Statsforvalteren said no measures were taken to stop or limit the spill as required by the Pollution Act. Instead, a boat propeller was started to spread the diesel away from the fish pen where the salmon were. The authority assessed that the company actively contributed to spreading the spill, focusing only on fish health.
Cermaq is criticized for not having enough focus on avoiding pollution to the external environment. Employees need more knowledge about the effects of pollution and preventive measures, Statsforvalteren added. Seabirds are particularly vulnerable to oil on their feathers, and it takes little for them to be strongly affected.
We are now working to tighten our requirements for suppliers when delivering diesel and improve our routines for handling any acute spills.
Cermaq's press contact Astrid Aam said the company takes the criticism seriously. According to NRK Troms og Finnmark, Aam described that Cermaq is working to tighten requirements for suppliers when delivering diesel and improve routines for handling potential acute spills. Cermaq must show how deviations are corrected by June 8 and pay 32,300 kroner for the inspection.
No other penalties have been announced.