MARINE Harvest lost money on one measure on the salmon it produced in Scotland in the last quarter of 2014, after facing challenges.

The Norwegian company said salmon of Scottish origin achieved operational earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of -3.42 Norwegian Krone per kilo (30p). Salmon from Norway achieved EBIT of NOK 12.59 per kilo.

Steve Bracken, business support manager at Marine Harvest Scotland, said: " In comparison with the rest of the year the last quarter of 2014 was challenging for us, mainly due to algal blooms, Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) and sea lice which led to increased mortality and higher costs. "

He added: "Going forward into 2015 we continue to focus on our wrasse breeding site at Macrihanish in Argyll. Greater use of these fish, also known as "cleaner fish", will help us tackle the challenge of sea lice. In addition, we continue to develop and improve our farming practices and technology to help mitigate the effects of these biological challenges including AGD."

With 46 farms in Northern and Western Scotland, Marine Harvest says it is the largest salmon farming company in Scotland.

Marine Harvest Group reported record operational revenues of NOK 6.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with NOK 6.7bn in the same period of 2013.

The group achieved an operational EBIT of NOK 1bn in the fourth quarter of 2014, in line with the corresponding quarter of 2013.

Chief executive Alf-Helge Aarsko said the group had delivered a strong operational result in the fourth quarter.

The group also has operations in Canada and Chile, where it is set to expand.

Salmon from Canada and Chile achieved EBIT of 3.69 NOK and 0.35 NOK per kilo respectively in the fourth quarter.