Aquaculture technology
Fjord-based and conventional aquaculture
Today’s conventional farming methods for Atlantic salmon are and will remain a central part of tomorrow’s aquaculture. Many different technologies are being developed today that have the potential to improve production, including digitalization, the use of big data, access to areas, monitoring, and site optimization, which will be presented at AquaNext. This is the most important forum for knowledge development and sharing this year. During the conference, topics such as the following will be discussed:
- How can digitalization and the use of big data simplify production monitoring.
- Sustainable/recyclable materials for construction, nets/copper/impregnation.
- Submersible cages, how to handle sampling, maintain fish health, feeding, and environmental monitoring.
- Area access.
- Algal blooms.
- Electrification of operations.
- Environmental monitoring and prediction.
Semi-closed containment in sea
The Norwegian salmon industry faces challenges related to sea lice, escapees, diseases, and environmental impact. Semi-closed containment systems (hereafter referred to as S-CCS) have been proposed as a solution to reduce these challenges. In S-CCS, farmed fish are separated from the natural environment by a physical barrier, and the time spent by fish in open net pens could be reduced. S-CCS can be an important supplement to today’s traditional aquaculture facilities depending on the location. However, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed to make them viable and cost-effective solutions. Topics include:
- Post-smolt strategy.
- Collection of sedimentary waste.
- Autonomous systems.
- Controlled access to feed.
Land-based
By moving parts of fish production onto land, it is possible to relieve the pressure on sea areas. Land-based facilities can enable production closer to consumer markets. Land-based production solves several of today’s challenges such as salmon lice, escapes, and impact on local fauna. However, land-based production also introduces several challenges that will be discussed during the conference.
Relevant topics include:
- Monitoring and control.
- Production of large post-smolts or market fish.
- Biological risk management.
- Sludge and sludge management.
- Alternative business models/financing.
- Water quality.
- RAS also introduces new challenges.
- Circular economy.
- High production costs, currently reserved for species with high willingness to pay.
Exposure aquaculture
Offshore aquaculture and exposed areas will provide access to new areas and great opportunities for increased growth. It has significant global potential. Offshore aquaculture presents entirely new challenges with demanding external conditions, long distances to infrastructure, and poorly mapped conditions for Atlantic salmon farming. In this value chain, new innovations and knowledge are needed to reduce energy use and environmental impact while providing good living conditions for the fish.
Can we succeed? Relevant topics include:
- Access to robust post-smolts.
- Electrification in all stages.
- Optimized feed/submerged feeding.
- Multi-operational vessels.
- Logistics and HSE.
- Potential for other marine species.