SEAFOOD giant Marine Harvest has released an update of its trading performance for the third quarter of 2011.

The group recorded a total harvest volume of 83,000 tonnes in head on gutted (HOG) equivalents. Norway recorded 48,000 tonnes, Chile 11,000 tonnes, Canada 8,000 tonnes, Scotland 14,000 tonnes and others 2,000 tonnes.

A Marine Harvest spokesman said: “Operational earnings before interest and tax [EBIT] for the group were approximately NOK 450 million [£51 million] in Q3 2011 [NOK 759 million in Q3 2010]. Despite weak markets, price achievement in MH Norway and MH Scotland was strong due to favourable sales contracts during the quarter. The operational EBIT was adversely impacted by exceptional items of NOK 56 million, of which approximately NOK 36 million in MH Norway. Operational EBIT per kg for MH Norway was NOK 5.9 per kg, including contribution from Sales and Marketing.”

Marine Harvest will release its Q3 2011 results on 27 October.