Benchmark Holdings PLC (AIM:BMK), the aquaculture biotechnology company, has been granted two new salmon broodstock licenses by the Directory of Fisheries in Norway.
The two licenses total 780 tonnes, comprising a 360-tonne license for sea production and a second license for on-land production of up to 420 tonnes.
These licences represent more than double the volume of Benchmark’s current licenses and help to enlarge the selection pool in the group’s genetics programme.
Benchmark’s operation risk has been reduced by having broodstock volume at different sites while supporting future potential expansion of its production of ova in Salten.
Chief executive Trond Williksen commented: "Benchmark's genetics operations are core to our ability to supply highly bio-secure salmon eggs to salmon producers year round. The grant of the new licenses is a reflection of Benchmark's leading position in the industry, track record and quality of our operations.
The two new licenses enable us to further increase security of supply of bio-secure, high-quality eggs with high-performing genetic traits for our customers supporting our supporting our mission to drive sustainability in aquaculture."