:
Marine Harvest, Icelandic Group, Young’s Seafood,
Deutsche See, Caladero, Royal Greenland, Labeyrie,
and Lerøy Seafood.
Most of the largest players are basing their processing on

Atlantic salmon, producing smoked salmon, portions or
ready meals with different packing techniques such as
vacuum or modified atmosphere (MAP).
Consumers are willing to pay for quality and value added.

This means that we are expecting to see an increase in
demand for convenience products such as ready-to-cook
fish, together with a packing trend towards MAP as this
maintains the freshness of the product longer for than
fish sold in bulk.

13.2 Market segment in the EU (2016)
In the EU, around 70% of the Atlantic salmon supply went to retailers and approximately the
same share was sold fresh. Of the different products, fillets have the largest market share of
45% followed by smoked. Other VAP consists of all value added processed products, except
smoked salmon.

Note: Horeca = Hotel, restaurants and café (or establishments which prepare and serve food and beverages)

13.3 The European market for smoked salmon
Smoked salmon is the most common secondary processed product based on Atlantic salmon.
The European market for smoked salmon was estimated to be 323,100 tonnes GWE in 2016,
with Germany and France the largest markets. The amount of raw material needed for this level
of production was around 340,900 tonnes GWE.
European smoked salmon producers (2016E)

The ten largest producers of smoked salmon in Europe are estimated to have a joint market
share of more than 60%. The production is mainly carried out in Poland, France, the UK, the
Baltic states and the Netherlands.
Marine Harvest has its smoked salmon production in Poland (Morpol), UK (Rosyth), France
(Kritsen) and Belgium (La Couronne), and its main markets are Germany, France, Italy and
Belgium. After the acquisition of Morpol in 2013, Marine Harvest became the largest producer
of smoked salmon. Labeyrie is the second largest and sells most of its products to France, and
has also significant sales to the UK, Spain, Italy and Belgium.
Estimated Annual Raw Material - Tonnes HOG

70 - 90 000 20 - 40 000 10 - 20 000 5 - 10 000
MH Consumer Products Labeyrie (FR-UK) Norvelita (LT) Martiko (ES)
(PL-FR-UK) Lerøy (NL-SE-NO) Mer Alliance (FR) Friedrichs (DE)
Suempol (PL) Neptune Intnl. (DE)
Delpeyrat (FR) Intermarché (FR)
Young's Seafood (UK) Foppen (NL)
Ubago (ES)

Appendix
In this appendix you can find explanation of key words, as well as
information about the Marine Harvest group such as key financial
numbers and the company’s history together with information about our
upstream and downstream operations.

Appendix
Weight conversion ratios and key words
Atlantic salmon
Live fish 100%
Loss of blood/starving 7%
Harvest weight / Round bled fish (WFE) 93%
Offal 9%
Gutted fish, approx. (GWE) 84%
Head, approx. 7%
Head off, gutted 77%
Fillet (skin on) 56 - 64 %
C-trim (skin on) 60%
Fillet (skin off) 47 - 56 %
Net weight: Weight of a product at any stage (GWE, fillet, portions). Only the
weight of the fish part of the product (excl. ice or packaging), but
including other ingredients in VAP
Primary processing: Gutted Weight Equivalent (GWE) / Head on Gutted (HOG)
Secondary processing: Any value added processing beyond GWE
Biomass: The total weight of live fish, where number of fish is multiplied
by an average weight
Ensilage: Salmon waste from processing with added acid
BFCR: IB feed stock + feed purchase – UB feed stock

Kg produced – weight on smolt release
EFCR: IB feed stock + feed purchase – UB feed stock

Kg produced – mortality in Kg – weight on smolt release
Price Notifications: Nasdaq (FCA Oslo) - Head on gutted from Norway (4-5 kg)
FOB Miami - fillets from Chile (2-3 lb)
FOB Seattle - whole fish from Canada (8-10 lb)

Appendix
Price indices vs. FOB packing plant
Several price indices for salmon are publicly available. The two most important providers of such statistics for
Norwegian salmon are Nasdaq/Fish Pool and Statistics Norway (SSB). Urner Barry in the US provides a
reference price for Chilean salmon in Miami and Canadian salmon in Seattle.
In Norway the price is found by deducting freight costs from the farm to Oslo and the terminal cost from the
Nasdaq price (~0.70 NOK). If using the SSB custom statistics, you need to adjust for freight to border, duty and
taxes, and for quality and contract sales to get the achieved spot price back to producer. The average difference
between SSB price and FCA Oslo is ~1 NOK, which gives the average difference between SSB price and back
to plant at NOK 2.00 (historically this difference fluctuates from week to week and will normally fall in the range
of -2 to +4).
Calculating Urner Barry – Chilean fillets, back to GWE plant is more extensive. It is necessary to use UB prices
for both 2/3lb and 3/4lb and adjust for quantity share, market handling (4 cent), and market commission (4.5%).
In addition there are some adjustments which vary over time; premium fish share (~92%), reduced price on
downgraded fish (~30%), airfreight (~USD 1.50/kg) and GWE to fillet yield (~70%).
*10 year Average difference between SSB and return to packing plant
Source: Fishpool, Nasdaq, SSB, Norwegian Seafood Council, Urner Barry, Kontali Analyse

Appendix
Some historic acquisitions and divestments
In Norway there have been ’countless’ mergers between companies over the last decade.
The list below only shows some of the larger ones in transaction value. In Scotland
consolidation has also been very frequent. In Chile there has been limited activity over the
last two years. However, several companies have been listed on the Santiago Stock
Exchange. Canada’s industry has been extensively consolidated with a few large players
and some small companies.
See table on the next page.

Norway
1999 Hydro Seafoods - Sold from Norsk Hydro to 2005 Skjervøyfisk - Sold to Nordlaks 2009 65 new licenses granted
Nutreco Aquaculture
2001 Gjølaks - Sold to PanFish 2006 Fossen AS - Sold to Lerøy Seafood Group 2010 Espevær Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Bremnes Fryseri
2001 Vest Laks - Sold to Austevoll Havfiske 2006 Marine Harvest N.V. - Acquired by Pan Fish 2010 AL Nordsjø - Sold to Alsaker Fjordbruk
ASA
2001 Torris Products - Sold from Torris to Seafarm 2006 Fjord Seafood ASA. - Acquired by Pan Fish 2010 Nord Senja Fiskeindustri - Sold to Norway Royal
Invest ASA Salmon
2001 Gjølanger Havbruk - Sold to Aqua Farms 2006 Marine Harvest Finnmark - Sold from Marine 2010 Marøy Salmon - Sold to Blom Fiskeoppdrett
Harvest to
Volden Group
2001 Alf Lone - Sold to Sjøtroll 2006 Troika Seafarms/North Salmon - Sold to Villa 2010 Fjord Drift - Sold to Tombre Fiskeanlegg
Gruppen
2001 Sandvoll Havbruk - Sold to Nutreco Aquaculture 2006 Aakvik - Sold to Hydrotech 2010 Hennco Laks - Sold to Haugland Group
2001 Fosen Edelfisk - Sold to Salmar 2006 Hydrotech - Sold to Lerøy Seafood Group 2010 Raumagruppen - Sold to Salmar
2001 Langsteinfisk - Sold to Salmar 2006 Senja Sjøfarm - Sold to Salmar ASA 2010 Stettefisk / Marius Eikremsvik - Sold to Salmar
2001 Tveit Gård - Sold to Alsaker Fjordbruk 2006 Halsa Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Salmar ASA 2010 Lund Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Vikna Sjøfarm
(Salmonor)
2001 Petter Laks - Sold to Senja Sjøfarm 2006 Langfjordlaks - Sold to Mainstream 2011 R. Lernes - Sold to Måsøval Fiskeoppdrett
2001 Kråkøyfisk - Sold to Salmar 2006 Polarlaks - Sold to Mainstream 2011 Erfjord Stamfisk - Sold to Grieg Seafood
2002 Amulaks - Sold to Follalaks 2007 Veststar - Sold to Lerøy Seafood Group 2011 Jøkelfjord Laks - Sold to Morpol
2002 Kvamsdal Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Rong Laks 2007 Volden Group - Sold to Grieg Seafood 2011 Krifo Havbruk - Sold to Salmar
2002 Matland Fisk - Sold to Bolaks 2007 Artic Seafood Troms - Sold to Salmar ASA 2011 Straume Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Marine Harvest
Norway
2002 Sanden Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Aqua Farms 2007 Arctic Seafood - Sold to Mainstream 2011 Bringsvor Laks - Sold to Salmar
2002 Ørsnes Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Aqua Farms 2007 Fiskekultur - Sold to Haugland Group 2011 Nordfjord Havbruk - Changed name to Nordfjord
Laks
2002 Toftøysund Laks - Sold to Alsaker Fjordbruk 2007 UFO Laks - Sold to Haugland Group 2011 Villa Miljølaks - Sold to Salmar
2003 Nye Midnor - Sold from Sparebank1 MidtNorge 2007 Anton Misund - Sold to Rauma Gruppen 2011 Karma Havbruk - Sold to E. Karstensen
to Fiskeoppdrett
Lerøy Seafood Group (50%) and Marø Havbruk (50 %)
2003 Ishavslaks - Sold to Aurora to Volden Group 2007 Mico Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Rauma Gruppen 2012 Skottneslaks - Sold to Eidsfjord Laks
2003 Loden Laks - Sold to Grieg Seafood 2008 Hamneidet - Sold to Eidsfjord Sjøfarm 2012 Villa Arctic - 10 licenses, etc. sold to Salmar
2003 Finnmark Seafood - Sold to Follalaks 2008 Misundfisk - Sold to Lerøy Seafood Group 2012 Pundslett Laks - Sold to Nordlaks Holding
2003 Ullsfjord Fisk - Sold to Nordlaks 2008 Henden Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Salmar ASA 2012 Strømsnes Akvakultur – Sold to Blom
Fiskeoppdrett
2003 Henningsværfisk - Sold to Nordlaks 2008 AS Tri - Sold to Norway Royal Salmon (NRS) 2012 Ilsvåg Matfisk – Sold to Bremnes Seashore
2004 Flatanger Akva - Sold to Salmar 2008 Feøy Fiskeopprett - Sold to Norway Royal 2013 Morpol – sold to Marine Harvest
Salmon
2004 Naustdal Fiskefarm/Bremanger Fiskefarm - Sold 2008 Salmo Arctica - Sold to Norway Royal Salmon 2013 Villa Organic – 47,8% of shares sold to Lerøy
to Seafood Group
Firda Sjøfarm
2004 Fjordfisk - Sold to Firda Sjøfarm 2008 Åmøy Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Norway Royal 2013 Villa Organic – 50,4% of shares sold to SalMar
Salmon
2004 Snekvik Salmon - Sold to Lerøy Seafood Group 2008 Nor Seafood - Sold to Norway Royal Salmon 2013 Salmus Akva - Sold to Nova Sea
2004 Aure Havbruk / M. Ulfsnes - Sold from Sjøfor to 2008 Altafjord Laks - Sold to Norway Royal Salmon 2014 Skarven (Sømna Fiskeoppdrett and Vik
Salmar Fiskeoppdrett) -
Sold to Nova Sea
2005 Follalaks - Sold to Cermaq 2008 Lerøy Seafood Group - Purchased by 2014 Cermaq – sold to Mitsubishi
Austevoll Seafood
2005 Aqua Farms - Sold to PanFish 2009 Skjærgårdsfisk - Sold to Lingalaks 2015 EWOS - 2 licenses, sold to Bolaks
2005 Aurora Salmon (Part of company) - Sold from 2009 Brilliant Fiskeoppdrett - Sold to Norway Royal 2015 Senja Akvakultursenter - Sold to Lerøy Aurora
DNB Salmon
Nor to Lerøy Seafood Group
2005 Marine Harvest Bolga - Sold to Seafarm Invest 2009 Polarlaks II - Sold to Nova Sea 2016 Fjordlaks Aqua - Sold to Hofseth International
and Yokohama Reito
2005 Aurora Salmon (Part of company) - Sold from 2009 Fjordfarm - Sold to Blom Fiskeoppdrett 2017 Midt-Norsk Havbruk - Sold to NTS ASA
DNB
Nor to Polarlaks
2005 Sjølaks - Sold from Marine Farms 2009 Fyllingsnes Fisk - Sold to Eide Fjordbruk
to Northern Lights Salmon
2005 Bolstad Fjordbruk - Sold to Haugland Group 2009 Salaks merged with Rølaks


Appendix
Atlantic salmon production cycle

Appendix
Sustainability of fish feed
Over the last two decades, there has been a global trend of growing awareness about the economic, social and
environmental aspects of optimal use of fishery by-products, and of the importance of reducing discards.
Nowadays, more and more by-products are being used in feed, and a growing percentage of fishmeal is being
obtained from trimmings and other residues from the preparation of fish fillets.
According to the UN, 7 million tonnes of wild catch are destroyed or discarded as non-commercial harvest
annually by commercial fisheries. This figure could have been converted into an annual fish oil quantity of 0.5
million tonnes, i.e. close to 80% of the tonnage used in salmon and trout farming (UN, 2010).
In FAO’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report (2014) it states that in 2012, more than 86% of world
fish production was utilised for direct human consumption. The remaining 14% was destined for non-food uses,
of which 75% was reduced to fishmeal and fish oil. Although the FAO encourages using more fish directly for
human consumption, they are of the opinion that it is more efficient, in a protein-hungry world, to harvest the
unmarketable species for animal feed, subsequently consumed by man, than to not harvest the fish at all.
Nonetheless, we have seen a significant decline in the use of fish meal and fish oil in salmon feed due to
changes in recipes. While fish meal and fish oil have traditionally been the main ingredients, with reduced
availability and increased prices, it is now common practice to substitute these with cheaper and more readily
available non-marine raw materials. Fish meal protein is being substituted with plant proteins, such as soya
concentrates and sunflower meal or with poultry by-products, such as feather meal (not used in Europe).
A report from Nofima (Ytrestøyl et. al., 2014) shows that the average Norwegian salmon diet in 1990 contained
65% fish meal and 24% fish oil and that this had reduced to 19% and 11% respectively in 2013. Holtermann has
estimated the same numbers to be 17% and 9% in 2014. At these low levels, salmon farming is a net producer
of marine protein, in others words more fish protein is produced than what is used to make the feed.
Substitution of marine raw materials has not been found to have any negative effect on growth, susceptibility to
disease, or quality of the fish as long as the fish’s own nutrient requirements are being covered. The downward
trend in the use of marine ingredients continues and with the ability of Atlantic salmon to utilise alternative feed
ingredients, lack of feed raw materials should not be a threat to the growth of the industry. However, there will
be increased competition for the best quality raw materials and feed prices may therefore be affected.
Source: Ytrestøyl T., Aas T.S., Åsgård T. (2014) Resource utilisation of Norwegian salmon farming in 2012 and 2013.
Nofima report 36/2014 pp. 35, NOFIMA, FAO (2012) World Fisheries and Aquaculture, UN (2010), FAO (2014) World
Fisheries and Aquaculture, Holtermann

Appendix
The Global Salmon Initiative & the ASC
The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) is a leadership initiative by global farmed salmon producers,
focused on making significant progress towards fully realising a shared goal of providing a healthy
and sustainable source of protein to feed a growing population, whilst minimising our environmental
footprint, and continuing to improve our social contribution.
GSI’s focus areas are biosecurity (priority is sea lice), standards (ASC), feed and nutrition (fish meal
and oil), and improving industry transparency.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), founded in 2010 by WWF and IDH (Dutch
Sustainable Trade Initiative), is an independent non-profit organisation with global influence. ASC
aims to be the world's leading certification and labelling programme for sustainably farmed seafood.
The ASC’s primary role is to manage the global standards for responsible aquaculture.
ASC works with aquaculture producers, seafood processors, retail and foodservice companies,
scientists, conservation groups and consumers. The ASC logo sends a strong message to
consumers about the environmental and social integrity of the product they are purchasing. The chart
below shows the areas of focus for the ASC.
Source: Marine Harvest, www.asc-aqua.org, www.globalsalmoninitiative.org, ASC Salmon Standard - version 1.0 June
2012

Appendix
Marine Harvest History
From Mowi to Marine Harvest
2016 Marine Harvest enters into joint venture with Deep Sea Supply to build, own and
operate aquaculture vessels
2014 Marine Harvest listed at New York Stock Exchange
2013 Marine Harvest acquires Morpol
2012 Feed division established
2007 Company name is changed to Marine Harvest
2006 PanFish acquires Marine Harvest
2005 Marine Harvest and Stolt Sea Farm merge

PanFish acquires Fjord Seafood
John Fredriksen acquires PanFish
2000 Nutreco acquires Hydro Seafood. New company name: Marine Harvest
1999 Nutreco acquires the Scottish farming operations started by Unilever
1998 Mowi is discontinued as a company name

Hydro Seafood has sites in Norway, Scotland and Ireland
1996 Hydro Seafood acquires Frøya holding
1990 Hydro Seafood registered 25 June

Restructuring and consolidation of the industry starts
1985 Hydro increases its holding to 100%
1983 Mowi buys GSP in Scotland and Fanad in Ireland
1975 Mowi becomes a recognised brand
1969 Hydro increases its holding to 50%
1965 Mowi starts working with salmon in Norway

Unilever starts working with salmon in Scotland under the name Marine Harvest

Appendix
MHG has a leading position across the value chain
Marine Harvest business areas
Bilder Bilder
#4 #1 #1
Position:
310,242 tonnes vs. global 380,621 tonnes vs. global Global sales network
salmonid feed production of production of ~1.94m Leading position in
~3.7m tonnes tonnes (20%) Consumer Products
Focus areas: Organic growth in

Consumer Products
Efficiency of operations Acquisitive growth in
Norway and Chile

Appendix
Marine Harvest farming
Marine Harvest farms salmon in six countries; Norway, Scotland, Canada, Chile, Ireland and the
Faroe Islands. In total, the company is present in 24 countries and sells to approximately 70 countries
worldwide. Marine Harvest is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (:MHG) and has 20,460
shareholders (Dec 31. 2016). The head office is located in Bergen, Norway. At the end of 2016, the
group had 12,717 employees worldwide, including temporary employees.
Total revenue for Marine Harvest in 2016 was MEUR 3,510.2 and the harvest quantity of Atlantic
salmon was 380,621 tonnes (GWE), which was 20% of the otal industry output.

Appendix
Marine Harvest sales network
Marine Harvest has an extensive global sales network and sells to approximately 70 countries around
the world. Finished products are sold to retail, food service, industry and distributors.
America, Europe, Asia,

Sales & Marketing: Sales & Marketing: Sales & Marketing:
• Sales 660 M EUR – • Sales 3.4 BN EUR – • Sales 370 M EUR –
82,000 tonnes product 423,000 tonnes product 38,400 tonnes product
weight weight weight
• VAP Processing: USA & • VAP Processing: France, • VAP Processing: Japan,
Chile Belgium, Holland, UK, South Korea, Taiwan,
• 505 FTE Poland, Germany, Czech China and Vietnam.
Rep, Spain. • 1,106 FTE
• 6,395 FTE

Appendix
Marine Harvest processing facilities
Marine Harvest’s main secondary processed product is smoked salmon, and the largest factory is
found in Poland. We also process several other species such as whitefish and flatfish into ready
meals or packed in modified atmosphere products (MAP).

Appendix
Marine Harvest sales channels (2016)
MH Norway MH Chile MH Scotland
MH Canada Consumer products
Marine Harvest sells its products to several categories of purchasers. We divide them into: Retail,
Food Service (Horeca(1)), Industry, Distributors and others. Each business unit has their own sales
profile. MH Canada sells all the salmon they produce to distributors, and MH Chile sells most of their
salmon to distributors. In Norway and Scotland, most of the salmon produced is head-on-gutted
(HOG, equivalent to GWE) and is therefore sold to industrial customers, who further process the
salmon into other products such as fillets, portions, smoked salmon or ready-meal products.
MH Consumer Products processes fish from raw material to value-added products and sells 86% of
their products to final sales points met by end consumer (retail + food service).
Note: 1) Horeca = Hotel, restaurants and café (or establishments which prepare and serve food and beverages)

Appendix
Historical average foreign exchange rate
Year EURO/NOK In chapter 8, cost and investments in NOK have

in some places been converted to Euro. The
2016 9.2899 same is true for NOK prices in chapter 2.6.
2015 8.9530
The reason for this conversion is the international
2014 8.3534 nature of the salmon industry. As the European
2013 7.8087 Union is the biggest market for Atlantic salmon, it
is often more appropriate to use Euro as the
2012 7.4744 quoted currency.
2011 7.7926
2010 8.0068 The table to the left show the EURO/NOK rate
used for this purpose.
2009 8.7285
2008 8.2194
2007 8.0153
2006 8.0510
2005 8.0073
2004 8.3715
2003 8.0039
2002 7.5073
2001 8.0492
2000 8.1109
1999 8.3101
1998 8.4135
1997 8.0030
1996 8.3351
1995 8.3954
1994 8.4825
1993 8.4596
Source: Norges Bank, Bloomberg

Appendix
Sources of industry and market information
Marine Harvest: www.marineharvest.com
Other
Kontali Analyse: www.kontali.no
Intrafish: www.intrafish.no
Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries: www.fiskeridirektoratet.no
Norwegian Ministry of Trade,
Industry and Fisheries: www.fkd.dep.no
Norwegian Seafood Council: www.seafood.no
Norwegian Seafood Federation: www.norsksjomat.no
Chilean Fish Directorate: www.sernapersca.cl
FAO: www.fao.org
International fishmeal and fish oil org.: www.iffo.net
Laks er viktig for Norge: www.laks.no
Price statistics
Fish Pool Index: www.fishpool.eu
Kontali Analyse (subscription based): www.kontali.no
Urner Barry (subscription based): www.urnerbarry.com
Statistics Norway (SSB): www.ssb.no/laks_en/
NASDAQ: www.salmonprice.nasdaqomxtrader.com

Marine Harvest ASA
114 www.marineharvest.com/investor

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Salmon Farming

Marine Harvest Updated as of 10 May 2017

These forward-looking statements include statements related to population growth, protein

2 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

The purpose of this document is to give investors and financial

3 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

4. Salmon Supply 23 11. Risk Factors 83

4 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

5 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

Salmon is the common name for several species of fish of the

6 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

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Per capita Food Consumption (2011)

Per capita Meat Consumption (2011)

Other Meat Seafood Poultry Pork Beef

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Sources: OECD-FAO (2016) Agricultural Outlook 2016-2025, Kontali Analyse

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Development of global average Fish consumption per continent

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Source: Kontali Analyse

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Source: Kontali Analyse

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Source: Kontali Analyse

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Fisheries are almost fully

Growing middle class

The global population is growing at an unprecedented speed, resulting in an increased global

18 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

Proteins: Omega-3: Vitamins: Mineral:

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In addition to its resource efficient production, farmed

When comparing the environmental impact of farmed

Freshwater is a renewable but limited natural

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24 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

Farmed Atlantic salmon supply World population rebased

25 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

26 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

27 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

28 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

Source: Kontali Analyse

29 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

Growth 2004-2012: 128 %

Source: Kontali Analyse

30 Salmon Farming Industry Handbook 2017

Analysing the data results in a linear correlation between