Fish Farmer Magazine October 2020

Fish F armer OCTOBER 2020

LICE IN DEEPWATER

Vince McDonagh

SEAWEED

Nicki Holmyard

PANDEMIC ROUND-UP CRITICISM Nick Joy

ELECTION TIME

Sandy Neil

GENUSWAVE GIVES SALMON A FIGHTING CHANCE AGAINST SEA LICE

Hamish Macdonell ff10 Cover.indd 1

13/10/2020 09:08:41

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Welcome

Editor’s Welcome

T

he pandemic con�nues to cause havoc in our own industry and a ra� of others, as events planned for the early part of next year, such as the EAS Cork event already held over from 2020, start to get cancelled. With lockdowns star�ng to ramp up again across Europe, including here in Scotland, our ‘covid expert’ Sandy Neil brings you up to date again this month on what it all means.

Elsewhere, the SSPO have a new Chief Execu�ve in the form of former Sco�sh Liberal Democrats Leader Tavish Sco�. He will certainly have no problems nego�a�ng around the poli�cal sphere of discussions for the future of the salmon industry in Scotland. He joins a�er a short spell with Sco�sh Rugby but there are as yet no plans to introduce scrums as part of the morning bonding sessions with his new employers. Maybe post covid!

In this issue Dr Mar�n Jaffa takes another look at one of the industry’s detractors, What’s happening in aq while Vince McDonagh unveils an interes�ng development in what we know about sea in the UK and around th lice. Nicki Holmyard goes in-depth on seaweed and Hamish Macdonell evaluates what What’s happening in aquacu opportuni�es for the industry the forthcoming Holyrood elec�on next year might present. in the UK and around the w As for me, well this is my final edi�on as HJUL your Interim Editor, with Robert Outram taking JENNY JENNY HJUL –– EDITOR EDITOR over as the permanent incumbent from next month. Thanks for your indulgence over the JENNY –– EDITOR JENNY HJUL EDITOR past six months in what have been farHJUL from ideal condi�ons for either the fish farming Steve Bracken SSC’s record results Stewart Graham The final sessions or print media industries, and I am sure that you will con�nue to give Robert your full support.

Steve Bracken SSC’s record results Stewart Graham The final sessions salmon farming sector in Scotland, when it was to Un�l then, enjoy this month’s edi�on. T HE he focus this month istopictures on Europe, the internati is coincidence that andwhere videos of unhealthy Sno Fish Farmer went press, there was sti lltold no offi cialonal be thewere subject ofScotti a be parliamentary inquiry, embraced the industry willsent soon gathering the (European salmon to news outletsfor just asjoint the Scotti sh news from the shScotland, parliamentary inquiry into salmon farming sector in when itEAS was tosalmon he focus this month istopictures on Europe, the internati T HE is coincidence that andwhere videos of unhealthy Sno Fish Farmer went press, there was sti lltold no offi cialonal opportunity this would provide to explain how it operated.

Take care, Aquaculture and WAS Aquaculture Society) parliament went back to work at (World the start of month.

These farming, conducted earlier this year by thethis Rural Economy be the subject of aSociety) parliamentary inquiry, embraced industry willsent soon be gathering the EASinto (European salmon were to news outletsfor just asjoint the Scotti shthe news from the Scotti sh parliamentary inquiry salmon Current trends In good Julie Hesketh-Laird The had nothing to hide and, if given fair hearing, Meet thehealth new chief exe Dave Edler conference, to be staged over five days in theait southern images had this litt le to doprovide with theto current state of Scotland’s ficould sh and industry Connecti vity (REC) committ ee.

MSPs have now heldFrench five opportunity would explain how operated.

Aquaculture Society) and WAS Aquaculture Society) parliament back to work at (World the start of month.

These farming, went conducted earlier this year by thethis Rural Economy address much of the criti cism levelled against it. city of Montpellier.

As well as highlighti ng the latest technological farms where sea lice levels are in decline and, in fact, at a fi vemeeti ngs, in private, to consider their report and we must be Current trends In good Julie Hesketh-Laird The had to hide and, if given fair hearing, Meet thehealth new chief executiv conference, to benothing staged over days in theaof southern images had litt le to do with thefive current state Scotland’s ficould sh and industry Connecti vity (REC) committ ee.

MSPs have now heldFrench five Fish Farmer supported this but at times salmon advances in our fast moving sector, Aqua 2018felt willthat alsohas feature year low (htt p://scotti shsalmon.co.uk/monthly-sea-lice-reports). pati ent.

However, waiti ng forview, their recommendati ons been address much of the criti cism levelled against it. city ofngs, As well asare highlighti ng the latest technological farms -Montpellier. where sea lice in decline and, inwe fact, at abe fivemeeti in private, tolevels consider their report and must farmers were being drowned out bywhich theREC noisier elements offarming the sessions on emerging markets and look atinvolves the role ofthe fishusual This latest propaganda campaign, all made harder by leaks from within to anti -salmon Fish Farmer supported this atthe times salmon advances in our fast moving sector, Aqua 2018felt willthat alsohas feature year low (htt p://scotti shsalmon.co.uk/monthly-sea-lice-reports). pati ent.

However, waiti ng forview, theirbut recommendati ons been angling lobby, which had called foras the investi gatiRural on.

But asngs the farming in alleviati ng poverty.

Increasingly, industry meeti anti -aquaculture suspects, came Holyrood’s Economy acti vists.

The latest of these (see our news story on page 4) farmers were being drowned out bywhich theREC noisier elements offarming the sessions onpropaganda emerging markets and look atinvolves the role fishusual This campaign, allofthe madelatest harder by leaks from within the to anti -salmon sessions progressed, and eventually farmers’ voices were heard, are broadening their scope, tackling subjects such asthat thethe social and Connecti vity committ ee returned the summer recess we to makes grim reading for the industry asfrom itgati suggests committ ee angling lobby, which had called for the investi on.

But as farming inThe alleviati ngof poverty.

Increasingly, industry ngs anti -aquaculture suspects, came as Holyrood’s Rural Economy activists. latest these (see our news story onmeeti page 4) became more opti misti c.

We now believe that MSPs, perhaps with acceptability of aquaculture and the contributi on it makes to global consider its draft report into the future of salmon farming. members have been willing to listen to those campaigning to sessions progressed, and eventually farmers’ voices were heard, are broadening their scope, tackling subjects such asthat the committ social and Connecti vity committ ee returned the summer recess we to makes grim reading for the industry asfrom it suggests ee Serving Worldwide Aquaculture Since 1977 food security and saving the planet, aindustry move that is toanti welcomed. the excepti on ofvaluable one or two Greens cahoots with -farming Those who want toWe shut down thein asbe shut down this sector, rather than to those who operate became more misti c. now believe that MSPs, perhaps with acceptability ofopti aquaculture and the contributi on ithave, makes toexpected, global consider its draft report into the future of salmon farming. members have been willing to listen to those campaigning to Also investi gati ngacti initi aties, veswhich inregard thenow developing world, Harrison campaigners, will, on balance, the industry in a Dr favourable stepped their viti involve the within it.up food security and saving the planet, aindustry move that is tobreaching welcomed. the excepti on ofvaluable one or two Greens cahoots with anti -farming Those who want to shut down thein asbe expected, shut down this sector, rather thanthe tohave, those who operate Meet the team Charo Karisa of WorldFish writes about farming potenti al inthe Fish Farmer: Volume 43 Number 10 light.

They will hopefully see that farmers take their environmental biosecure environments of farm sitesindustry to snatch photographs in Of course, such stories may be inaccurate and, in any case, Also investi gati ng initi ati ves in the developing world, Dr Harrison campaigners, will, on balance, regard the in a favourable stepped acti vitiish es,and which nowculti involve breaching the within it.up their Editorial Advisory Board: Nigeria, both in catf ti lapia vati on. responsibiliti es seriously and that businesses will only ever invest the hope of fi nding incriminati ng evidence against farmers.

Onein committ ee’s fi ndings are not binding.

Scotland’s fi sh farmers Contact us Charo Karisa of WorldFish writes about the farming potenti al in light.

They will hopefully see that farmers take their environmental biosecure environments of farm sites tosomething snatch ingame Of course, such stories may be inaccurate and,photographs inofany case,ngthe Steve Bracken, Hervé Migaud, Jim Treasurer, In Scotland, the summer has been aofwaiti What’s in a name?

Dr Nick Lake Phil Thomas growth that isfibeen sustainable.

Tel: +44(0) 131 551 1000 campaigner lmed himself searching, unsuccessfully, for minister, dead have always fortunate to have the support their Nigeria, both catf ish and tilapia culti vati on. responsibiliti seriously and that businesses will only ever invest in the hope of fies nding incriminati ng evidence against farmers.

One committ ee’s fiin ndings are not binding.

Scotland’s fi sh farmers Chris Mitchell, Jason Cleaversmith while the parliament is in recess and the members of Holyrood’s Fax: +44(0) 131 551especially 7901 If the committ ee members, those who have yet to of Phil fi sh at a Marine Harvest site.

Another said he saw ‘hundreds’ Fergus Ewing, to grow sustainably.

In Scotland, the summer has been something of a waiti ng game What’s in a name?

Dr Nick Lake Thomas growth that isfibeen sustainable. campaigner lmed himself searching, unsuccessfully, forto dead haveRural always fortunate toshfarmermagazine.com have the support of their minister, and Hamish Macdonell Economy and Connecti vity committ ee conti nue weigh up Email: visit aparliament farm, like tothe learn more about theagainst of infested salmon in awould pen, but we only have his word that But itsalmon should not go unchallenged that some MSPs onsubject the REC while the isdedler@fi in recess and members of Holyrood’s If the committ ee members, especially those who have yet to fi sh at a Marine Harvest site.

Another said he saw ‘hundreds’ of Fergus Ewing, to grow sustainably. the evidence in their inquiry into salmon farming.

We don’t expect Interim Editor: Dave Edler their we have plenty of good stories in our May Even Rural and Connecti vity committ ee conti nue weigh up Head Offi ce: Special Publica� ons, Fe� esto Park, of theinquiry, professional vets and biologists who manage theissue. welfare of committ ee, with their own against the growth of visit a Economy farm, like toagendas learn more about the ofthetime infested salmon in go awould but we only have his word against that Buttheir itsalmon should not unchallenged that some MSPs onsubject the REC report unti l pen, the autumn but hope the MSPs are using the Designer: Andrew the Balahura bett er, they could head to the Highlands later this month, where 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DL Wefor evidence in their inquiry into salmon farming. don’t expect these farms on a daily basis. industry, are in breach of Code of Conduct MSPs. As they their wefully have plenty of good stories in ourgrowth May toinquiry, become acquainted with the facts about fithe shissue. farming. of the professional vets andagendas biologists who manage welfare of committ ee, with their own against the of theEven Commercial Manager: Montpellier report Dr Marti n Jaff a Doug McLeod meet the aquaculture industry en masse at Scotland’s theirthey report unti l the autumn but hope the MSPs areas using theittiis, meit Ifthey the is proud of its high standards, itsalmon says are inwill aindustry positi on to inflthe uence the future course of farming, bett er, could head to Highlands later this month, where This month also sees reti rement of Marine Harvest’s longest these farms on a daily basis. industry, are in breach of the Code of Conduct for MSPs. As they Subscriptions Janice Johnston to become fully acquainted with the facts about fi sh farming. biggest fi sh farming show. must mount aaquaculture much more robustWe defence oftrouble itself, through its and of businesses vital toBracken.

Scotland’s economy, we have a right Montpellier report Dr Marti n Jaff a Doug McLeod they will meet the industry en masse Scotland’s serving employee, Steve had no Subscrip� ons Fish Farmer If the isto proud ofreti itsAddress: high standards, as itsalmon says itcollecti is, it ng are in aindustry positi on inflthe uence the future course ofat farming, jjohnston@fishfarmermagazine.com This month also sees rement of Marine Harvest’s longest will certainly be at Aquaculture UK inindustry, Aviemore and look representati ve body, the SSPO, than it has done to date.

The toWe know who they are, and we hope the through its warm tributes from his friends and colleagues to mark the biggest fi sh farming show.

Magazine Subscrip� ons,economy, Warners Group must a much more robustWe defence itself, through its and ofmount businesses vital toBracken.

Scotland’s we have a right Publisher: Alisterserving Benne� employee, Steve had noof trouble collecti ng forward toand, seeing many of you there too. campaigners, we now see, willrest stop nothing, representati ves, will pressure the parliament toand investi gate before milestone along with of the industry, thefarmers team will certainly be at Aquaculture UK inat Aviemore and look Publica� ons plc, The Mal� ngs, West representati vethey body, the SSPO, than itthe has done tothrough date.

The toWe know who are, and wethe hope industry, its at Fish warm tributes from his friends and colleagues to mark the should be prepared toyou fivery ght back. the to REC report isall published.

Farmer wish him the best for the future.

Street, Bourne forward seeing many of there too. campaigners, we now see, will stop at representati ves, will pressure the parliament toand investi gateatbefore Rising stars Marti nBrown Jaff a Orkney anniversary Janet milestone and, along with the rest of thenothing, industry, thefarmers team Fish Lincolnshire PE10 9PH should prepared to fivery ght back. the RECbe report published.

Farmer wish himisall the best for the future.

Conte Conten 4-15 4-14 News 4-15 4-14 News

Fair hearing French connection Farmers must fight back Uphold the code Fair hearing French connection Farmers must Uphold the codefight back

Dave Edler

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16-21 16-17 16-22 Industry pioneer News Extra platform Parliamentary in 16-21 16-17 16-22 Industry pioneer News Extra platform Parliamentary inquir 22-23 18-19 24-27 Salmon market SSPO 22-23 18-19 24-27 Salmon market SSPO

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ons: £75 a year www.fishfarmer-magazine.com nowSubscrip� on @fishfarmermag Fish Farmer isUK ROW Subscrip� ons: £95 www.fishupdate.com a year including Facebook and Twitter Fish Farmer is now postage on www.fishfarmermagazine.com - All Air Mailwww.fishfarmer-magazine.com www.fishupdate.com Facebook andthe Twitter Contact us Meet team

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26 22-23 30 Shellfi sh Comment BTA 26 22-23 30 BTA Shellfi sh Comment 28-31 24-25 32-33 SSPO Comment Scottish Shellfi sh Sea Far 28-31 24-25 32-33 SSPO Comment Scottish Shellfi sh Sea Farms Rising stars Marti nBrown Jaff a Orkney anniversary Janet 32-33 26-27 26-30 34-35 Shellfi shfiSea Cleaner sh Far Scottish Comment 32-33 26-27 26-30 34-35 Janet Machrihanish Orkney farm Marti nBrown Jaff a visit Shellfi shfiSea Cleaner sh Farms Scottish Comment 13

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Janet Machrihanish Orkney farm Marti nBrown Jaff a visit Advisory Board: Steve Contact Tel: +44(0) us 131 551 1000 MeetEditorial the team Fax: +44(0) 131 551 7901 Bracken, Scott Landsburgh, Hervé Steve Bracken, Scott HervéLandsburgh, Migaud, Editorial Advisory Board: Steve Tel: +44(0) 131 551 1000 Migaud, PatrickJim Smith and Jim Hervé Patrick Smith, PatrickMigaud, Smith, Treasurer and Fax: email: +44(0) 131 551 7901 Bracken, Scott Landsburgh, Hervé Steve Bracken, Scott HervéLandsburgh, Migaud, jhjul@fi shupdate.com Treasurer, Wiliam Jim Treasurer and Dowds William Dowdsemail: William Dowds Marti nofJaff a era Vaccines New player Dawn Migaud, PatrickJim Smith and Jim Hervé Patrick Smith, PatrickMigaud, Smith, Treasurer and 3 new Editor: Jenny Hjul jhjul@fi shupdate.com Treasurer, Wiliam Jim Treasurer and Dowds William Dowds William Dowds Head Office: Special Publications, Dawn Marti nofJaff a era Vaccines New player new Designer: Andrew Balahura Fettes Park, 496 Ferry Road, Editor: Jenny Hjul Advertising Manager: Team Leader: HeadEdinburgh, Office: Special Publications, EH5 2DL Designer: Andrew Balahura Fettes Park, 496 Ferry Road, Dave Edler 12/10/2020 16:42:21 Advertising Manager: Team Leader: Figure 9. Development of salmon nominal catch in sou

34-35 28-29 32-33 36-41 Comment Cleaner Orkneyvisitfish Farm 34-35 28-29 32-33 36-41 Comment Cleaner Orkneyvisitfish Farm

36-39 32-35 34-35 43-45 Wild salmon Cleaner fish decl Orkney IoA careers 36-39 32-35 34-35 43-45

Contents

Fish F armer In the October issue...

News

What’s happening in the UK and around the world

SSPO

24-25

Hamish MacDonell

Shellfish

26-27

Nicki Holmyard

Otter Ferry

28

Broodstock

Sea Lice in Deepwater Vince McDonagh

GenusWave gives salmon a fighting chance against sea lice Sea lice

Last of the Summer fine Minority report America

42-43

Vince McDonagh

Aquaculture UK Awards

44-45

Winners announced

SAIC Insects

46-47

Insect research consortium

Multi-trophic Aquaculture

48-49

Future options

OTAQ

50-51

Underwater revolution

Processing News

All the latest news from the processing industry

Landbased Salmon Farming Innovation

58-59

Future trends

What’s New

Monthly update on industry innovations and solutions All the latest aquaculture events, conferences and courses

Opinion Nick Joy

4

ff10 Contents.indd 4

52-53 55-56

Latest development

Find all you need for the industry

32-33

40-41

Martin Jaffa

Aqua Source Directory

30-31

34-39

Sandy Neil

Industry Diary

6-23

61 62 64-65 66

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

13/10/2020 09:16:33

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12/10/2020 12:38:56

United Kingdom News

NEWS...

Aquaculture contributed £885 million to Scotland, finds report

THE aquaculture sector contributed approximately £885 million to the wider Scottish economy and supported 11,700 jobs in 2018, according to new research.

The Marine Scotland commissioned report – Estimation of the Wider Economic Impacts of the Aquaculture Sector in Scotland – estimates the economic impact of aquaculture is widely felt beyond the industry. It is an important provider of employment in rural Scotland and wages are often higher than other industries, with salmon production staffing costs averaging £43,000.

The report also found that Scottish salmon represents the UK’s largest food export by value.

The study considered the wider value of the sector to the Scottish economy and the source of these impacts. Key findings include: • aquaculture was estimated to contribute £94.1 million in taxes to the Scottish and UK Governments in 2018 • the aquaculture sector spent £1.4 billion on supplies and capital investments in 2018, with the majority (76%) of these goods and services purchased from within Scotland • the majority of this impact came from salmon farming and the processing of aquaculture products. In 2018 the majority of the Gross Value Added (GVA) of aquaculture was from the salmon production subsector, followed by aquaculture processing. Combined, these accounted for 96% of the GVA impact of the aquaculture sector • staffing costs accounted for 12% of the turnover of the aquaculture sector - £185 million in 2018.

Staffing costs have risen in recent years following an increase in the number of jobs supported by the sector and the higher workforce skills Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: ‘Aquaculture is a key industry for Scotland and this report reaffirms just how vital it is. Our number one food export, it creates many thousands of highly paid, highly skilled jobs, many in our most remote and fragile communities and contributes directly to the public purse in taxes.

‘Not least given the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit is having, the Scottish Government will continue its efforts to support the sector and its supply chain in Scotland.The sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry is imperative moving forward and is an important element of the Blue Economy model.We will work with industry to drive improvements in research and innovation to deliver further sustainable growth with all the economic benefit that brings.’

Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation Director of Strategic Engagement Hamish Macdonell said: ‘Salmon farming not only keeps most remote communities thriving but it has a key role to play, as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Producing a healthy, nutritious, high-protein food with low carbon and low water use, Scotland’s salmon farmers now have the potential to lead the Green recovery which will be at the heart of our economic revival over the next few years.’

Background In 2019, Marine Scotland commissioned BiGGAR Economics to undertake a study into the direct and wider economic impacts of the sector to Scotland to update these studies.

6

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SSPO appoints new Chief Executive TAVISH Scott, the former Scottish Government minister and Shetland MSP, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO).

The trade body, which represents Scotland’s salmon producers, has moved quickly to fill the vacancy left by the departing Julie Hesketh-Laird, who leaves at the end of September.

Mr Scott comes from Scottish Rugby, where he had been Head of External Affairs.

The former Liberal Democrat MSP knows the farmed salmon sector extremely well, having represented Shetland for 20 years, since the Scottish Parliament’s inception in 1999 to his departure from the legislature in 2019.

Shetland remains one of the sector’s strongest and most vibrant farming locations and Mr Scott was a vocal champion for salmon farming during his time as an MSP. He brings a formidable knowledge of politics and the political process with him to his new job (having served in the Scottish Cabinet and been leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats).

Mr Scott said he was delighted to be taking on such an important role at a key time for the sector.

He said:‘Scottish salmon is the UK’s biggest food export. Its value to the economy is immense and it has the ability to help lead Scotland out of the Covid crisis, building on its sustainable foundations and driving a green recovery.’

Atholl Duncan, Chair of the SSPO, said: ‘We are delighted to have secured someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Tavish to help lead our sector.

‘His passion for salmon farming and his deep roots in our salmon communities are well known.

‘There is a great opportunity right now for the Scottish salmon sector to thrive and to create more jobs and prosperity in our rural and island communities.

‘Tavish has the skills to help us all to realise this potential for the greater good of Scotland.’

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:21:45

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12/10/2020 12:39:37 30/10/2019 15:15:21

United Kingdom News

Scottish Salmon Company delivers Bakkafrost Boost

THE Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) looks set to produce 10,500 tonnes of salmon during the third quarter of this year, its new owner Bakkafrost says.

That is almost as much as the company’s Faroe Islands operation is set to harvest in the three months between June and September. In a trading update Bakkafrost said its three Faroese farming areas will harvest 11,100 tons in total. The total volume for the company (all heads, gutted) is 21,600 tonnes.

Third quarter feed sales are expected to total 39,900 tones. The full Q3 figures will be released on November 10th.

Meanwhile, the process of getting all Bakkafrost farming sites ASC certified continues, and the company says two more sites have now been completed. All Bakkafrost farming sites are expected to be ASC certified within 2020 Bakkafrost added: ‘ASC is the most acknowledged environmental certification in the

world within the salmon business.

‘The entire value chain of Bakkafrost is working according to the ASC-standard. The factories are ASC certified, and moreover, the feed and smolt is also ASC certified. Now, 17 of all active farming sites have been certified, and there are only two sites left.’

Usually, people from ASC come from Great Britain to the Faroe Islands to conduct the ASC-audits. However, due to the Corona pandemic, lately the audits have been conducted remotely.

Anna Johansen, head of the quality department said this has proved challenging. She added: ‘The certifications are the customers guarantee that we as a company set ambitious goals, and that we organise our production in a sustainable manner. It is of vital importance for Bakkafrost’s competitiveness that we work according to the strictest international standards, and that we continuously set new and even more challenging goals’.

Cargill introduces fully compostable fish feed packaging to reduce our use of plastic.

CARGILL, in collaboration with Gaia BioMaterials UK, is introducing fully ‘We invest in pioneering sustainable solucompostable fish feed packaging in the tions like compostable packaging because North Sea region as part of its Scotland it is the right thing to do for our customers, for our business and for the kind of business pioneering work on compostable environment we want to leave for future packaging.

The sustainable feed bags, which will generations.’ be available as small 25 kilos packaging, The new compostable bags have been are made from food grade materials created and trialled at Cargill’s Westfield and, unlike alternative sustainable options, the bags break down into the environment completely, leaving no plastic materials or harmful residue behind.The small bags are a great addition to Cargill’s existing portfolio which includes large feed bags made of 100% recyclable material. Rosie Dreghorn, Technology Application Manager for Cargill Aqua Nutrition in Scotland said: ‘Salmon farmers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce the impact on the environment, Above: The compostable bags and one way to do that it

8

News MASTER.indd 8

plant in Scotland and are the result of two years of development.This summer the first batch of feed was delivered to a customer.The bags performed well during transportation and on the farm, and feedback so far has been positive. Dreghorn continued: ‘We are proud of this achievement however, we acknowledge there is still work to be done.We are at the early stages of this development, but we want to keep developing this project as our vision is to get rid of plastic packaging altogether.Any progress we make here is good for the fish, for the farmers, for the environment and, ultimately, for the consumer.’

Cargill’s compostable packaging initiative was recognised with two nominations at the Aquaculture UK Awards Ceremony on September 16th – the Environmental Impact Award and the Innovation Award.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:22:18

All the latest industry news from the UK

Organic Sea Harvest get new feed barge on Skye

Above: SeaMate delivered to Organic Sea Harvest

Force’s engineering facility in INVERNESS-BASED aquaculthe Highland capital. ture equipment, technology, Gael Force barges are fully and service supply partner, fitted out with a series of Gael Force Group, has safely safety features to protect farm and successfully delivered personnel and the integrity of the first of two new SeaMate the barge, such as bilge alert feed barges to Organic Sea systems, automatic sensors, Harvest near the Isle of Skye, and remote monitoring Scotland. systems.

The delivery of the SeaMate On-board the barge, the 350T marks the completion SeaFeed System for feeding of a robust farm infrastrucfish has barge and operator ture at Culnacnoc, with the safety at the heart of its inclusion of SeaQurePens, design with several valuable SeaQureMoor mooring grid, features across the system and SeaFeed technology, all designed to protect the health supplied by Gael Force. The and safety of farm staff and range of equipment designed protect the barge from the for Organic Sea Harvest will rigours of the sea. Inside the contribute towards a safe barge, there is a comfortable and secure environment for lounge area that provides staff farm personnel to raise their with space to relax during premium organic fish. scheduled rest breaks.

Designed and engineered The software for conto EN1992-1-1 and built in trolling the feeding of fish can accordance with all applicable be intelligently configured standards, the highly durable to guide future feed plans SeaMate Barge has a 350T feed capa . It is renowned in the Scottish aquaculture sector for its excellent seakeeping abilities, performance in the exposed marine environment, and is the choice for many fish farms.

Gael Force’s expertise and experience in barge building is comprehensive with close to 100 feed barges completed over an established period of 20 years. Feed barges such as the one delivered to Organic Above: Jamie Young Sea Harvest are built at Gael

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

News MASTER.indd 9

Mowi submit plans for high-energy salmon farm

MOWI have submitted an application to Argyll and Bute Council for a new high-energy salmon farm at North Kilbrannan, in the Kilbrannan Sound.

The application is based on a number of factors including Mowi’s experience of farming in that region for more than a decade, the growing demand for their salmon both in the UK and internationally, the published guidance from the Scottish Government to farm at locations where there is deep water and strong currents and the company’s continuing commitment to create employment.

Of course, the Kilbrannan Sound is still very much a focus of attention following the damage caused to the North Carradale farm by Storm Ellen, and Mowi continues to work closely with Fisheries Management ensuring the salmon receive Scotland and all relevant stakeholders rethe correct amount of feed garding any issues arising from the incident. required during every meal.

If anything, this has only increased its knowlFrom a land-based feeding edge and understanding of the region and centre which is planned deepened their commitment to the local imminently, farmers will have the option to control feeding community of Carradale.

Mowi hopes to create up to 10 jobs if and monitor barge safety from the comfort of the shore via a this application is successful and they are working closely with local people around secure link to the barge. a redevelopment of the harbour which Commenting, Organic Sea would benefit local people and other local Harvest’s Farms Manager, businesses.The company’s COO, Ben HadEuan McArthur said: field spoke exclusively to the Campbeltown ‘We are delighted with the quality and strength of all the Courier about what they have learned from the recent challenges at North Carradale equipment we have received from the team at Gael Force. and why they wish to continue with this application for North Kilbrannan. Ben stressed It is very reassuring to know that our farm technicians can Mowi’s commitment to the area: ‘We want to see our operations in Carracare for our fish with the full dale expand and we want to secure the emknowledge that the equipployment that’s linked to that.We generally ment on site is offering us focus our growth projects in quite exposed all a secure environment to and offshore locations and when you link work in.’ that with the infrastructure improvements Gael Force Group Sales we put in – shore-based facilities and ponDirector, Jamie Young said: toons and things like taking food to people ‘Partnering with Organic during the COVID-19 pandemic and just Sea Harvest on their journey being part of the social fabric – it’s great, it’s from the inception of their improving our business, it’s creating a lot of sites through to the instaljobs, and it’s improving the infrastructure in lation of the equipment has these remote places.We feel, as a company, been extremely satisfying. we can farm there and improve our track Choosing to invest locally record on escapes.’ in our products, technology, This is very much the start of the process and services is important for and a full stakeholder consultation has now our employees and the local begun.All supporting materials for the site communities in which we are can be viewed at the Argyll and Bute Counpresent across Scotland. We cil website. are very grateful to Organic Sea Harvest for placing their trust in us to deliver tough, marinised equipment for use on their sites at Skye.’

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12/10/2020 16:22:38

United Kingdom News

Photo: Seafish

SAMS to investigate ‘Covid Shock’ on seafood sector

Above: Many livelihoods depend on a thriving seafood industry.

A research team led by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has begun to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the UK seafood industry.

The seafood sector incorporates significant processing and logistics operations within the supply chain, which begins with farming and fishing and ends with supermarkets, fishmongers and restaurants.

Analysis of the previous economic crash in 2008 showed huge implications for the seafood sector, which also needed a longer recovery time than other industries.There is also a great deal of uncertainty within the industry over a looming post-Brexit end to the transition period.

Now the RiseUp project, led by Dr Sofia Franco from SAMS, will seek to find out the extent of the so-called ‘COVID-shock’ throughout the industry and provide policy recommendations and advice to help government and business

improve resilience in the sector.

The 18-month investigation, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of the UK Research and Innovation’s rapid response to COVID-19, will also involve the University of Manchester and will conduct interviews and surveys with industry during its initial data collection.

The project is also benefitting from Seafish information and analytical input. Dr Franco said: ‘The UK seafood industry is under unprecedented pressure to deliver on national food security during COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, while trying to adapt to remain viable.

‘Many livelihoods depend on the industry, whether that is people working within fishing and aquaculture sectors, supply chain companies and high street businesses.The location of many of these jobs – many in coastal and rural communities – is also significant in these local economies.

‘However, it is important to capture the systemic impacts to the UK seafood industry, how businesses are adapting and how the supply network has been affected.’

Dr Franco said there have likely been ‘winners and losers’ during the COVID-19 lockdown and the extent to which businesses prospered or struggled and why this happened could be vital to inform recommendations.

She also said the project’s recommendations must consider opportunities and seafood sector concerns about the effect of an extended ‘COVID-shock’ on top of the uncertainty around the Brexit trade deal negotiations.

The project is keen to hear from companies across the seafood industry in gathering evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 disruption across the sector, the response from seafood businesses and the uptake of existing government support measures. Please contact the project lead (sofia.franco@ sams.ac.uk) if you would like to share your experience of how COVID-19 has affected your business.

Scottish Salmon Company picks up taste award with a minimum carbon footprint.

THE Scottish Salmon Company (SSC), a leading Naturally rich in Omega 3 and sea minerals, each producer of the finest quality Scottish salmon, has Native Hebridean Salmon is carefully selected for won a Great Taste award for its Native Hebridean quality and raised on a premium diet for healthy Smoked Salmon.

Native Hebridean Smoked Salmon has secured a growth in their native environment under Best 1-Star Great Taste award, with judges commending Aquaculture Practice (BAP) in recognition of sustainable and responsible production. its quality, finish and flavour. Recognised as a badge The Great Taste awards are judged by a panel of of excellence, the Great Taste label is awarded to 144 food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, buyers, outstanding products following a blind tasting by experts in the food and drink industry.

Under development for over a decade and unique to SSC, Native Hebridean salmon is raised in the cool clear waters of the Hebrides.This distinctive blend of environment and heritage creates a very special strain of salmon. Fresh fillets are hand cured in the Hebrides, using a traditional island recipe, and smoked in pebble lined kilns using wood shavings from aged Scotch whisky barrels to create Native Hebridean Smoked Salmon.The unique smoking process has been specifically designed to minimise water usage, reducing environmental Above: Great taste award impact to ensure a sustainable product

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retailers and producers, as well as food writers and journalists, each chosen for their discerning palate.This year’s winners were selected through a combination of remote judging and socially distanced judging sessions, after the lockdown began just one week into the schedule.

Su Cox, Director at The Scottish Salmon Company said: ‘We’re delighted that our Native Hebridean Smoked Salmon has been awarded a Great Taste award.

Native Hebridean Salmon is a truly unique native strain of Scottish salmon, descended from stock originally sourced from the freshwater lochs of North Uist and reared exclusively in the Hebrides by The Scottish Salmon Company.To have been awarded a coveted Great Taste award is a real recognition of the quality of this fantastic product.’

SSC will shortly launch an online shop where consumers will be able to buy Native Hebridean Smoked Scottish Salmon.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:24:00

New UK seafood brand launched A new consumer brand has been launched for the UK seafood sector both farmed and wild-caught.

‘Love Seafood’ is the platform the industry public body Seafish has chosen for the initiative.

The brand is driven by a 20-year initiative to reverse the decline in consumption of seafood in the UK. It aims to positively influence attitudes towards and inspire consumers to incorporate more fish and shellfish into their diets.

Love Seafood is being launched with a new identity, website and social media presence. It replaces Fish is the Dish, the previous Seafish consumer brand.

The wide-ranging launch campaign will consist of consumer-facing advertising across radio,TV, print, outdoor and streaming platforms. It will also feature CJ Jackson – a chef, cooking writer and seafood expert.

Seafish has invested heavily in the groundwork to create Love Seafood.

Informed by an in-depth State of the Nation research project with YouGov in 2018, Seafish gained insight into the barriers people face in relation to seafood consumption across the UK.The findings showed that opportunities for growth in the sector fell between two unique but

Above: CJ Jackson

broad consumer audiences, and that they would best be engaged through an entirely new consumer-focussed initiative.

Seafish has spent 18 months in development of strategy, brand and communications planning to get to the launch. It is working with four of the country’s leading advertising, marketing and PR agencies; Frame,Wire, LUX and The Lane.

Greg Smith, Head of Marketing at Seafish, said: ‘We’re incredibly excited to launch our new Love Seafood brand and see our extensive planning come to fruition.

Our previous Fish is the Dish brand was successful and popular but as attitudes towards food and consumer behaviour

All the latest industry news from the UK

change, it was time for us to take stock.

We’ve relished the opportunity to reevaluate where seafood is positioned in the minds of consumers, and in securing its long-term future relationship with the nation.

‘Our planning period has given us time to position Love Seafood as a single, powerful message built and owned by the seafood industry.Through creation of our Love Seafood Group, with members representing businesses across the seafood supply chain, we have embedded industry expertise and insight into the fabric of the brand ‘We’re realistic about what we want to achieve and the timescales required for this.We know we won’t change national attitudes overnight, which is why Love Seafood is a long-term initiative.A central pillar of Love Seafood will involve showcasing the people and brands that make the UK’s seafood industry a worldleader. Known as Love Seafood Champions, companies and people across the full supply chain are invited to get involved in Love Seafood’s marketing opportunities on an ongoing basis. Further information on becoming a Love Seafood Champion and the benefits for businesses will be revealed soon.

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12/10/2020 16:25:10

European News

NEWS...

Norwegian Seafood Council to partner with UK retail

Above: Halibut fillets

THE Norwegian Seafood Council has announced new sustainable seafood partnerships with Waitrose and Asda, which will celebrate a variety of sustainable frozen and chilled Norwegian seafood products in their stores and online shopping platforms across the country.

The partnership with Waitrose, which will run from October to mid-November, will seek to increase consideration of their high quality frozen fish with their own label frozen, MSC certified sustainable, cod, haddock (smoked and natural) and halibut fillets from Norway.

The Asda partnership, which will run in October, will focus on their own label chilled range of MSC certified cod and haddock (natural and smoked), sustainably harvested from Norwegian waters.

The Norwegian Seafood Council has been chosen as a partner due to the reputation of Seafood from Norway as the most sustainable seafood in the world. The aim of the partnerships is to increase awareness for the origin of sustainably sourced seafood and ultimately to encourage the purchase of more sustainable whitefish in UK supermarkets.

The partnerships aim to capture a newly captive post Covid-19 audience, who are increasingly conscious of the sustainability

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of food they purchase in supermarkets. In a study conducted in April by FMCG Gurus it was found that 59% of consumers have said that they have become more conscious about their overall health and according to a survey conducted by GlobalScan over half of consumers said they were willing to pay more for a certified sustainable seafood product..

Hans Frode Kielland Asmyhr, UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council said: ‘We are thrilled with these new partnerships. Norway has always been committed to producing the most sustainable and healthy seafood products and the Norwegian seafood industry can guarantee that the seafood we carefully harvest and supply to the UK will be of the highest quality and sustainably sourced.’

Above: Hans Frode Kielland Asmyhr,

Aker Biomarine launches Antarctic vessel AKER BioMarine has celebrated the launch of its new, state-of-the-art support vessel in a ceremony at CIMC Raffles’ Yantai yard, as the vessel is ready for commissioning and final outfitting, just in time for the 2021 krill harvesting season.

Antarctic Provider was built by China’s CIMC Raffles Offshore Ltd. The 168-meter vessel is powered by the award-winning Wärtsilä 31 engine, which is designed for best-in-class fuel efficiency.

In addition, the vessel is enhanced with Dynamic Positioning (DP) capabilities, which prevents the need for anchoring during transshipment.

Lockdown did not mean slowdown for Aker BioMarine ‘We set the highest of ambitions for Antarctic Provider, as well as for CIMC and the suppliers.

What we didn’t anticipate was COVID-19,’ says Eldar Vindvik, Vice President Fleet Renewal and Procurement, Aker BioMarine.

‘Despite the challenging global environment and lockdown periods in 2020, our partners truly stepped up to keep up the progress on this vessel.

The result is an incredible leap forward in maritime technology and sustainability that will enhance our krill harvesting operations in Antarctica,’ he adds.

The vessel will replace Aker BioMarine’s existing support vessel, La Manche. The support vessel will transport krill products and crew to Aker BioMarine’s logistics hub in Montevideo, Uruguay, with limited interruption to the company’s harvesting operations.

Key features of Antarctic Provider The vessel is equipped with Wärtsilä 31, four-stroke diesel engine, combined with a hybrid propulsion system. The engine holds a Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency and is also convertible for future greener fuels.

Above: Antarctic Provider vessel

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:25:45

150 Norway coastal communities to get windfall

Above: The Trøndelag region will receive most funds % FAI 00

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AT least 150 coastal ďŹ sh farming communities in Norway look set to share a bumper payout of more than ÂŁ180 million from the country’s aquaculture fund.

The total in Norwegian currency comes to NOK 2.2 billion and demonstrates the importance of the fund to some of the more remote areas.

The spoils, which come from the granting of new farming licences, are divided up depending on the size of each community and the concentration of ďŹ sh farming activities.

According to the national broadcaster NRK Frøya in Trøndelag is due to receive the most money at NOK 86.4 million (£7-million), followed by NÌrøysund in Trøndelag at NOK 75.3 million (£6.1 million ) Senja in Troms at NOK 67.7 million (£5.6 million) and Hammerfest in Finnmark at almost NOK 60 million (£4.9 million).

The aquaculture fund scheme, which began four years ago, helps municipalities improve their social, leisure and educational facilities and is seen by some as compensation for the disruption which ďŹ sh farming can sometimes generate.

The arrival of ďŹ sh farming activities has also brought an additional bonus in the form of extra employment opportunities where jobs are often hard to ďŹ nd.

However, some coastal towns and villages have suggested that the method of distribution has not always been fair, arguing they should have received more.

Fisheries Minister Emil Ingebrigtsen has rejected these complaints, saying local communities were receiving real rewards for their efforts, adding that the country should thanks a proďŹ table aquaculture industry for having so much money to distribute.

A new salmon tax is due to come into operation in 2022, some which will be distributed to communities

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12/10/2020 16:26:33

European News

Merger to create new seafood giant THE creation of a major seafood business between one of Norway’s leading salmon companies and a large conventional fishing business has been announced.

Nergård and Norsk Sjømat are to join forces into a giant group with the prime goal of creating greater value and new opportunities in the industry. Together they will become a fully integrated seafood operation. Norsk Sjømat og Nergård Holding AS are owned by Per Magne Grøndahl and Bjarte Tunold.

Both are major players in their respective spheres. Norsk Sjømat AS is a business involved in the farming and processing of salmon and trout, and was founded in 1996.

The company is one of Europe’s leading salmon producers, with a well-known focus on quality and innovation. Nergård is the second largest fishing company in Norway and since the 1980s they have secured a significant share of Norway’s fishing rights and create value through fish processing.

The new company will be called Norwegian Seafood and will have offices in Tromsø and on Stranda. They said in a joint statement: ‘We will build a strong common corporate culture and a solid platform for growth, with more than 500 dedicated employees on land and at sea. This is a move that will bring out synergies between the wild fish and aquaculture industry’.

‘We have great ambitions for increased processing of raw materials in Norway. We are actually able to make money from it today, and we will build on that. The market is growing rapidly and we have leading exper-

Above Nergård farm off the coast of Northern Norway

tise in both product development and sales’, says CEO of Norwegian Seafood, Per Magne Grøndahl, who will be chairman of the board of the new group while The current CEO of Nergård, Tommy Torvanger, will be the lead manager of the new group. Investment of at least NOK 1.2 billion (£100 million plus) is planned Other developments include the production of larger smolts on the aquaculture side and fleet renewal in its fishing operation. A new filleting plant will be built.

Per Magne Grøndahl who is to be chairman of the new group, said:

‘A possible stock exchange listing will give Norwegian investors the opportunity to participate in developing a new locomotive in the Norwegian seafood industry. It is a matter of course that we ensure a Norwegian majority of owners who comply with the current regulations for ownership of fishing vessels. We are humbled to manage part of society’s resource, the fish in the sea. Then it is obvious that we secure a Norwegian ownership majority for these resources.’

The Icelandic seafood company Samherj has a 39.9 per cent stake in Nergård which it is expected to sell.

Northern Norway site confirms ISA outbreak INFECTIOUS Salmon Anaemia (ISA) has detected in the same fish, the Norwegian now been confirmed at a Mowi site in the Food Safety Authority states in a statement northernmost part of Western Norway. on Friday.

Mowi notified the Norwegian Food safety In order to limit the spread of infection, Authority early last month that the company the site has been subject to restrictions, suspected ISA at the farm known as the Bjørlykkestranda site.

The suspicion was based on the results of PCR analysis carried out at an external laboratory after sampling of fish at the site.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said it inspected the facility and took its own samples a few days later.

The authority confirmed it has now verified the diagnosis on the basis of test results from the Veterinary Institute which show that ISA virus and Above The presence of ISA virus in the kidney cells of salmon disease changes have been

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including a ban on the movement of fish without special permission.

Slaughtering is already underway, and the operation should be completed within the next few days.

The Bjørlykkestranda site is located in a monitoring zone for ISA. An expanded control area will soon be established to prevent, limit and combat ISA. Concern has been growing at the increasing number of ISA outbreaks along the Norwegian coast this year and an investigation onto possible causes is currently underway.

The high number of outbreaks have also proved very costly for salmon companies who are usually forced to slaughter the entire stock at a farm where an outbreak has been confirmed. ISA is not harmful to humans.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:29:14

All the latest industry news from Europe

Minister slams fish farms over escapes The stateNORWAY’S ment pointed fish farmers out that eshave been told caped farmed they will have salmon, if they to shoulder a find their way larger share up-river, can of the bill for cross with wild recovering essalmon, which caped salmon can affect in future. breeding.

Fisheries and The fish Seafood Minfarming indusister Odd Emil Above: Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen try association Ingebrigtsen for fishing for has announced escaped farmed fish known as a crackdown following a large number of escapes in the last two OURO, will implement measures in the rivers if the proportion of years. escaped fish is too high.

Companies have been accused The Directorate of Fisheries by politicians on all sides of not will be able to apply for reimdoing enough to prevent salmon bursement of any costs from and trout from leaving their Ouro. This also applies to fishing cages. He said: measures in acute incidents and ‘The farmers will now have even when the source or owner pay when fish escape. We are of escaped fish is unknown. tightening the requirements to Ingebrigtsen said the tougher ensure they pick up a large part measures were both simpler and of the bill.’ in line with the principle that the Companies will now be repolluter must pay. quired to report to the DirectoIt is more than a year ago since rate of Fisheries as soon as they a previous Fisheries Minister, suspect an escape. They will also Harald T. Nesvik, summoned the have a legal duty to implement industry and told firms they had measures to catch any escaped to do more. salmon.

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12/10/2020 16:29:32

European News

Salmon Evolution appoint new CFO SALMON Evolution (SALME-ME) has appointed Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen (37) as CFO, a position that has been vacant since previous CFO Håkon André Berg was appointed CEO in June this year.

Salmon Evolution’s new CFO comes from Hofseth International and brings both seafood and corporate finance experience. He has held the position as Senior Vice President Finance and Business Development in Hofseth since 2016. Prior to joining Hofseth, Mr. Schaug-Pettersen worked nine years as a corporate finance professional in First Securities/Swedbank.

Mr. Schaug-Pettersen is expected to take up the CFO role in Salmon Evolution on 1 January 2021.

‘I am very pleased to include Trond Håkon in the management team of Salmon Evolution’, comments CEO Håkon André Berg. ‘He has a broad background from both the capital markets and the seafood industry, and I am sure that he will add significant value to our company from day one’.

‘I am excited to join the Salmon Evolution team and I am looking forward to taking part in the development of a leading global salmon player’, comments Schaug-Pettersen.

Right: Trond Håkon Schaug-Pettersen

EAS move Cork conference online AFTER weighing up all the elements of risk and contingency, the EAS Board has decided that the Aquaculture Europe 2020 event planned in Cork next April cannot now go ahead. The Board has therefore decided to organise AE2020 as an ONLINE event, held over the same dates April 12-15, 2021.

The basic format of the event will stay the same as ‘normal’ Aquaculture Europe meetings, with morning plenary sessions and then breakout parallel sessions for oral and Eposter presentations. The parallel sessions will be made up of shorter slots for pre-recorded video presentations of the oral presentations and with time allocated to review Eposters and for Q&A. The Board has also agreed to extend the

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deadline for submission of abstracts to January 31st.

There will also be an e-Market, where vendors and media partners will have a dedicated place online to present their products, link to their website and have a chat-box to interact with attendees and set up meetings.

Gavin, Burnell, outgoing EAS President and AE2020 Steering Committee chair said: ‘Taking this decision now, 6 months ahead of the date, will allow us to prepare and configure the event so that it can be successful and interactive for attendees. This early announcement and the extension to the abstract deadline will also assure authors that they will have a chance to present

their work and will position AE2020 against the many other online events taking place this year and early next’.

Organising parallel sessions with pre-recorded presentations will not only reduce the risk for technical problems and hence ensure the smooth running of sessions, but all presentations (oral videos and Eposters) will be available for a period after the event for attendees to see online. This ensures that attendees will not miss a presentation that they would have otherwise missed with a busy programme in a physical event. During that period, contact with the presenter will also be facilitated, complementing the live Q&A during the conference days.

EAS will also organise the planned RAS@ EAS event as a one-day online workshop on April 12 before the conference starts. The workshop theme ‘Creating an Optimum Environment’ will be a panel-based discussion organised in three sessions addressing three key questions: ‘How do we best approach disinfection’? ‘Where are we going with monitoring & autonomy’? And ‘What are the most problematic interactions between fish & their environment’? Each session will have an introductory presentation, followed by a moderated panel discussion. Registration for this event can be made separately, but all those registered for the full AE2020 event will be able to attend.

During the opening plenary session, and as done for the first time at AE2019 in Berlin, EAS will have the Student Spotlight Award, with short pitches from the finalists and where participants will decide the winner.

More information on AE2020 will be posted at the EAS events website www.aquaeas. org

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12/10/2020 16:30:01

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12/10/2020 16:30:29

European News

word. It doesn’t mean too much until you THERESE Log Bergjord, CEO of aquaculture feed company Skretting, was named the 2020 put facts into the underlying business you do.’

IntraFish Person of the Year at IntraFish’s Partnering with Atlantic Sapphire on landSalmon Leadership Series online event last based salmon feed, and with startups such month. as Protix and Veramaris on alternative feed Never afraid to speak out, Bergjord has ingredients, under Bergjord’s steer, Skretting tirelessly pushed the feed sector to innovate has been at the forefront of investing in and change, pulling people together to talk new technologies and innovations in both openly about the challenges around reducing aquaculture and feed developments. She the aquaculture industry’s footprint and continued. enabling sustainable growth.

‘We are not big risk takers. But we are Born in Norway in 1965, it didn’t take willing to spend where we believe in induslong for Bergjord’s leadership qualities to be tries and companies and startups when we discovered, and by the time she was 25 she think they can make a difference from a raw was the commercial head of a department material standpoint.’ for US multinational energy corporation But what is clear is that while she may not ConocoPhillips, a company she stayed with classify herself as a risk taker, she is not afraid for 16 years. of change or new ventures.

Making her foray into the aquaculture Those new ventures extend to new sector in 2003 as commercial vice president, geographies, and Skretting is one of the few she was part of a team tasked with turning seafood sector companies globally with around stressed salmon farming company operations on the African contiPanFish (now Mowi).This, she says, nent. It is work that Bergjord is is where she met her lifelong proud of.With businesses in mentor,Atle Eide, then CEO Egypt, Nigeria and Zambia, of PanFish, now a private it has been a steep equity investor, and the learning curve for the reason she came to the managing director and seafood sector. her team.

In 2006 she made ‘It is not a linear develher first move into feed, opment. It’s dependent on starting as global sales nature to be successful. director at Nutreco-owned ‘The feed is one thing, Skretting, before taking on but it’s the water quality her first managing director and amount of water that’s role at Compass-owned ESS Above Therese Log Bergjord available and the knowlSupport Services in 2009, edge of the farmers around eventually becoming country us. It’s the size of it all, the lack of industrialmanager for Norway. isation.’

Then one day she got a call from Knut The challenges are completely different to Nesse, who she had already worked with those in the salmon sector, from which Bergher first time around at Skretting. He asked her to come back to Nutreco to head up his jord’s team had largely gleaned its expertise.

She and her team have had to learn to newly formed aquaculture division.‘I didn’t adapt to a drastically contrasting operational need time to think,’ she told IntraFish.‘I just landscape. thought that was perfect.And it was.’

But as they set up a new feed mill in In her short stint at the helm, Bergjord has Nigeria, Bergjord is audibly excited about had inordinate influence over the feed and the possibilities, citing estimated population broader aquaculture industry, pushing a firm development from 200 million to 700 million agenda of sustainability and transparency. She people in the country by the turn of the says: century.

‘When you go below the surface on the Population growth is obviously a draw for sustainability topic, it becomes very complex any consumer industry and, as a supplier to a very fast, and you realize that if you don’t at consumer industry, Skretting is no different. least first start talking and then doing things When looking to where to grow there are together as an industry we will only get two things to consider, says Bergjor: limited progress.

‘You should be able to produce aquacul‘I came to the feed industry and realised ture, and where the population growth is, the that 95 percent of our footprint comes consumer will come. through the raw materials we use in the ‘It is scary in many ways, but also very feeds. attractive in others. It will just take a lot ‘I also see that when we talk about our more time.’ business as sustainable,‘sustainable’ is just a

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Benchmark company expands into Africa

Photo: H. Segovia

IntraFish name Skretting CEO as their ‘person of the year’

Above: Farming Operations at Lake Kariba

SPRING Genetics, Benchmark’s tilapia genetics business, announced at the end of last month that it has signed a five year broodstock agreement with Africa’s leading tilapia producer, Lake Harvest Group.

Tilapia production in Africa is growing and the continent is currently producing around 950,000 mt per year, which is expected to grow by 5 – 6 % between 2017 and 2021.

Referring to the growth of the industry, Alfred Kadzomba, Technical Director of Lake Harvest said: ‘The annual production of tilapia in Africa is close to 1 million tonnes, which is today mostly from Egypt. The regions south of the Sahara hold huge potential to increase production, and we need fast growing, robust and disease resistant stock in order to succeed.’

The agreement secures Lake Harvest exclusive supply of high performing Nile tilapia broodstock from Spring Genetics advanced selection program in the USA to its commercial operations in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and a licence to produce and sell sex reversed fingerlings to third party farms in this region.

‘We are very pleased to sign our first broodstock contract in Africa to support the sustainable growth of the tilapia industry in the region,’ said Hideyoshi Segovia, Commercial and Operations Manager of Spring Genetics.

‘Spring Genetics manages the most advanced breeding program for tilapia in the world and has pioneered selection for improved resistance to key pathogens like streptococcus and francisella in the species. We have a strong footprint in the Latin American market and we look forward to supplying the industry in Africa with our superior performing stock that will be adapted to local productions conditions. This is a result of 10 years of genetic work,’ Hideyoshi adds.

Lake Harvest were granted import licences in August this year, and the first shipment from the US is scheduled for October. The imported fish will first enter a dedicated quarantine facility and extensively health screened before introduced to Lake Harvest’s farming operations in Lake Kariba.

‘Signing of this contract is an important step forward in the execution of our growth strategy” said Alfred Kadzomba, adding “Genetics are an important starting point in production in helping us to optimise production potential as well as improve animal health and welfare.

We’re looking forward to working with the Spring Genetics team and receiving the first supply of their latest generation broodstock to ensure continuous improvements and advances in our stock’.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:31:03

Photo: H. Segovia

Fry feeding breakthrough announced

Above Salmon fry

FAST growing healthy fish are the foundation of every successful fish farm. This is especially true for newly hatched larvae and fry that are vulnerable to stressors and nutrient deficiencies, leading to early mortality, deformities, and delayed growth. Fish larvae and fry require high levels of essential nutrients at their underdeveloped stages for their current and future well-being. Farmers require uniformly sized larvae and fry, with low mortality, no deformities and fast growth.

THE SCIENCE The importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the nutrition of larvae and fry is well-documented, and PUFA’s have therefore been a focus area when developing fry feeds at Aller Aqua. Similarly, the form in which PUFA’s are included in the feed has gained much attention. Recent research at Aller Aqua Research has shown the importance and benefits of improving and fine-tuning the content of marine phospholipids rich in PUFA’s in Aller Aqua’s fry feed range.

Phospholipids, deriving from krill oil or purified fish oil, are essential for maintaining membrane homeostasis, gene expression, hormone synthesis, neurological development, and inflammatory response. PUFA’s presented as phospholipids are digested and metabolised more efficiently than PUFA’s in other lipid classes.

Extensive studies with trout fry at Aller Aqua Research and at a test farm, showed improved growth when fish were fed ALLER INFA EX GR and ALLER FUTURA EX GR, exceeding that of fish fed with major competing brands. At the same time, fish fed with Aller Aqua fry feeds were more uniformly sized, showed no deformities and had lowered mortality down to 1% in trout fry up to 3g.

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THE SHORT VERSION Aller Aqua have found a new way of adding PUFA’s as phospholipids to fry feed which enhance the already positive benefits of these nutrients. In benchmark trials against major competing fry feed brands, Aller Aqua came out as the best option in terms of even fish sizing, no deformities and lowered mortality.

The company consider this another milestone in the evolution of fry feeds at Aller Aqua in the recent years, focussing on the needs of the fish and benefits for the farmer.

The upgrade applies to all of Aller Aqua’s fry feeds helping all of its fry feed customers to improved performance.

Above Dr Robert Tillner

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12/10/2020 16:31:23

World News

NEWS...

AquaMaof lands big Nevada contract Crosby Group lends support to AQUAA act

AQUAMAOF Aquaculture Technologies Ltd., a world leader in Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology for land-based aquaculture, has announced that it was selected to provide its advanced RAS technology to West Coast Salmon - an industrial 15K ton Atlantic Salmon production facility in Reno, Nevada.

A first stage equity financing has been recently secured by Norwegian based Company - West Coast Salmon AS - with lead anchor investors Bregal Partners and Nutreco N.V. In addition,AquaMaof, Beach Point Capital Management, founders/management and selected financial investors participated in the private placement.

The first phase of the project will deliver 12.600 ton production capacity HOG )Head On Gutted) from the second half of 2024, serving fresh and sustainably raised Atlantic Salmon to health and environmentally conscious US West Coast consumers.

Hallvard Muri, Chairman of West Coast Salmon AS, commented: ‘The West Coast Salmon team looks forward to executing our plan in partnership with AquaMaof as Technology Provider and investor, and the company’s new strong owners, to achieve our goal of becoming the leading US West Coast provider of high quality sustainably raised Atlantic salmon’.

‘We are extremely honored to take part in this innovative project and to support the West Coast Salmon team and investors, on their mission to supply the local market with fresh, clean, healthy, and sustainably-produced Salmon,’ commented David Hazut, CEO

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News MASTER.indd 20

of AquaMaof.‘Today, more than ever, it has become extremely important to maintain a clean, bio-secured, diseasefree environment in seafood production, as well as enabling self-sufficiency in a time of disrupted food production and supply chain” he added.“This is enabled by producing fish on land, in a closed fully controlled environment, utilizing our RAS technology’ AquaMaof’s RAS technology provides an end-to-end solution for responsiblyfarmed and harvested aquaculture practices, for various aquaculture species.

These industrial land-based aquaculture facilities are strategically located adjacent to large cities, which dramatically reduces transportation costs and associated environmental impact, and produce fresh, natural, and high-quality fish and shellfish at competitive prices.AquaMaof’s technology promotes sustainable practices that include proprietary waterrecycling techniques with minimum discharge and low power consumption.

There are no antibiotics, or chemicals used in the farming process.AquaMaof’s integrated RAS technology enables yearround harvest.

The West Coast Salmon project joins other projects currently under development by AquaMaof, with a combined capacity of approximately 75K tons, mostly for Atlantic Salmon.Among these projects are Grieg NL’s super smolt facility in Canada to produce 7 million smolt, Pure Salmon projects in Japan (10K), France (10K), and east-coast US (20K), Proximar project in Japan (5K), an Atlantic Salmon project in Germany (5K), a salmon Project in Vologda, Russia (2.5K) and more.

THE Crosby Group, the global leader in lifting, rigging and material handling hardware, has announced it is pleased to support the Advancing the Quality and Understanding of America Aquaculture (AQUAA) Act of 2020 recently introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and Marco Rubio, R-Fla. The Act proposes a balanced framework for the development of offshore aquaculture in the United States with a process to further grow coastal economies while minimizing environmental impact.

‘The Crosby Group has a long history of delivering rigging and mooring solutions for the aquaculture industry,’ said Robert Desel, CEO of The Crosby Group. ‘We are greatly encouraged by bipartisan activity in this space to drive U.S. aquaculture forward in a safe and sustainable way.’

The Crosby Group, through its Gunnebo Industries branded products, provides a range of chain, shackles and mooring components specifically designed for the aquaculture market.

The portfolio incorporates unique features for faster and easier installation in harsh conditions, lowering the operational costs for end users. The products are manufactured and tested to the highest and most demanding standards globally to extend product life and increase safety for both personnel and the environment.

‘We look forward to working with the industry to enable sustainable, safe, and efficient operations in the U.S. that can withstand the most challenging offshore operating conditions,’ said Desel.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:31:49

All the latest industry news from around the world

Vietnam shrimp exports profit at Ecuador’s expense

The future of fish farming A well-designed system, the right feed, good management practices and an optimal feeding strategy are fundamental to the success of both your fish and your RAS farm.

Learn more: www.alltechcoppens.com/ras-guide

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News MASTER.indd 21

Heavy Duty and COMFORTABLE NEW ISOMAX

ISOMAX

EXTREME

TRIDGE, a global sourcing and market intelligence hub for food buyers and suppliers, has reported the latest market trends affecting the food and agriculture sector. This month the biggest news relates to the export strains caused by the pandemic that have disrupted trade dynamics in the shrimp industry for 2020.

Vietnam, the world’s third-largest shrimp exporter, has recorded positive growth in its shrimp industry with the US and China increasing imports. According to the Vietnam Industry of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the first half of the year reached USD $1.5 billion, up 5.7% compared to the same period last year.

The South East Asian country has gained a competitive advantage by responding to the effects of Covid-19 early, ensuring production rates are maintained. This has filled a market void as other exporters such as India (world’s top exporter) and Ecuador (second-largest exporter) have experienced difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

Ecuador, especially, has been severely affected over the past sixmonths and unable to trade at normal levels due to lockdown restrictions, spiked production costs, labour shortages, and reduced demand.

With prices at an all-time low, importers of Ecuadorian shrimp are worried that the shrimp market bubble will burst once supply begins to shrink.

Hoshik Shin, founder and CEO at Tridge, commented: ‘The Vietnam shrimp market has experienced positive results despite the global disruption caused by the virus. Its outlook also looks very promising due to the EU-Vietnam Trade Agreement (EVFTA) that took place in August.

‘The EVTA means that going forwards, food and agricultural products including shrimp will be liberalised from import tariffs, improving Vietnam and European trade relations. Manioc starch, coffee, sugar and rice are some of the other commodities that are set to benefit from the agreement.’

CONDITIONS

Above: Vietnamese shrimp

Manufacturing in France since 1964

NEW COLOUR

NEW COLOUR CHINOOK

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21

12/10/2020 16:32:11

World News

OTAQ expands Chile operations

Above: OTAQ Chile

WORLD class underwater company, OTAQ Group, has recently announced that their Chile division has acquired a larger office space following a number of project wins, also resulting in the creation of several new positions.

The 100m2 office space, three times the size of the previous office, will accommodate the

team of five, an increase from a headcount of two in just 12 months. Future team growth throughout the remainder of 2020 is also expected as OTAQ continue their drive for growth, developing their range of marine technology products.

OTAQ’s specialist product range is ideally

suited to specialist Chilean sectors, especially mining and oil and gas. The highly innovative company first opened its Chile base in July 2016, providing services in Agriculture, specifically SealFENCE and SealFENCE portable, with plans to introduce the wider range of standard OTAQ products to the Chilean market.

Phil Newby, Chief Executive Officer, OTAQ Group, said: ‘Having established the OTAQ name and our products in Chile, we’re delighted to be moving into a bigger space which will allow us to expand our capabilities. The move to larger premises now sets the stage for us to establish a full-service offering in Chile over the coming years.’

OTAQ Group’s Chief Operations Officer, Steve Burns who head up the Chile office, said: ‘This is fantastic news for the group and shows our continued commitment and confidence in the region. Our team in Puerto Montt have done a truly excellent job getting the new facility up and running so quickly.’

Offering world class technology for aquaculture, OTAQ has 36 staff members across the four worldwide locations; Puerto Montt in Chile and Lancaster, Aberdeen and Ulverston in the UK. OTAQ will be at stand B327 at Aqua Sur, the largest international aquaculture exhibition in the southern hemisphere, which will take place in Puerto Montt, Chile from 3-5 March 2021.

AKVA signs up for Dubai deal AN agreement for the design of a number of land based salmon farms in the Middle East has been signed between AKVA group and the Dubai based company Vikings Label.

This significant development is another indication of the growing determination of countries in the Mid-East region to develop their own aquaculture industry.

Vikings’ chief technical officer Morten Malle, said: ‘In the Vikings team, we are very pleased to have entered into this cooperation agreement with AKVA group on the design of our facilities

and as a strong technology partner in the Middle East.

‘For Vikings it has been important to get an experienced and solid technology partner on-board, and the AKVA group is a partner who shares Vikings vision for sustainable aquaculture. Only a few RAS suppliers have long-term experience in the design, construction, and operation of modern land based fish farming in this region, AKVA group being one of them. In this partnership we feel even more confident that we are creating successful projects and bringing long-term food security to the region’.

AKVA land based sales director Jacob Bregnballe, who has extensive experience in such projects in the region, highlighted the importance of a close relationship between Vikings and the AKVA group. He said: ‘It is a challenge to build successful aquaculture projects in the Middle East and you really need to have a strong entity working tightly together.

‘Many things are done differently in this region, often in ways we do not face on home grounds. In our new working relationship with Vikings we believe we have an excellent and ambitious team.Vikings have been progressing fast in the past few months and we can’t wait to be part of the good progress’.

Above: llustra�on of the Fish City

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www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:32:30

All the latest industry news from around the world

Seaweed can tackle global poverty, says expert

Above: Examining the catch

A world-renowned seaweed expert has told a meeting of UN representatives and global organisations how the seaweed industry is helping people in developing nations escape poverty.

Dr Flower Msuya, from Tanzania, was representing the UKRI-funded GlobalSeaweedSTAR programme at the meeting, Seaweed Manifesto: Towards Implementation, which took place as a side-event at the 75th UN General Assembly.

The Seaweed Manifesto, developed by Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the UN Global Compact, defines a vision for global seaweed production. This manifesto is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding and developing the industry, which is well established in Asia and parts of Africa and South America, but is also expanding in other parts of the world. Dr Msuya said: ‘Seaweeds have been proven to be a livelihood enhancer in emerging countries in Asia,Africa, South America and so on. It employs a large number of farmers, who benefit directly from the industry, together with their families and communities around them, including service providers.

‘For example, the industry employs 30,000 farmers in Tanzania and is the third largest in the Zanzibar islands, where it contributes around 7.6 per cent of the islands’ GDP.’ Seaweed farming is the fastest growing of all aquaculture sectors globally, worth over USD 5 billion annually. Dr Msuya will tell the meet-

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ing that this crucial industry faces immediate threat from climate change and a lack of research in this area. She said: ‘For a brighter future for the industry, we need to link farmers to researchers, governments, the UN, NGOs and businesses to give them courage to continue.We also need to support research and innovation, which will help the industry overcome the challenges associated with climate change, such as warming waters.

‘Seaweed-producing nations should also be encouraged to use their own produce, rather than exporting all the raw material, and we must create an attractive environment that encourages young people to join the industry.’

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), in Oban, leads the GlobalSeaweedSTAR programme and is a major contributor to the manifesto.

Programme leader Prof Elizabeth Cottier-Cook, of SAMS, said:

‘The seaweed industry is crucial to so many coastal communities in the developing world. It provides income to millions of families, often allowing women to become economically active in areas where few other opportunities exist.

‘I’m delighted that a special sideevent dedicated to seaweed will be held during the 75th anniversary UN General Assembly, giving it a global platform from which to highlight key challenges and discuss how to grow the industry sustainably.’

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12/10/2020 16:33:33

Coronavirus crisis – Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation

BY HAMISH MACDONELL

Election slogan The 2021 Holyrood contest presents an opportunity for salmon farming

O

ne experienced salmon farmer tells of growing up in the Western Isles in the late 1970s and early 1980s and the warning handed down by teachers to children who failed to pay attention in class.

‘Study hard and get good grades,’ the teacher would say, ‘Otherwise you’ll end up working in the salmon farm.’

Now the opposite is true. Teachers are much more likely to tell their pupils: ‘Study hard and get good grades or you’ll miss the chance to work in the salmon farm.’

It is easy to see why.

Two major economic reports have been issued by the Scottish Government in the past month, one by Ekosgen on the marine economy and the other by Biggar Economics on the impact of aquaculture.

One put average salaries in salmon farming at around £34,000, the other pitched the figure considerably higher, at £43,000. The two reports were not compiled in the same way and the true figure is probably somewhere in the middle, at around £38,000-£39,000.

But whether its £34,000, £39,000 or £43,000, salaries in the Scottish salmon sector are considerably higher than the UK national average wage of around £30,000 a year.

Many of these fish farming jobs are in remote, rural locations where land farming and tourism tend to be the main alternatives, neither of which tend to offer the sort of well-paid, long-term employment prospects offered by the salmon sector.

In total, Scotland’s salmon farmers paid out £185 million in wages and other staff costs in 2018, much of which went directly into Scotland’s remotest communities. But add in the supply chain, and the ripple effect of salmon farming on rural Scotland becomes even more apparent.

According to the reports, salmon farmers bought three quarters of all their supplies from within Scotland in 2018 – a financial injection of more than £1 billion.

This supported nearly 12,000 indirect jobs in the supply chain, from lorry drivers to net manufacturers. There are those who argue that these economic arguments are hardly new and that the financial lifeline provided by salmon farming to Scotland’s rural communities is well known.

That is indeed true but what is different now is that we are entering the harsh and unforgiving post-Covid world of broke governments, mass unemployment, huge public sector deficits and struggling businesses everywhere.

What that means is that, while those good salaries in remote, rural

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SSPO.indd 24

locations were important in the past, now they are vital. But there is another side to this too.

Every news bulletin seems to start with someone pleading for government cash. Almost everyone, it seems, expects to be bailed out by the taxpayer.

It has not been a good year for our sector, that’s obvious. Exports took a huge hit through the second quarter and some key markets may take years to recover fully. And while our farmers have appreciated all the help and support they have been given by both the UK and Scottish governments throughout this crisis (mostly in terms of helping preventing a glut of fish on the market) they are not one of those groups holding their bonnets out and asking for cash to keep them going.

That is because our sector is resilient, innovative and flexible.

But there is only so much our farmers can do on their own.

There is one senior figure in an international salmon farming company who is more than happy to produce a paper he carries around with him showing the relative costs of doing business in different parts of the world.

In Scotland, the costs are higher than anywhere else. Our farmers have to pay more to get approval, they have to pay more to adapt and develop their farms and they have to be pay more for regulation along the way.

Ten years ago, the Scottish salmon sector had a ten per-cent share of the global market.

Now, it has a seven per cent share. The global market for salmon is growing yet the Scottish slice of that market is shrinking and much of the blame has to be laid at the door of the expensive and cumbersome regulatory regime our farmers have to cope with.

But there is an opportunity here too.

The post-Covid realities of empty govern-

want “toWeensure

that Scottish salmon’s potential for sustainable growth is right at the centre of every electoral contest

”

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 14:52:07

Photo: SSPO

Election slogan

ment coffers and dwindling tax revenues will focus the a�en�on of decision makers on those sectors which have not only weathered the pandemic in pre�y good shape but which can also stride forth in confidence, making more money, crea�ng more jobs and supporting Scotland PLC. The next Sco�sh elec�ons are only eight months away and Covid recovery will be the key theme during that campaign. That is why the Sco�sh Salmon Producers Organisa�on (SSPO) will use these two government economic reports to point out, not just how important our sector is now but how much it can help the country get back to normality once again.

We want to ensure that Sco�sh salmon’s poten�al for sustainable growth is right at the centre of every electoral contest in our farming areas and that every poli�cian knows

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SSPO.indd 25

about us and what we can deliver.

But there is one final, and telling, contribu�on that those economic reports can make.

The conclusion to the Biggar Economics. report stated: ‘Fish products tend to be lower carbon emi�ers than other protein-based food products. As a result, they are likely to form an increasing share of protein consump�on in the future by more environmentally conscious consumers.’

And it added: ‘Ac�on may, however, be required to address structural limits to an expansion of the sector’s supply, including in the planning system and the availability of new sites.’

So that’s a Sco�sh Government report, not only iden�fying salmon as the likely food of choice for environmentally conscious consumers but flagging up the need for a streamlined regulatory system and more Above: Fish health inspec�on at Sco�sh places available for us to farm.

If we can get this message taken seriously by every candidate standing Salmon farm for elec�on to the Sco�sh Parliament next year, then it won’t just be in the Western Isles that children will be encouraged to work hard so they can work in the local salmon farm, it will be in every part of the west coast and throughout all our islands too. FF

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13/10/2020 09:30:09

Shellfish

BY NICKI HOLMYARD

The seaweed revival An ideal crop for developing coastal regions

I

ate seaweed for the first �me yesterday. At first with some trepida�on, then with relish, as I began to appreciate its umami, and the fact that it was undoubtedly doing me some good!

There are more than 1800 species of green algae, 2000 species of brown algae, and well over 7200 species of red algae growing around the world, making the seaweed family truly diverse. As well as the tradi�onal long stranded varie�es of seaweed, interest is also growing in the culture of microalgae. Es�mates of the number of species of microalgae vary wildly, ranging from 200,000-800,000.

Classified as plants, seaweed has been farmed and cul�vated for centuries in Asia, but in recent years, its popularity has spread, and seaweed farming is expanding rapidly around the globe.

This is not surprising, considering that seaweed and algae are versa�le culinary ingredients with numerous health benefits, and a�ract a growing health-conscious world popula�on. In par�cular, seaweed is o�en referred to as a superfood that is rich in iodine and calcium and contains natural an�oxidants, minerals and amino acids.

There are also myriad real and poten�al applica�ons outside of the kitchen, including health supplements and drinks, feed for fish and livestock, cosme�cs, biomaterials and biofuel.

According to the United Na�ons Food and Agriculture Organisa�on (FAO), around 25 million metric tons of seaweed and other algae are currently harvested, with a value of almost $6 billion. China, Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan are the major players in this industry.

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Shellfish.indd 26

Below: Sco�sh seaweed Opposite: Farming

seaweed in Vietnam

Seaweed is grown in a number of different ways, depending on the species and the climate in which it is grown. It is o�en seeded onto thin ropes, which can be suspended in deep water using tradi�onal mussel longline techniques, or between bamboo poles in shallow-water. The majority of seaweed species a�ach themselves to their growing structure with holdfasts, which are highly effec�ve anchors.

No external inputs or feed are needed to grow seaweed, as it converts sunlight to energy through photosynthesis, making it an ideal crop in developing coastal regions.

One of the exci�ng benefits of growing seaweed is its ability to sequester carbon dioxide from the oceans, which in turn, reduces atmospheric carbon and ocean acidifica�on.

It is es�mated that if 9% of the ocean was dedicated to seaweed farming, 53 billion tons of carbon dioxide could be removed from the atmosphere each year. Seaweed also absorbs nitrogen from the oceans, which further helps to reduce ocean acidifica�on. Around 20 tons of nitrogen is absorbed per square kilometre of seaweed.

In the UK, although seaweed grows prolifically around the coast, a farmed seaweed industry is developing slowly, finding its feet and seeking markets beyond the niche sector, according to Walter Speirs, a member and former chair of the Sco�sh Seaweed Industry Associa�on.

‘I have obtained consents to grow seaweed on my former mussel farm, but have concerns that as more and more people start to grow small amounts of seaweed, there is s�ll no established route to market. It could be like the early days of mussel farming, when it was considered to be a small-scale, cro�ing ac�vity, and everyone was figh�ng for customers before we established a coopera�ve,’ he said.

As an example, he believes that drying and packaging facili�es at scale are needed if the sector is to develop its full poten�al.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 15:22:34

The seaweed revival

Seaweed “has long

been valued as a food source and a fertilizer around the coast, and its time is coming again

”

Growing number of seaweed companies ‘Several companies are doing really well with their seaweed consumer products in Scotland, but there is a limit to the amount of seaweed needed for this market,’ he said.

Shore, based in Wick, has been growing, harvesting and processing seaweed since 2016, and produces seaweed chips, clusters and pesto, while Edinburgh-based Mara has developed an award-winning range of flakes, powders and seaweed strips for culinary use. Both companies have made it into major retail outlets. Mara currently harvests seaweed from the wild, but director Fiona Houston is seeking to set up a farm, which she will be able to crop within 4-5 months of seeding.

As Houston recently explained on BBC’s Farming Today programme, ‘Seaweed has long been valued as a food source and a fertiliser around the coast, and its time is coming again.’

In England, Off the coast of Yorkshire, Wave Crookes and Laura Robinson of Sea Grown, are establishing a seaweed farm with support from the Coastal Communities Fund. They have already developed a range of seaweed seasonings, which will utilise some of the farmed crop.

However, they intend that their seaweed will also be used for a far wider range of uses, and are working to establish links with interested companies.

The Cornish Seaweed Company has also successfully established itself in the marketplace, with a range of seaweed cooking ingredients,

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Shellfish.indd 27

seaweed gift sets, seaweed snacks and seaweed skin care.

Oceanium, based near Oban, has taken a different route, and in addition to food and nutrition products, is developing marine-safe, home compostable bio-packaging materials from sustainably-farmed seaweed, that have no end of life solutions and can be disposed of with food waste.

Walter Speirs explained that not every seaweed can be cultivated and that considerable research is being undertaken by global research institutes including SAMS, the Scottish Association for Marine Science, to develop and perfect techniques for breeding, propagation, drying and other methods of preservation, and to look at issues related to disease, pests and biosecurity.

SAMS uses its own experimental seaweed farms to undertake research, and is involved in multi-million pound projects including Seagas, Macrofuels and Genialg. The organisation’s hatchery is dedicated to the cultivation of seaweed strains for research projects and commercial supply, including Saccharina latissima, Alaria esculenta, Laminaria hyperborea and Laminaria digitata.

Scaling up Ambitions are one thing, but scaling up seaweed farming, as has been done in the Far East, has been associated with a number of environmental impacts, such as effects on water movement and the physical structure of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, as well as changes in water quality, primary and secondary productivity and native fisheries.

In a bid to address these issues, a joint standard for environmentally sustainable and socially responsible seaweed production has been developed by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Launched in 2017, the standard applies globally to both farmed and wild-caught seaweed and requires producers to minimise their impact on the surrounding natural environment, and to manage their operations in a responsible manner, caring for their employees, working with the local community, and being a conscientious neighbour. FF

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12/10/2020 15:22:55

Otter Ferry – Broodstock

Innovation in their DNA Otter Ferry broodstock programme

B

ased on the shores of Loch Fyne since 1967, O�er Ferry Seafish (OFS) is one of the last independent marine fish farms in Scotland.

Part of its successful resilience lies within the different breeding programs that the company has developed, securing a safe and regular supply of marine finfish fry, star�ng with Atlan�c salmon in the late 80s. In 1991, the company shi�ed to the produc�on of Atlan�c halibut with the recruitment of wild broodfish. In 2009, with the development of the cleaner fish industry, the company recruited its first wild caught ballan wrasse. Finally, in 2016, the first genera�on of lumpfish fry issued from a cap�ve Sco�sh broodstock was produced and more recently the successful closing of the cycle again with the recent spawning of F2 Sco�sh lumpfish stock.

Over the last 20 years, OFS has successfully developed and implemented breeding programs for its three commercial species, namely Atlan�c halibut, ballan wrasse and lumpfish. Thanks to an excep�onal effort of both research and development, the company is in a unique situa�on holding stocks of F1 Ballan wrasse, F2 Lumpfish and F3 Halibut genera�ons.

Sustainability is paramount at OFS and it is therefore one of the priori�es of the company to move from wild to farmed broodstock popula�ons thus preserving natural stocks.

The company sees in the establishment of strong breeding programs ways to improve its produc�vity. In the case of the halibut, the highlight of the program in the early 2000s was the produc�on of neomales that allowed OFS and Gigha Halibut (where the halibut are on-grown) to produce all-females produc�on cohorts presen�ng the advantage of a later matura�on compared to that of mixed sex cohorts thus gaining on growth.

In the case of cleaner fish, the breeding programs at OFS have successfully permi�ed the cap�ve reproduc�on of the species and supported the increasing produc�on of cleaner fish deployed across the Sco�sh salmon Industry in the fight against sea lice.

The development and implementa�on of OFS breeding programs have been made possible through sustained research and innova�on. Over the years, several research projects have been carried out at OFS in close collabora�on with the Ins�tute of Aquaculture (University of S�rling) including the crea�on of the first halibut neomales, the development of halibut broodstock diets and more recently the up-scaling of the cleaner fish broodstock produc�on.

Alastair Barge, Managing Director at OFS says: ‘Successful p roduc�on of quality fish starts with the quality of the egg and its physical and gene�c make-up. At the early stage of domes�ca�on there is incredible poten�al for improvement of selected traits through selec�ve breeding. Innova�on is in our DNA.’ O�er Ferry Seafish is now bringing its breeding program to the next level.

The company is an ac�ve partner in the AquaLeap project, which aims at promo�ng the development of key aquaculture species by harnessing their gene�c poten�al. Work is currently being carried out at the farm, in collabora�on with the S�rling University, with the objec�ve to iden�fy markers associated to phenotypic traits of interest such as growth, feed efficacy, disease resistance and poten�ally delousing efficacy. Thanks to this work, O�er Ferry Seafish will have the founda�ons of a next genera�on breeding program for the species. More recently O�er Ferry and University of S�rling have secured a 3-years Knowledge Transfer Partnership project.

The KTP associate whose posi�on is being adver�sed will look at ballan wrasse broodstock management and ways to op�mise performance and implement a selec�ve breeding programme.

Dr. Thomas Cavrois-Rogacki, R&D manager at OFS says:

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‘With the cap�ve reproduc�on of the three species being a commercial reality, it is �me to move onto the next step and embrace the poten�al of gene�c selec�on. The availability of genomic tools and their cost compared to that of 10 years ago opens a range of possibili�es including the produc�on of individuals with commercial desirable traits such as higher feed efficacy, promoted growth, disease resistance but also delousing efficacy in the case of cleaner fish.

With its breeding programs, OFS has embarked on a very exci�ng journey that will contribute promo�ng sustainable aquaculture’. FF

Successful “produc� on of quality fish starts with the quality of the egg

”

Above: Sco�sh F2 male lumpfish at OFS Left: Sco�sh F2 lumpfish broodstock at OFS

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12/10/2020 15:30:31

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12/10/2020 12:41:26

Sea lice

BY VINCE MCDONAGH

Deeper thinking New research challenges previous cage design models

A

new twist has emerged in the ongoing ba�le against salmon lice.

Not so long ago it was thought that the lice liked to thrive on the surface, but a study by scien�sts at Norway’s Ins�tute of Marine Research have found that certain types like to go deep.

They admit they were surprised when they started to look into the depths that lice like best. HI researcher Frode Oppedal said he thought the environment would be more decisive. Using 80 cen�metre high water cylinders, the researchers simulated different depths at the Ins�tute’s research sta�on in Matre, Norway.

They were joined by Andrew Coates, an Australian doctoral fellow from the University of Melbourne who exposed salmon lice to various pressures that simulated zero, five and ten metre depths. Together with HI researchers, he wanted to find out if some lice liked deeper water be�er than other varie�es. Oppedal explained: ‘The larvae of salmon lice are known to prefer being close to the water surface, preferably not deeper than four metres.

‘The knowledge that lice thrived best on the surface became the basis for the design of several new types of cages. Snorkel cages or cages with skirts and sunken cages are all designed to keep salmon lice physically away from the salmon.’

When the researchers increased the pressure in the water cylinders to simulate deeper water, they saw that the lice larvae preferred to swim up. But they also discovered that some types of lice preferred to remain in the deeper water sec�ons, said Andrew Coates: ‘Our conclusion is that the ability to choose deeper water is a family varia�on, and that this can be hereditary’.

The researchers say they now want to try to

Left: Fish farm technology to combat sea lice Opposite: Sea lice a�ached to salmon

30

Sea Lice - Vince.indd 30

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12/10/2020 15:01:34

Deeper Thinking

find out if the same results are reproduced on a larger scale. They believe that if further research confirms that some salmon lice families prefer to thrive in deeper water than was originally thought, then it could have biological consequences giving them an advantage when it comes to natural selec�on. Oppedal added: ‘In the long run, evolu�on can thus make it common for lice larvae to swim deeper. Once we know this, it can also help us with the future design of salmon cages’.

SALMON LICE BACKGROUND Salmon lice are a parasi�c crustacean and the most common parasite on farmed salmon, leading to the biggest disease problem in the industry. Monitoring of salmon lice shows that the extent is increasing, and that the lice have in many cases become resistant to treatment

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Sea Lice - Vince.indd 31

methods such as oral agents and bath treatments. They are found naturally in all sea areas in the northern hemisphere.

By ea�ng mucus, skin and blood from the host, the salmon lice inflict damage on the fish.

This makes the fish more suscep�ble to other infec�ons such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, and it also affects the fish’s salt balance. Large numbers of salmon lice can cause the fish to die, but also indirect damage, reduced growth and fewer habitats weaken the reproduc�ve poten�al of wild salmonids. Salmon farming in Norwegian �ords and along the coast has increased in recent decades, and it is a goal for both industry and the authori�es that produc�on will con�nue to be intensified.

Since salmon are largely farmed in open cages parasites such as salmon lice can spread freely from farmed to wild fish. The large increase in the number of available hosts along the coast has led to an increased incidence of salmon lice on wild salmonids.

Salmon lice are therefore a challenge for further sustainable growth in the aquaculture industry. In order to reduce the amount of lice on wild fish, limits have therefore been introduced for how much salmon lice salmon can have in fish farms. FF

Our “ conclusion

is that the ability to choose deeper water is a family varia�on, and that this can be hereditary

”

31

12/10/2020 15:01:54

GenusWave – Advertorial

GenusWave gives salmon a

fighting chance against sea lice

New seal deterrent technology reduces predation stress; boosts natural resistance to parasites

C

urrent treatments for sea lice have been a disappointment. Better living through chemistry may not be better for salmon.The best solution may be biological.

Every fish biologist knows that salmon have an innate immunity and natural ‘mechanisms of resistance’ against parasites, including sea lice. Since the salmon’s first line of defence against sea lice is its skin and mucus production - which form a natural barrier1 - the straightforward solution is to enable each salmon to produce more mucus.

While any biological issue is multi-factorial, the calculation is to some extent valid: increase a salmon’s mucus production and sea lice will be reduced. The question is, to what extent?

Feed companies with extensive research budgets made the connection between mucus production and sea lice. Skretting, for example, has formulated specific feed additives that increase mucus production expressly to support salmons’ defence against sea lice. Their research shows a 20% reduction in sea lice.

Solution The practical approach to produce more mucus is to remove the predation stress that interferes with their mucus production.

With Genuswave TAST/ASD

Healthy Salmon

Healthy Salmon

-Without GenuswavePredator nets?

Yes Stressed Salmon

No

Seal Predation, Salmon Lost

1.Appetite suppression 2.Weakened immune system 3.Loss of protective mucous

Sea lice infestations, Gill disease, Salmon lost 32

GenusWave - PED NEW.indd 32

If salmon are experiencing predation stress, they produce cortisol and adrenaline, not mucus. As a result, predation stress makes salmon more susceptible to disease. Eliminate the predation stress and the salmon can produce more mucus.

Whilst predation stress is only one of many stressors in the life of a salmon, with new cutting-edge technology, predation stress is one stressor that can now be successfully mitigated.

Predation stress creates a serious problem Predation stress impairs the salmon’s immune system, taxes salmon’s energy reserves and suppresses their growth rates.2 A recent study specifically linked salmon stress with “moribund fish, known as ‘drop outs’ or ‘loser fish’” that exhibit depression-like behavior and even anorexia.3 In particular, stress makes salmon more susceptible to sea lice infestations4 Predation stress without predation Predation causes stress in fish, even where the predators cannot reach the fish.5 Anti-predation nets do not prevent this stress.

Salmon have a very strong sense of smell.6 The farther away the predators are kept, the lower the concentrations of odor in the water, and the lower the stress levels for the salmon.

Are treatments for sea lice making salmon sicker?

The current method of managing sea lice may be making the situation worse for salmon. Treatments to remove sea lice also remove the salmon’s mucus! By stripping away their mucus, the treatments make the salmon vulnerable to sea lice re-infection and more susceptible to other infections and diseases.

If a salmon is infected with sea lice, its immune system is already compromised. Stripping the salmon of its mucus rips away its only defence and is like serving the salmon up to the sea lice on a silver platter.

Keeping seals away from the salmon and eliminating predation stress may be the first step to restoring equilibrium to the salmon’s immune system and empowering the salmon to protect itself from sea lice.

The tipping point of immunity The salmon’s immune system can manage most challenges; provided it is not overwhelmed.

“Any response…to stress requires the expenditure of energy that would otherwise be utilized for maintaining normal body functions such as growth, digestion, osmoregulation, disease resistance, healing and reproduction. Think of energy as a pie with only so many pieces; stress consumes a portion of the animal’s energy…” (Barton & Iwama, 1991.

Schreck, 1982)”.

If predation stress is added to its load of other stressors, it can be a tipping point. The salmon won’t have enough energy for the optimal functioning of its immune system and won’t be able to produce enough mucus.

Keeping seals away from the salmon and eliminating predation stress should result in salmon being less susceptible to sea lice infestation.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 15:59:47

Invitasjon til norske lakseoppdrettere med lakselusutfordringer Samarbeid om forskningstillatelse

Above: Sea lice a�ached to salmon Opposite: Genuswave 8.2 ASD-SeaL Lice FLow Chart

The science “…stress evokes elevated cortisol blood plasma levels, resulting in suppressed immune function, and drains metabolic energy, the effects of stress are cumulative (Pennell, 1991), reducing the capacity to tolerate subsequent or additional stressors. Stress suppresses the immune response and can predispose fish to disease. Stress reduces antibody production (Pickering and Pottinger 1987b, Pickering, A.D. 1987), slows the body’s response to injury or infection and increases susceptibility to pathogens.(…)

Reduced surface mucus production is associated with stress in fish, and since the mucus layer is a major defence barrier to pathogens, less mucus can mean increased susceptibility to infection. A weakened ability to engulf invading bacteria is due to the action of elevated blood cortisol that affects the fluidity of macrophage membranes, but the primary effect is that the macrophage cannot kill the pathogen after ingesting it.” (Stress in Fish, Part II, Bartelme 2004)

companies with “Feed extensive research budgets made the connec�on between mucus produc�on and sea lice

”

Bacterial disease “Stress may also manifest itself in exposure to (bacterial) disease. Surveys in farms in Maine in 1992–1993 reported that outbreaks of Hitra, a cold water bacterial disease, started and had the greatest impact on pens already being attacked by seals, and that such pens had a 4%–5% increase in disease-related mortality.”

(Nash and Iwamoto, 1999) Greater sea lice infestation is more common in the presence of predation stress. Removing predation stress should allow for healthy surface mucus production which would reduce sea lice attachment.

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GenusWave - PED NEW.indd 33

More research is needed More research needs to be done. In the meantime, salmon farmers can eliminate predation stress by keeping seals away from their pens with a new method to deter predatory seals: Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST).

Invitation to Norwegian salmon farmers GenusWave is inviting Norwegian Salmon farmers with sea lice issues to collaborate on an R&D license “forskningstillatelse”. The project will measure the impact of eliminating predation stress on Sea Lice attachment,Amoebic Gill Disease and Infectious Salmon Anemia.

Technology to empower salmon works by keeping seals away GenusWave’s TAST is the only acoustic deterrence system for salmon farms that has been documented to be both effective and harmless in peer-reviewed and published research.

Research shows that seals do not habituate to the startle signal and TAST causes no harm to predator or prey. TAST is compliant with the most rigorous environmental standards like the ASC and the MMPA. TAST keeps seals away from the salmon, which reduces stress on farmed salmon. Less stress means stronger immunity to disease, better appetites, faster growth, better yields and higher revenues.

Inviterer alle norske lakseoppdrettere med lakselusproblemer til samarbeid med GenusWave om forskningstillatelse for å studere fordeler ved å fjerne stress forårsaket av predatorer

The theory Published research has established that: 1) Mucus is the salmon’s defence against sea lice infection and 2) Stress weakens the salmon’s immune system and reduces the salmon’s ability to produce mucus.

Therefore, a reduction in predation stress supports an increase in mucus production and a stronger immune system, which produces healthier, more desirable salmon and a reduced need for expensive treatments. This is a logical inference and Skretting’s research would validate the conclusion.

It’s a good theory. It makes sense. The question is, to what extent?

What are the precise benefits of eliminating predation stress GenusWave is a science-based company and specific research is needed to link, not just in logic, but in measurable data that can quantify the extent, to which, eliminating predation stress mitigates or eliminates sea lice.

GenusWave ser etter norske lakseoppdrettere som ønsker å samarbeide om å måle akkurat i hvor stor grad reduksjonen av stress forårsaket av predatorer reduserer utfordringer med lakselus.

GenusWave vil undersøke koblingen mellom stress forårsaket av predatorer og laksens mottakelighet for parasittangrep. Hypotesen er at TAST kan spille en rolle i en forbedring av laksens immunrespons mot parasittene ved å fjerne stress forårsaket av predatorer. En slik studie vil innebære å installere TAST på et antall oppdrettsanlegg eller på et antall merder i et anlegg. Samtidig vil andre lokaliteter eller merder uten TAST fungere som kontrollgruppe. https://genuswave.com/contact-us/ FF

REFERENCES 1 Jones, Simon RM, “Mechanisms of Resistance among Salmon to the Parasitic Copepod Lepeophtheirus salamonis, p. 2 (Journal of Aquaculture: Research and Development) (doi:10.4172/2155-9546.S2003) (citing Jones SRM (2001) The occurrence and mechanisms of innate immunity against parasites in fish. (Dev Comp Immunol 25:841-852); Provan F, Jensen LB, Uleberg KE, Larssen E, Rajalahti T, Mullins J, Obach A., “Proteomic analysis of epidermal mucus from sea lice-infected Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.” (J Fish Dis. 2013 Mar;36(3):311-21. doi: 10.1111/ jfd.12064. Epub 2013 Jan 11).

2 R.W. Rottmann, R. Francis-Floyd, and R. Durborow, “The Role of Stress in Fish Disease” (1992) Southern Regional Aquaculture Center, Publication No. 474.

See also Leigh H. J. Dawson, Alan W. Pike, Dominic F. Houlihan, Alasdair H. McVicar (1999) “Changes in physiological parameters and feeding behaviour of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar infected with sea lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis” (35 Dis Aquat Org 89-99); S.D. McCormick J.M. Shrimpton J.B. Carey, M.F. O’Dea, K.E. Sloan, S. Moriyama, B.Th. Bjornsson, “Repeated acute stress reduces growth rate of Atlantic salmon parr and alters plasma levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor I and cortisol.” (1998) 168 Aquaculture 221-235.

Marco A. Vindas, Ida B. Johansen, Ole Folkedal, Erik Höglund, Marnix Gorissen, Gert Flik, Tore S. Kristiansen and Øyvind Øverli (2016) “Brain serotonergic activation in growth-stunted farmed salmon: adaption versus pathology” (The Royal Society, https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160030)

3

The plan for a new research study GenusWave is designing a study to investigate the link between predator-induced stress and the susceptibility of salmon to parasite infestation. The hypothesis is that TAST could play a role in improving salmon’s immuno-response to parasites by removing predator-induced stress. This would involve deploying TAST on salmon farms and using other farms as control sites.

Calling all salmon farmers GenusWave is seeking salmon farmers to collaborate on measuring to what extent does a reduction in predation stress correlate to a reduction in sea lice infection.

B. M. MacKinnon (1998) “Host factors important in sea lice infections” ICES Journal of Marine Science, 55: 188–192.

4

Jia-Jia Xu, Shi-Jian Fu, Cheng Fu (2019) “Physiological and behavioral stress responses to predators are altered by prior predator experience in juvenile qingbo (Spinibarbus sinensis)” (Biology Open 2019 8: bio041012 doi: 10.1242/bio.041012 Published 22 May 2019)

5

Laura Jayne Roberts, Carlos Garcia de Leaniz (2011) “Something smells fishy: predator-naïve salmon use diet cues, not kairomones, to recognize a sympatric mammalian predator” (Animal Behaviour 82 (2011) 619e625).

6

33

12/10/2020 16:00:28

Coronavirus

Last of the

Summer fine Facing the second wave

BY SANDY NEILL

A

las, summer is now over. A�er lockdown restric�ons were eased across Europe, and our lives returned to near-normal, we are all facing a second wave of the deadly coronavirus, as cases rise to almost the same levels seen in March.

In a desperate bid to avoid second na�onal lockdowns, European governments imposed new measures to slow the growing number of Covid 19 cases before winter. Throughout the last month, the direc�on has only ever been one way: of escala�ng infec�ons, and restric�ons.

So far governments in the UK have introduced a rule of six, a curfew, and closures for restaurants, pubs and bars, pu�ng further pressure on the struggling Bri�sh hospitality industry – a key market for Sco�sh farmed salmon. As if this weren’t enough, further pressures are piling on aquaculture from key export markets too.

In September, less than a year a�er the first cases of a mysterious pneumonia-like disease emerged in a wet seafood and meat market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the coronavirus pandemic achieved a grim milestone.

That month, according to a rolling count by the John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center, the millionth person died of Covid 19, within over 35 million cases in 188 countries. So far, the end is nowhere in sight.

The World Health Organisa�on (WHO) warned that it is ‘not impossible’ the global death toll could hit 2 million, even with a vaccine, unless countries work together to stop the spread of the disease.

Execu�ve director of the body’s health emergencies programme Dr Mike Ryan said: ‘If we look at losing 1 million people in nine months, and then we just look at the reali�es of ge�ng vaccines out there in the next nine months, it’s a big task for everyone involved. The real ques�on is: Are we prepared, collec�vely, to do what it takes to avoid that number?’

Fatality rates have slowly dropped over the course of the outbreak due to be�er use of oxygen and steroid treatments for seriously ill pa�ents.

But the world is by no means out of the woods, Dr Ryan said at the WHO’s headquarters in Geneva, calling on countries to ‘evolve the nature and scale and intensity of our coopera�on’ before a vaccine is widely available.

‘The �me for ac�on is now on every single aspect of this strategic approach. Not just test and trace, not just clinical care, not just social distancing, not just hygiene, not just masks, not just vaccines. Do it all.

And unless we do it all, [2 million deaths] are not only imaginable but unfortunately and sadly very likely.

‘Lockdowns are almost a last resort – and to think that we’re back in last-resort territory in September, that’s a pre�y sobering thought.’

During the UK lockdown, which began on 23 March, the closure of dining-out op�ons meant the popular foodservice channels for seafood almost disappeared. The number of buyers and the frequency of outof-home (OOH) seafood purchases decreased by over half, according to the trade body Seafish. Total purchases OOH once worth £1 billion in April 2019 were worth just £200 million in April 2020, Seafish’s COVID-19

34

Sandy neil feature.indd 34

Seafood in Foodservice report stated.

There may be one small silver lining to the coming storm. The UK lockdown may have seen the foodservice sector shut down completely, but retail sales in general boomed - so much so that seafood sales at UK retail outlets passed the £4 billion mark for the first �me in the 52-week period ending July 11.

Typically over the last decade total spend on seafood at retail has lain below £3.5 billion, but in that 12 month period sales reached £4.04 billion, nearly 6 per cent higher than the £3.8 billion spent in the same period last year. Volumes sold also spiked 6 per cent compared to the year before, reaching 415,500 metric tons.

Salmon remained the most sought-a�er species at retail, with sales reaching over £1.1 billion, up 4.7 per cent year-on-year, followed by cod with sales of £514.9 million, up 5.2 per cent.

Fresh fish sales stayed fairly flat at £2.4 billion, up just 1.7 per cent compared with a year ago.

Sales of frozen seafood at retail climbed 12.9 per cent over the period to reach just more than £1 billion, on volumes of 140,919 metric tons.

The ambient seafood category also benefited from the UK’s lockdown: according to Seaf-

Left: Dr Mike Ryan Above: Fish market South London

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Last of the Summer fine

ish’s figures, sales climbed nearly 11 per cent to reach £605.9 million on volumes of 91,078 metric tons. Canned tuna sales accounted for £396 million of this, and ambient salmon made up £66.6 million.

In fact, Britain’s Covid-19 panic buyers triggered a tinned food renaissance, as shoppers embraced staples from spam and corned beef to beans, pulses and fish, all enjoying a popularity not seen since the rationing of the second world war.

Pre-Covid-19, sales were sluggish, edging up last year for the first time in five years by just 2.7 per cent. But figures from data group Kantar revealed that overall sales of canned food soared by 72.6 per cent, to £313.2m, in March compared with the same time last year.

Major brands such as Princes, Batchelors and Branston were keen to sustain long-term interest in their canned products, shaking off the wartime association and signing up award-winning chefs and influencers to help provide recipe inspiration – particularly to the younger generation. While the summer’s seasonal food festivals were cancelled due to coronavirus, the UK’s first festival devoted solely to canned food also kicked off in the autumn on Instagram.

However, UK consumers shunned salmon in

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Sandy neil feature.indd 35

the new canned seafood rush, picking mackerel or sardines over salmon when it came to ambient products.

While most frozen and shelf-stable seafood products at UK retail stores enjoyed a healthy sales bump as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, canned salmon bucked the trend and actually lost ground, according to retail sales figures from Nielsen. Sales of canned salmon fell 6 per cent in terms of volume to 4,688 metric tons over the 52 weeks ended July 11.

Shoppers preferred canned mackerel, sardines, and tuna. The volume of shelf-stable tuna sold in the UK market during the 52-week time frame climbed 12 per cent to 63,255 metric tons, with the sales value up 11 per cent to £396.5 million. Sales of mackerel and sardines during the period were nearly double those of canned salmon.

Inevitably, price played a part. The average price per kilo for ambient salmon increased 13.3 per cent over the period to £14.20, with the average price per unit jumping 14.7 per cent to £2.66. This compares with an average price per kilo of £6.27 for tuna, £6.44 for mackerel and £4.67 for sardines.

In more bad news, food and drink exports overall fell by more than 13 per cent in the first half of the year versus the same period in 2019 as a result of coronavirus, according to HMRC trade data. The UK’s most popular products abroad, such as whisky, gin, beer and fish, all sank.

Many UK fishermen were forced out of business during the early stages of the crisis as the industry lost access to its primary markets in Europe and Asia, but the Scottish salmon industry was also under pressure, with exports down 33 per cent in the first six months of the year against the same period in 2019.

‘Reduced access to markets and the closure of many foodservice outlets as Covid-19 spread across the world initially limited exports of whole,

Salmon “remained

the most sought-after species at retail, with sales reaching over £1.1 billion

”

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12/10/2020 16:36:31

Coronavirus

Above: Qingdao, China Right: James Park Opposite: Seafood restaurant; Kate

Nicholls

36

Sandy neil feature.indd 36

countries suffering from severe coronavirus outbreaks, after several more cases of imported seafood products testing positive for the virus.

‘Customs and local governments have repeatedly detected the coronavirus in imported cold chain food, proving it risks contamination,’ the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau said in a statement issued to import companies.

The bureau urged them to closely monitor the overseas pandemic situation and ‘proactively avoid importing cold chain food from areas heavily hit by the coronavirus’ and make alternative plans for imports.

It’s unclear what impact Beijing’s recent restrictions will have on the £170 billion global cold-chain industry. Contaminated items continue to grab the spotlight and stoke consumer fears, such as in June when a fresh outbreak of cases in Beijing triggered a nationwide boycott of salmon.

Fish in their natural habitat cannot catch coronavirus, explained Wu Zunyou, the chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. ‘However, they can be contaminated by workers during capture or transportation.’

With the pandemic’s epicentre now moving through Latin America, the UK’s global exports have begun to pick up. But with the early signs of a second wave emerging in Europe and China’s growing caution, businesses will be wary that this could be far from over.

As coronavirus cases surged across Europe in the autumn, Spain ordered Madrid into another lockdown on Friday 2 October, becoming the fresh Scottish salmon,’ James Park, head of insights at the Scottish Salmfirst European capital to re-enter lockdown. on Producers Organisation, said.

France closed all the bars in Paris for 15 days Salmon exports picked up again and almost doubled from April to June on Tuesday, and then Belgium closed cafes and to £49m, but there remained a shortfall on last year’s figures – in June exports were still down by more than 10 per cent on the same month last bars in Brussels on Thursday for a month. In the UK, the closure of hospitality venues, and a year. consequent drop in food service salmon sales, Food and drink sales to Europe (down 13 per cent), Asia (down 14 per looked all but inevitable. cent), and North America (down 17 per cent) were unsurprisingly the In a desperate bid to control the rising rate of worst hit, given these regions were the epicentre of the pandemic for coronavirus infections, on 14 September the most of the first half of the year. Meanwhile China, a major importer governments of England, Wales and Scotland of farmed Scottish salmon, is growing increasingly wary of certain food imports.

The world’s most populous country has stepped up checks on frozen food imports, despite the World Health Organisation had said it saw no evidence of COVID-19 being spread by food or packaging. While cold-storage facilities and meat-processing plants are ideal environments for the virus to thrive, there has been no concrete evidence the virus can be transmitted through food and packaging, and experts remain doubtful that it’s a major threat.

Nonetheless by the beginning of September, China had suspended imports from dozens of food companies across at least 19 countries and regions where workers have been infected with the contagion, according to state media.

In late September, authorities in Qingdao, a major port city of over 9 million, scrambled to quarantine over 300 residents after two handlers working for a seafood importer tested positive for the coronavirus, sparking fears of a looming new COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

The Qingdao health authorities did not specify how the workers contracted the virus but said they ‘shared the common exposure’, referring to the imported frozen seafood products.

A few days later, China called on importers to shun frozen food from

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Last of the Summer fine

introduced ‘the rule of six’, limiting all social gatherings, including those in houses, pubs and restaurants, to no more than six adults – the first blow to the hospitality sector. The rule of six was strictest in Scotland, where only two households could meet, whether indoors or outdoors. Then on 23 September, exactly six months since Scotland was first put into lockdown, Scots were once again not allowed to welcome anyone else into their homes, as indoor visits between households in Scotland were banned until further notice.

As the rate of infections continued to rise, governments in the UK tried another tactic – a curfew, dealing another blow to the hospitality sector. On 22 September, Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed new restrictions for England, including extending the mandatory wearing of facemasks and imposing a 10pm closing time for all bars, pubs and restaurants.

It’s unclear what “ impact Beijing’s recent

restrictions will have on the £170 billion global cold-chain industry

”

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Sandy neil feature.indd 37

Mr Johnson said: ‘Unless we take action the risk is that we will have to go for tougher measures later, when the deaths have already mounted and we have a huge caseload of infection such as we had in the spring.

‘If we let this virus get out of control now, it would mean that our NHS had no space – once again – to deal with cancer patients and millions of other non-Covid medical needs.

‘And if we were forced into a new national lockdown, that would threaten not just jobs and livelihoods but the loving human contact on which we all depend.’

Three days later on 25 September, restaurants and pubs in Scotland also shut their doors at 10pm as a new curfew came into force.

Venues were also forbidden from playing background music, must enforce strict rules on hygiene and distancing, and record customers’ details for track and trace data.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said all of these measures were necessary to get the virus under control before winter. However Willie Macleod, of UKHospitality in Scotland, said the latest restrictions were a ‘potentially fatal blow’ for many businesses.

After the curfew was imposed across most of the UK, sales at pub, bar and restaurant chains plunged by more than a third on the same period last year, according to the industry analysts CGA. Just before the curfew on Monday 21 September, takings at 7,000 chain restaurants, pubs and bars were slightly above 2019 levels, as the UK enjoyed unseasonably warm weather and venues could operate normal opening hours.

The next day however, sales fell 8 per cent, before slumping further during the week as restrictions came into force, first in England and Wales, then Scotland. By Friday sales were 37 down below the total for the corresponding Friday last year. London and Scotland, where many small city centre pubs have remained closed throughout the pandemic, were 47 per cent and 44 per cent behind 2019 respectively.

The chief executive of the industry body UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls,

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12/10/2020 16:37:12

Coronavirus

said the figures were ‘in line with what we are hearing’: ‘At this rate, many of them are going to be out of business pretty soon. This curfew was brought in without justification and it is quickly killing our sector.’

Sales data compiled by S4Labour, which provides software for 2,000 hospitality venues, showed overall sales down 13 per cent in the Thursday to Sunday period following the imposition of curfews, compared with the weekend before it.

There are approximately 100,000 pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK, racking up weekly sales of about £800m, according to the leisure industry analyst Mark Brumby, of Langton Capital.

If the figures from S4Labour are representative of the wider impact, the industry could be facing losses of at least £100m a week.

If the sales data compiled by CGA does not improve, losses could be far higher.

‘The result is perhaps a cost to the hospitality industry of some £100m per week, virtually none of which cost will now be supported by government,’ said Brumby. ‘It is likely that staffing decisions will be readjusted downwards accordingly.’

Ominously, according to a report in The Times, ministers in England had also considered a total social lockdown to combat the second wave, including banning households from meeting each other in any indoor location, and ordering restaurants, pubs and bars to shut for two weeks initially.

A government source told the paper: ‘The nation and the party wasn’t ready for us to go any further last week.

‘Unlike the first lockdown, nobody has seen pictures of body bags in Spain or France on the TV yet, which had a very powerful effect.

‘Tougher measures on social interaction will have to come though.

They’re inevitable if you look at the numbers.’

By the beginning of October, Scotland’s First Minister warned that a

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Sandy neil feature.indd 38

closure of restaurants, pubs and bars may be required. When new measures barring people from visiting each other inside their homes were imposed, an average of 285 new cases were being reported each day in Scotland. By a fortnight later on 6 October, that figure stood at 729 cases per day, which Ms Sturgeon said showed how the pandemic had ‘accelerated’.

The First Minister said Scotland was facing ‘the most difficult decision point yet’ if it wanted to suppress the virus before winter. She said the country was facing a ‘sharply rising rate of infection again’, with cases spreading from younger age groups into the older and more vulnerable population.

However she said the Scottish Government needed to ‘strike a balance’ between the public health toll and the wider costs of lockdown to the economy and people’s lives.

On Wednesday 7 October, Scottish ministers

This curfew was brought in “ without justification and it is quickly killing our sector ” www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:37:42

Last of the Summer fine

Secure Your Stock

Quality chain available for fast worldwide delivery

Opposite: Nicola Sturgeon Above eight: Grilled Sco�sh salmon

announced a so-called circuit-breaker lockdown, or a ‘short, sharp shock’, to slow the spread of the virus in regions with the most cases. All licensed premises like pubs and restaurants across central Scotland, including in Edinburgh and Glasgow, were ordered to close at 6pm on Friday for 15 days. Pubs and restaurants will be able to open in other parts of Scotland, but can only serve alcohol outdoors.

Ms Sturgeon said the restric�ons were ‘intended to be short, sharp ac�on to arrest a worrying increase in infec�on’. She warned that without taking ac�on, the country risks ‘returning to the peak level of infec�on by the end of the month’. But she admi�ed that the new rules would be disrup�ve to many businesses and would be unwelcome to many people.

Some tourism and hospitality businesses have warned that they may never recover. The Scot�sh Hospitality Group, which includes many of the country’s best-known pubs and restaurants, accused the first minister of ‘effec�vely signing a death sentence’ for many businesses.

The Federa�on of Small Businesses said the move would have a major knock on impact across other parts of the economy, including tourism. Carina Con�ni, a restaurateur in Edinburgh, said the closure of hospitality - however short - will have ‘devasta�ng consequences for many, many businesses’, she added.

Responding to the concerns of the hospitality sector, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘I find so many aspects of dealing with this pandemic u�erly heartbreaking. I can’t magic the virus away - I wish I could.’ Then came news that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was also considering closing restaurants and pubs in England’s worst affected areas the following week.

Governments in the UK and Europe will be desperately hoping these new restric�ons on the hospitality sector will be enough to slow the spread of infec�ons before winter, the most dangerous season for respiratory diseases.

Whether it works or not, it is certain that the challenges facing the UK’s food service sector, and to sales of farmed Sco�sh salmon, are far from over. FF

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Sandy neil feature.indd 39

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12/10/2020 16:38:09

Comment

BY DR MARTIN JAFFA

Minority report A curious conversation with an ‘Ecohustler’ activist

O

ne of the difficulties in fighting the anti-salmon farming minority is that they come from different directions. For example, the angling fraternity blame salmon farming for destroying stocks of wild fish that they want to catch and kill for themselves.

There are others who are against the idea of intensified farming of any animal, whilst others claim that salmon farms are destroying the marine environment.

One of the new breed of campaigners against salmon farming is Matt Mellen of the website Ecohustler, which aims to ‘meet human needs without driving the Sixth Mass Extinction’. This is a term that refers to man’s current impacts on the planet.

He began his campaign against salmon farming with a trip to Scotland to meet long- time activist Don Staniford and to dive around a salmon farm to see the supposed damage for himself. He has written about his trip north in an article titled ‘Loch, Stock and Salmon’.

However, his motivation is confusing. It appears his interest in the impacts of salmon farming arose from numerous conversations with his huntin’, fishin’, and shootin’ stepfather.

It seems that Mr Mellen finds it abhorrent that stocks of wild animals are allegedly damaged in the interests of commercial food production, but sees no problem if the same animals are killed in the name of sport. I say allegedly, because so far no-one from the wild fish sector has been willing to provide direct evidence that salmon farming is responsible for the declines in wild fish numbers.

Mr Mellen begins his article, not about the damage that salmon farming supposedly causes to the marine environment, but on

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the demise of wild salmon. He writes ‘For years my stepfather and his flyfishing friends have been some of the only real frontline witnesses to near catastrophic declines in Scotland’s age old and rightly legendary salmon runs.’ And I have to say that I agree with him but not in the way he thinks because I would argue that since 1952, his stepfather and his fly fishing friends have undoubtedly contributed to the premature deaths of over 5.9 million wild salmon and sea trout that have been killed on their return to rivers to breed.

Inevitably, this huge loss of fish has contributed to the decline of wild fish populations across Scotland. Sadly, Mr Mellen’s stepfather and others in the wild fish sector refuse to admit that their actions have had anything to do with the disappearance of wild salmon from Scottish rivers.

Mr Mellen writes that ‘a great deal of research shows that these decline are directly attributable to the rise of the salmon farming industry’ but whilst he provides many links to other claims in the article, he failed to provide any examples of such research about wild fish declines.

I found Mr Mellen’s comments jarring because as someone who claims to want to prevent the Sixth Mass Extinction, he appears to defend those who kill animals for sport. I wrote to Mr Mellen to point out this contradiction and to highlight some of the evidence that shows salmon farming is not responsible for the decline of wild fish stocks in Scotland.

He replied that: ‘Salmon farming may not be the cause for the decline in wild salmon numbers but it undoubtedly doesn’t help.

‘There are so many things wrong with salmon farming and so many terrible impacts on the natural world, we are still determined at this end to work with others and do whatever we can to reign in this rogue industry.’

I responded by asking what he means that salmon farming ‘undoubtedly doesn’t help’ and received the following in return: ‘Salmon farming is a multi-billion pound industry. It’s marketing has shaped and deluded consumers into believing a lot of lies. It is not a healthy sustainable product - it is appalling factory farming. It does immense harm to animals and the environment - not just in Scotland but around the world.

‘There are an increasing number of people like me determined to put

So far no“one from

the wild fish sector has been willing to provide direct evidence that salmon farming is responsible for the declines in wild fish numbers

”

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Minority Report

dirty, unethical, rogue corporations like the ones you represent back in their box. Actually, in many cases, we think the companies should be broken up and the directors charged with criminal activities.

‘You probably think fossil fuel companies are too big to fail - we will shut them down too and charge the directors with ecocide.

‘You sir - are on the wrong side of history. You are the guy that lies about cigarettes not being harmful. You are a climate denier. You use a lot of words in an intelligent way. You do what you are paid to do like an unthinking drone even as the world we depend on burns.

‘Step aside you are holding back the human species and harming the planet that is all of our home.’

I’ve been involved in the aquaculture industry for more years than I care to remember. My interest began whilst I was still at school at a time when no-one had even heard of fish farming. Whilst few people knew of fish farming, it has a long history stretching back in China to 4500 BCE. I certainly believe that modern aquaculture is just an extension of such ancient practices and a way of boosting the availability of fish to a global population. What certainly never crossed my mind at

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any time was that this form of farming would be viewed as causing harm to the planet and holding back the human species.

Of all animal life, humans have been able to grow beyond the limits established in the natural world. Man has learnt to move away from hunter gathering to farming to provide greater than ever amounts of food that have nourished more and more people. Man has learnt to build shelters; fight disease and live in places which would be considered otherAbove: Salmon farm on wise uninhabitable. The reality is that salmon Loch Tay farming is not holding back the human species, rather that it is the human species that is destroying the planet, simply by their very existence. Salmon farming is just a convenient scapegoat for Mr Mellen and his fishin’ stepfather to blame. FF

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12/10/2020 16:44:11

America

Catching them young

American youth targeted by industry as eating habits change Stateside

BY VINCE MCDONAGH

A

merican ea�ng habits are changing in the wake of the Covid crisis, with greater a�en�on on healthy food. They are also willing to pay for proper nutri�on. And that is good news for fish and farmed salmon and trout in par�cular, says the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The change, says the Council, is highlighted in a recent report from the Hartman research agency in the United States which shows how the crisis has affected the food the na�on buys.

It is no secret that the US is one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic, with over 200,000 deaths and the economy more than 10 per cent smaller than a year ago. While the decline in in gross domes�c product has been largely due to lower consump�on the situa�on is more complicated than the headlines suggest and is altering the way and amount people eat. Among the lower paid sec�on of the popula�on, the report finds that consump�on has actually increased because many people in that group have received public support during the pandemic giving them greater purchasing power.

But among higher paid Americans total consump�on shows people are buying more fish, but less of other types of food, almost certainly

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the less healthy variety. This is probably borne out by the increased exports of salmon and trout into the United States in recent months.

Anne-Kris�ne Øen, the council’s fisheries envoy to the USA, says she is very excited about what the final months of this year will bring. There will be changes such as a reduc�on or the ending of welfare payments. She observed: ‘Consump�on of food has been on the rise.

Purchases of fish have risen by as much as nine per cent during the corona period. This is closely related to the fact that food service has been in sharp decline and was almost unpredictable for a couple of months.

‘This means that people are having to cook at home while restaurants, canteens and bars were closed.’

By the end of July ABC news was repor�ng that of the 26,000 restaurants that had shut down 16,000 had closed for good – a very high propor�on. Øen said the Hartman report found that before the pandemic as many as three out of four meals were eaten in restaurants and canteens. A few weeks into the crisis there was a complete reversal with 88 per cent of meals eaten at home which has also meant that people are making more demanding or adventurous dishes.

‘This is good news for seafood,’ she declared.

People were also making less frequent visits to the food store, thus buying more frozen food which included fish – and high quality fish such as salmon.

She said: ‘There is also increased a�en�on to the health aspects around food and a willingness to pay for healthy and proper food. There is also an increasing focus on sustainability and animal welfare – here too Norway has a good story to tell both when it comes to (fish) farming and the management of wild fish.’

She stressed that it was difficult to predict

Left: shopping for fish in the USA Above: Thumbs up for seafood

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Catching them young

what is likely to happen to eating habits once the pandemic ends. But the current situation was likely to persist for at least the next 18 to 24 months.

Meanwhile, the Seafood Council believes in catching Americans young. It has recently extended its Young Fish initiative to the United States – the first time it has gone outside national borders.

The main purpose is to establish a network arena for young people in both aquaculture and conventional fishing and this success is being exported to America which is expanding its fish farming industry.

Anne-Kristine Øen said Young Fish was not an exclusive Norwegian Club: ‘It should be an arena for all young people

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America - Vince.indd 43

Purchases of fish have risen by as much as “nine per cent during the corona period ”

with an interest in the seafood industry. We in the Seafood Council are contributing everything we can so that Young Fish North America gets off to a flying start.’

The head of the newly established US office is Teodor Strand-Johansen, who said he was happy to have the Seafood Council behind him now in the start-up phase. He added: ‘As the North American seafood industry is growing strongly, and more young professionals are entering the industry, it was now time to establish Young Fish North America. Our goal is to be the most valuable seafood network organization in North America.’ FF

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12/10/2020 16:45:27

Aquaculture UK – Awards

Virtual superstars Aquaculture UK award winners announced

T

he interna�onal aquaculture industry united digitally recently for the much-an�cipated results of the 2020 Aquaculture Awards.

The awards, recognise and reward the excellence that is vital to the con�nuing development of a sustainable worldwide aquaculture industry – highligh�ng the impressive array of talents, achievements, and technical innova�ons on offer within this fast-growing sector. Although there was no physical ceremony this year due to the UK’s ongoing COVID-19 restric�ons, there was plenty of celebra�on to go round with a record 14 winners announced for 2020.

Award highlights included: Offshore Shellfish – creators of the UK’s first fully offshore mussel farm off the south Devon coast, being named Best Aquaculture Company; Amy Novogratz, co-founder and head of Dutch sustainable aquaculture-focused investment fund Aqua-Spark, receiving the ‘Outstanding contribu�on to the industry’ award; and Sco�sh Sea Farms’ Noelia Rodriguez and Offshore Shellfish’s George Holmyard being awarded Finfish farmer of the year and Shellfish farmer of the year respec�vely. French biotechnology company InnovaFeed, known for its pioneering work producing sustainable feed for aquaculture based on insect proteins, triumphed in two categories – winning both the ‘Environmental impact’ award and this year’s People’s Choice Award (the la�er was decided by popular vote).

Other award recipients included Benchmark Gene�cs/StofnFiskur, The Sco�sh Salmon Company, Sco�sh Sea Farms, Sco�sh Shellfish Marke�ng Group, and The Global Salmon Ini�a�ve, plus individuals from

Standing “ out from the crowd is no mean feat in such an innova�ve and dedicated industry, but our 2020 winners do just that

RSPCA Assured, Imoran Farms, and Kara�na University.

‘Standing out from the crowd is no mean feat in such an innova�ve and dedicated industry, but our 2020 winners do just that,’ said Cheri Arvonio, event director at Diversified Communica�ons UK (new owner of the Awards and the Aquaculture UK show).

‘Big thanks must go to our judges and sponsors for their con�nued support. And congratula�ons again to each of our fantas�c winners – you really are the very best in the business. We would have loved to have celebrated with you all in person but unfortunately it just wasn’t possible this year. We’re already looking ahead to May 2021, when we can get together again at our industry show Aquaculture UK. FF

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”

Left: Offshore Shellfish - best Aquaculture company Above Amy Novogratz (top), Noelia Rodriguez

(photo: BioMar)

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Virtual superstars

THE AQUACULTURE AWARDS 2020 WINNERS WERE: FINFISH FARMER OF THE YEAR

– sponsored by Gael Force Group NOELIA RODRIGUEZ, hatchery manager for Sco�sh Sea Farms (UK)

SHELLFISH FARMER OF THE YEAR

– sponsored by M&S Select Farms GEORGE HOLMYARD, manager of Offshore Shellfish (UK)

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY

– sponsored by Marine Scotland AMY NOVOGRATZ, co-founder and head of Aqua-Spark (Netherlands)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

– sponsored by Cargill INNOVAFEED – insect protein producer (France)

AQUACULTURE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR – sponsored by S�ngray BENCHMARK GENETICS/STOFNFISKUR (Iceland)

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

– sponsored by Diversified Communica�ons UK THE SCOTTISH SALMON COMPANY – Outer Hebrides Local Energy Hub (OHLEH Project) (UK)

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

– sponsored by BioMar SCOTTISH SEA FARMS – Eday Employee Housing in Scotland (UK)

ANIMAL WELFARE

– sponsored by MSD Animal Health JOHN AVIZIENIUS and MALCOLM JOHNSTONE, RSPCA Assured (UK)

INNOVATION

– sponsored by the Sco�sh Aquaculture Innova�on Centre SCOTTISH SHELLFISH MARKETING GROUP – novel packaging solu�on (UK)

RISING STAR

– sponsored by AILG Skills Group FUNKE OLATUNDE, Imoran Farms (Nigeria)

UNSUNG HERO

– sponsored by Diversified Communica�ons UK PROFESSOR CHARLES NGUGI, Kara�na University (Kenya)

COLLABORATION

– sponsored by the University of S�rling’s Ins�tute of Aquaculture THE GLOBAL SALMON INITIATIVE (GSI) (UK)

BEST AQUACULTURE COMPANY – sponsored by Crown Estate Scotland OFFSHORE SHELLFISH (UK)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

– sponsored by Sølvtrans INNOVAFEED – insect protein producer (France) This year’s judging panel was made up of leading industry professionals, including: Alex Adrian, aquaculture opera�ons manager of Crown Estate Scotland; Mar�n Gill, head of aquaculture and fisheries at Lloyds Register; Nicki Holmyard, director of Offshore Shellfish; Professor Dave Li�le, head of research at University of S�rling’s Ins�tute of Aquaculture; Ingrid Olesen, senior scien�st at Nofima; and The Fish Site’s Rob Fletcher

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45

12/10/2020 16:49:23

SAIC– Insects

Soldier boy £10 million boost for insect research consortium

A

£10 million funding package to accelerate the development of the UK’s first large-scale industrial insect farm could provide a significant boost to the sustainability of the country’s aquaculture sector, according to experts.

The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) announced the financial support programme for a research consor�um to deliver a complete demonstrator system for the conversion of food waste into insect-based animal feed and biofer�liser. It will also prove that the farming of black soldier flies is economically viable, low carbon, and scalable in the UK, while valida�ng its safety and efficacy.

Led by Entocycle, which uses insects to make ingredients for pet food and animal feed, the project involves a range of organisa�ons from different sectors, including the University of S�rling’s Ins�tute of Aquaculture, Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, and the Sco�sh Aquaculture Innova�on Centre (SAIC).

The University of Warwick, Durham University, Tesco, Beta Bugs Ltd, AB Agri Ltd, Be�er Origin, ISCF Future Food Produc�on Systems, Fera Science Ltd, and Insect Technology Group UK, are also suppor�ng its delivery.

The farming of black soldier flies has the poten�al to help tackle some of the important challenges facing the aquaculture and agriculture sectors, by recycling food waste into insect-based animal feed and biofer�liser. However,

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p46-47 SAIC Insects.indd 46

no single organisa�on has all the exper�se required to make it viable.

By 2040, the consor�um intends to establish the UK as an interna�onal centre of excellence for the farming of black soldier flies and the development of related technologies. It aims to have delivered more than 100 sites interna�onally, crea�ng 3,300 jobs in the UK, and save 50 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over the next 20 years.

Keiran Whitaker, founder of Entocycle, said: ‘The UK is making an ambi�ous commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable food produc�on systems. Through the use of insects we can guarantee local supply chains – the early experience of Covid-19 has shown just how important this will be in the future – while making significant reduc�ons to CO2 emissions caused by the produc�on of tradi�onal feed ingredients. The posi�ve environmental impact could be huge, helping to support the UK’s transi�on to a net zero carbon economy and the restora�on of natural ecosystems.’

Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, commented: ‘As the human popula�on of our planet grows, the demand for food and protein will also increase exponen�ally. At the same �me, it has never been more important to reduce the carbon footprint of our food produc�on systems. Farmed fish will be integral to delivering on that need, as a low-carbon source of quality protein, and the research capabili�es and exper�se we have in Scotland will be a key part in making the UK an interna�onal centre of excellence. We can and should always look for new ways of further enhancing the aquaculture sector’s impact on the environment and new sources of feed will be cri�cal in mee�ng that challenge.’

Mark Weir, feed performance manager at Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, added: ‘We are excited to bring our insight and exper�se to the table as a ver�cally integrated Sco�sh salmon producer and innova�ve feed manufacturer.

‘We develop nutri�onally-balanced diets that support farm-raised fish to stay healthy, grow efficiently and thrive in the marine environment. We achieve this by u�lising feed ingredients from MSC-cer�fied and other sustainable fisheries, combined with con�nuous improvement in feed formula�ons and delivery.

‘The prospect of an abundant, locally available, low carbon alterna�ve is a�rac�ve and we want to help to prove the concept and work with research organisa�ons to develop this as a prac�cal ingredient that can be incorporated into feed supply chains.’ FF

Left: Fly larvae Opposite: Keiran Whitaker;

Heather Jones; Mark Weir; Flies in cage

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Soldier Boy

The “ farming of

black soldier flies has the potential to help tackle some of the important challenges facing the aquaculture and agriculture sectors

�

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47

12/10/2020 15:28:05

Multi-trophic aquaculture

Co-cultivating aquatic “species from different

trophic levels… generates balanced systems that contribute significantly to the environmental and socioeconomic efficiency of this industry

”

Trophic winners

Multi-trophic aquaculture: A feasible option for the future of aquaculture

A

group of European experts has been working for more than three years on the definition of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and the appropriate framework for its development, the validation of technology and production processes specific to this type of aquaculture, the study of its environmental impact, and the strengthening of collaboration networks between the scientific community, business and government.

All of this is done with the aim of putting to good use all the knowledge acquired and making this innovative sustainable aquaculture solution a reality in Europe.

Co-cultivating aquatic species from different trophic levels, such as fish, algae or filter feeders, generates balanced systems that contribute significantly to the environmental and socio-economic efficiency of this industry.This is the objective of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), a circular economy approach whose principles promote more sustainable and competitive activities.

Although this type of aquaculture is being promoted by the main policies

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Multi Trophic Aquaculture.indd 48

Above: Integrate project Ipma, portugal, pilot action Copyright: Ipma Opposite: Integrate project Ctaqua, Spain, pilot action Copyright: Ctaqua

of the European Union, there are still many social, administrative and legal limits that do not allow the full development of these production systems. For this reason, a group of European experts has been working for more than three years to strengthen the collaboration networks between the scientific community, the industry, and public administration, in order to make the most of all the knowledge acquired and turn this innovative sustainable aquaculture solution into a reality in Europe.

Together these experts form the consortium of the European INTEGRATE project ‘Integrate Aquaculture: an eco-innovative solution for sustainability in the Atlantic Region’, led by CTAQUA, which concludes with the publication of a document summarising the work carried out

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Trophic winners opment at European level and support the transition of current aquaculture production towards IMTA. Furthermore, in order to validate the technology and production processes specific to Atlantic Area IMTA, eight case studies have been carried out within the framework of INTEGRATE, divided into three pilot actions implemented in Spain, France, Portugal and Ireland.

‘With these actions we have demonstrated that IMTA is a feasible option for the future of aquaculture in the Atlantic Area, using species with high productive potential and commercial value’, says Martha Dunbar, responsible for INTEGRATE at CTAQUA. In the first pilot action, work has been carried out to optimise the economic value of seaweed in IMTA systems by improving the culture techniques of 4 species, of which Himanthalia elongata is new to aquaculture. In the second action, the “problem” faced by oyster producers was capitalised on by filling their culture pouches with Porphyra algae.The management of Porphyra resources in an integrated oyster culture system was analysed and wild harvesting and production in a hatchery was studied, in order to provide oyster farmers with a culture technique that offers new economic perspectives, new inputs for the seaweed industry and new breeding techniques.

The third action was aimed at enhancing the value of salt mines in southern Spain and Portugal by taking advantage of their nutrient-rich waters.The work carried out in this pilot action with sea bream (Sparus aurata), oysters (Magallana gigas) and seaweed (Ulva spp. and Gracilaria spp.) allowed further development of a standard land-based IMTA model, in order to bring it to an industrial scale. Land-based production systems are ideal candidates for IMTA development due to the possibility of managing water distribution and use.

At the same time,‘we have studied the environmental impact of this type of system through life cycle assessments,’ says Dunbar.‘It has been shown that IMTA cultivation in semi-extensive production systems, usually carried out in the southern Atlantic regions of Europe (southern Spain and Portugal), has a lower overall environmental impact compared to semi-intensive IMTA and semi-intensive fish monoculture; it is economically profitable especially in large protected areas’.

All the issues studied in the project demonstrate that IMTA is a feasible option for the future of Atlantic Area aquaculture, and that there is growing interest of the aquaculture industry in product diversification, and environmental awareness among consumers and regulatory bodies.

The collaboration of all those involved in the aquaculture sector of the Atlantic Area has been a determining factor in the successful completion of this project, and has made it possible to obtain a production model that reflects the commitment of the sector to planning aquaculture in a sustainable manner.

‘INTEGRATE has further strengthened the international IMTA community, during its implementation across the five European Atlantic Area countries.

Together with CTAQUA (Spain), the partners of the INTEGRATE project are through the development of an online community and the organization of the research institute Agrocampus Ouest (France), the Scottish Association for events that are planned to be maintained to harmonize approaches and ensure the future implementation of this productive activity at European scale, Marine Science (SAMS, United Kingdom), the Portuguese Institute of the Sea betting on sustainability’, concludes del Mar Agraso. and the Atmosphere (IPMA, Portugal), the National University of Ireland GalThe INTEGRATE consortium considers that it would be necessary to work, way (NUIG, Ireland), the Irish Seaweed Consultancy (ISC, Ireland),ALGAplus in the near future, on the evaluation of the application of these models in dif(Portugal), and the Algae Technology and Innovation Centre (CEVA, France). ferent locations, with different combinations of species; extending the systems In their document, INTEGRATE present the definition of a framework for the appropriate development of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, as well evaluated and quantifying the productive, economic and environmental value.

It is also necessary to develop a technical standard applicable to the European as the need for a global definition of IMTA, the pilot actions carried out in Atlantic Area and to develop a global regulatory framework.. FF the different Atlantic Area countries, the environmental impact of this type of aquaculture, the communication actions, and finalises with the main results and conclusions of the project.

‘Among the main conclusions of INTEGRATE, the consensus reached of a definition of IMTA for all systems, whether continental, marine, open sea, on land, or recirculation, stands out.This will allow progress towards the legal recognition of the activity, which is relevant for the industry and the political decision makers of the Atlantic Area’, explains María del Mar Agraso, technical director of CTAQUA. In this sense, INTEGRATE concludes that Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is the enhanced production of aquatic organisms (with or without terrestrial organisms) of two or more functional groups, that are trophically connected by demonstrated nutrient flows and whose biomass is fully or partially removed by harvesting to facilitate ecological balance.

This work has been reflected in technical manuals and implementation guides applicable to aquaculture production in each of the Atlantic Area countries, as well as in political guidelines at national level to consolidate devel-

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13/10/2020 09:10:12

OTAQ – Advertorial

Underwater revolution OTAQ Casts its net into new tech waters

T

echnology has revolu�onised fish farming in recent years with developments making it easier for the industry to implement a more efficient and environmentally sound approach. Leading that revolu�on with flag firmly in hand is underwater technology specialists, OTAQ Group.

OTAQ designs, develops and supports marine technology products and solu�ons for the global aquaculture industry as well as for offshore industries. Their marine technology por�olio includes market-leading intelligent acous�c deterrent system, SealFence, designed to protect marine-based aquaculture sites from preda�on, with mul�ple systems deployed in Scotland, Chile, Finland and Russia.

Chris Hyde recently stepped into the role of Chief Technical Officer having filled the posi�on of Chief Commercial Officer since 2015. A founding member of the OTAQ team, Chris has over 25 years’ experience in systems and technology for aquaculture and offshore energy and has steered the team to develop industry leading systems

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for offshore energy markets, including IP cameras, leak detec�on, laser measurement systems, connectors and penetrators.

Talking about the company’s product range, Chris said: “The Oceansense leak detec�on systems have a global reputa�on as the industry standard solu�on and have been deployed successfully on hundreds of jobs. Dragonfish laser measurement system is fast becoming recognised as one of the most accurate underwater precision laser measurement systems available and OTAQ also has significant experience in the

Left: Chris Hyde Below: OTAQ Sealfence in opera�on in Chile Opposite: OTAQ’s Aberdeen team

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12/10/2020 16:51:39

Underwater revolution

design & manufacture of underwater connectors, penetrators & communica�on systems.”

With 43 employees in four worldwide loca�ons; Lancaster, Aberdeen and Ulverston in the UK and Puerto Mon� in Chile the company seeks to develop and con�nuously improve its products using its specialist mechanical, electronic and so�ware engineers with decades of experience in bringing underwater technology products to market. The highly skilled team has recently been bolstered with the appointment of Maurice Coull as Chief Engineer.

Chris said: “Underpinning any appointment within our engineering team is OTAQ’s aquaculture product development plan, focusing on driving innova�on and delivering new product lines.

“Maurice is an accomplished engineer within the Diving and Remote Technology sector and will drive that product development, where several ongoing long-term projects are in progress including algal bloom analysis, video-based AI technologies and control and data pla�orms.

“OTAQ’s live analysis system detec�ng plankton and algae, and the specific species present is currently in stage one. Salmon farmers and companies will be able to deploy the system in different parts of the world detec�ng if the algae is harmful to salmon.

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“Stage two is expected to become part of a predic�ve modelling system, looking at historical informa�on which will allow predic�ons of when similar situa�ons are likely to occur again, crea�ng a much more effec�ve and efficient process.

“Our Aberdeen based engineering team also has several video based and video processing system research projects underway, benefi�ng from team’s vast experience in this area. This is a really exci�ng �me for product development and innova�on and we’re in an extremely strong posi�on to create technology that will have significant benefits for the fish farming, marine and offshore industries across the board.”

OTAQ Group aim to increase investment in research projects, across all areas of the business, as part of their strategy to drive growth and increase turnover to 50m by 2025. Hyde con�nued, “Our efforts are focussed on several research projects which we are delighted to be involved with. We are regularly on the lookout for opportuni�es to invest in and support with new technology developments within marine and offshore sectors. With our growing and experienced engineering team in place, we are confident that we’ll remain at the forefront of underwater technologies.”

For more information about OTAQ please visit www.otaq.com FF

“

We are con�nually improving the systems we have and using new technologies to advance capabili�es even further

”

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12/10/2020 16:51:57

Processing News

Baader flying the flag for humane harvesting IN the latest of their ‘salmon sessions’, German processor Baader make the case for using it’s systems to further the cause of humane harvesting.

‘If everyone would be using the Baader 101 Stun & Bleed System, every salmonid would be harvested humanely. About 50%, of every industrially farmed salmon is currently harvested with one of our Baader solutions, and that is the majority of farmed salmon in Norway today’, states Dennis Schreiber, Vice President Sales & Service, Baader Fish in the latest Salmon Sessions on Harvesting Solutions. Together with his colleagues Bodo Hensen, Product Manager Salmon and Dirk Runge, Project Manager, Fish they provide ample reasons why the Baader 101 represents the most renowned machine in the salmon and sea trout processing industry ensuring both animal welfare and superior product quality.

At the beginning of the 21st century arose an increased awareness of fish welfare, jointly by a scientific understanding, underscoring how stress directly affects product quality.

‘The end-consumer not only wants superior food, but they are also increasingly cautious about how food has been produced and how it has been treated’, highlights Schreiber.

In 2009, the EU passed legislation to protect animals during the slaughtering process. According to Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 which applies to the slaughter of farmed fish, animals should be rendered unconscious and insensible by stunning to avoid pain, fear or distress prior to the procedure. Against this background, Baader decided very early on to increase its products process upstream introducing a humane stun & bleed solution, the Baader 101.

What differentiates the Baader 101 from other available technology is that stunning of the fish is

Above: The Pilot of the Baader Salmon Sessions is available

performed irreversibly and, unlike electric sedation, ensuring that the fish cannot regain consciousness hence keeping the fish from any suffering. The technology applied is referred to as percussive stunning where the skull is struck with a solid instrument, i.e. the forcible striking of one solid body against another. The objective of percussive stunning is to induce immediate insensibility by administering a severe blow to the skull of the fish. The fish remains unconscious until death. Proper positioning and force of the percussive stun are challenging according systems due to variations in size and species.

In the Baader 101 System, the fish is held properly in position by use of centring guides for an exact stun. The percussive coil can be adjusted to make a sure proper hit of the skull-zone for respective size ranges. The machine can be configured as an automatic swim-in or manual (dry or wet infeed) version.

‘The Baader 101 let the animals do what their instincts tell them to do: swimming in the water against the current’, explains Hensen. This is made possible by the latest technology that creates an artificial countercurrent in the tanks. The salmon feels comfortable and swims against the current

on his own accord. The tanks are covered to keep light incidence to a minimum further reducing possible stress levels. The full strength of a Baaader 101 system is achieved when combined with the optional bleeding solution.

The bleeding cut is performed just a snatch from the stun while heart activity is still given. ‘Farmers are spending all their energy to raise a beautiful healthy fish, and we want to make sure that the fish is not only being treated the way it should but also that we maintain the quality and meet our customers’ expectations’, highlights Dennis Schreiber, with Hensen adding: ‘Healthy animals growing up and being kept in the most natural way possible are a prerequisite for the best quality for the consumer.

Companies invest a lot of money for the rearing of the animals. That’s why it is so important to make sure the first step of the processing does not ruin this effort’.

That is what the Baader 101 does. The low stress-levels the animals endure during the Baader harvesting process ensures that the fish can be longer and better processed. For the customer, this means better meat quality, more natural colour and most of all, better taste.

Marelec launches virtual showroom PROCESSOR Marelec has responded to the pandemic crisis by unveiling a new ‘virtual showroom’ so that existing clients and potential new ones can view their product range from the comfort of their homes or offices.

Marelec offers the opportunity to their customers and prospects to visit a factory in full operation, equipped with only Marelec processing solutions. No matter if they are active in the meat, poultry or fish sectors, they can visit the virtual production showrooms to have a detailed look at their portioning solutions combined with graders to optimise the production processes.

By visiting the showrooms, clients can walk around the factory and take all their time to look at the application that will bring extra profit to their operations. They decide where to go and what to see in detail by clicking and dragging the cursor through the plant. All machines are in operation with products. On each line, clients can click to open the machines and see the features and options on the inside. More application videos can be watched and customers see the top view of the line and consult the technical data sheet.

Marelec lets clients explore different showrooms for different industries. For fish and marine: FISH Fish processing requires delicate equipment to optimise volumes and yields when treating a fragile product. In the fish showroom, MARELEC

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installs weighing and grading solutions for white fish, salmon, aquaculture, lobsters, prawns… you name it. PORTIO will optimize the yields and increases value by cutting to the target weight, without waste.

MARINE Grading and processing of fish on board of the vessel gives a competitive advantage. To make profit on board, you can see the MARELEC marine weighing technology in the marine showroom. The high tech, yet robust weighing and grading technology compensates for the movement of the vessel and guarantees fast and accurate weighing in sometimes rough conditions. You will be able to see the MARELEC Intelligent Vision that detects different species and grades accordingly.

www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk

12/10/2020 15:39:12

Processing News

Marel unveils new Robobatcher system PROCESSOR Marel unveiled it’s new Robobatcher box system at the virtual Nor Fishing online event that replaced this years planned physical show in Trondheim.

Marel’s brand new integrated inline robot system RoboBatcher Box, which automatically packs whitefish and salmon into boxes with fixed weight and different grading, was a hit at the online show. Its patented batching software ensures optimal utilization of raw material and the automatic robot handling of the products significantly reduces the need for operators. Innova - Marel’s food processing software - ensures full production control on the line.

Features include: 1. Automatic fixed weight packing of up to 100 loins / fillets per min 2. Batching and grading of solid weight boxes in system - up to 8 gradations at a time 3. Optimal system integration with Marel’s product solutions The company hope to finally demonstrate the system in person at some 2021 exhibitions.

Above: The Robobatcher

Seafood processors demand review

Scotland’s seafood processors are demanding an urgent review into the role of Seafish and Seafood Scotland.

The Scottish Seafood Association (SSA), which represents processors in Scotland, says that Seafish has become remote to many in the sector.

In a paper designed to kick-start debate on the issue and encourage the UK government to em-

brace change, the SSA notes that Seafish’s role has become blurred with that of other organisations in the sector such as Seafood Scotland, ‘leading to a confused landscape of bodies with overlapping remits’.

SSA chief executive Jimmy Buchan said: ‘The seafood industry is on the cusp of new opportunities for all sectors – more fish caught, more landed,

more processed and transported and sold across the UK and around the world.

‘To seize these opportunities and allow every part of our industry to thrive, we must ensure that our marketing of these world-class products is equally world-class. That is why we need an honest appraisal of the structures, functions and funding of Seafish and Seafood Scotland.’

FISH PROCESSING MACHINERY ST700TV TABLETOP SKINNING MACHINE

Thanks to our goal for perfection for 60 years, we alwas have been delivering high quality products and services for the fish processing market.

By meeting the technical challenges and goals set by our customers, we have build long-term relationships of trust with our clients.

The introduction of the ST700TV skinning machine is a typical result of such collaboration.

This tabletop model, which is available in different versions, is capable of skinning a variety of whole fish, as well large fillets. On top of that this machine is suitable for both light and heavy duty operations.

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A series of electronically monitored guards and foot pedal help for controlled use.

Technology The knife holder can be taken out without extra tools.

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The skinning knife can be set and locked at different heights.

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Cermaq iFarm

The I’s to the right Cermaq iFarm project to improve fish health

U is “aThis very

exciting and important phase in the project

”

Above: The iFarm

sing artificial intelligence and machine learning, Cermaq Norway wants to identify each individual fish in a cage and give it its own follow-up and health journal.The iFarm project, which will develop individual-based aquaculture, is planned to run over five years. Fish have now been released for the first time in iFarm.

In December last year, Cermaq was awarded 4 development licenses for iFarm, and in January this year, work on iFarm began. Many people have been working on this important project for a long time, and now the various components of iFarm are finally starting to take shape.

The development work is a collaboration with BioSort, which develops the sensor-based solutions in iFarm, and ScaleAQ, which is a partner in the delivery of farming equipment in the project.

First smolt in iFarm After a long and hectic period of construction, assembly and rigging, the project rounded an important milestone last month, when the first smolt was released into the iFarm cages.

‘This is a very exciting and important phase in the project; now we will see how the fish thrive in cages specially adapted for iFarm, and whether it swims and behaves as we have intended,’ says Karl Fredrik Ottem, who is Cermaq’s project manager for iFarm.‘In this first release, we will first and foremost test and evaluate the interaction between different iFarm components and the fish’s behavior, in order to make any necessary adjustments,’ says Ottem.

The salmon has an open swim bladder, and must reach the surface and snatch air to fill the swim bladder. iFarm utilizes this feature by holding the fish deep in the cage by means of a net roof.When it seeks the surface to fill air in the swim bladder, it is passed through a chamber with a sensor, which will scan each fish and use automatic image processing to recognise each individual.

‘We will release a prototype of the iFarm sensor in early November. Until then, we will spend time observing the fish’s behaviour in the cage, how it moves and how it eats, so that we can make any adjustments before we release the sensor. In addition, we will have good operating practices; these are new installations, and there is a lot to adapt,’ says Ottem.

Equipment assembled and launched this summer The equipment for the iFarm cages was delivered early this summer, and

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Cermaq.indd 54

the various parts for iFarm have been installed on land in Nordfold in Steigen over the summer.The assembled equipment has then been transported out to Martnesvika, where it has been assembled together with the main nets and put into the sea.

‘We have a very close and good collaboration between BioSort, ScaleAQ and Cermaq, and so far it has gone according to plan. For us in the project, it is incredibly exciting that we have now come so far that the first prototype of the cage is assembled and launched, and that we have been able to release fish. Now it will be a very exciting period ahead’, says Ottem.

Long run The iFarm project is planned to run over five years, and we are still in the early stages of a longer run. It is a very complex project, and a complicated work when models and simulations in advanced computer programs are to be tested in full scale.

Here, advanced underwater technology will be developed, and it will work in close interaction with the fish.The experiences gained through this first release will be used to optimise the design for the next release, which is planned for 2021.

‘What we are trying to achieve with iFarm is to test a technology that in the long run can lead to better fish health and welfare, and which can help strengthen the competitiveness of coastal farming.

We have high expectations that the health and welfare of salmon can improve with iFarm, if we succeed ‘, says Ottem.

How iFarm works: • iFarm is based on a technology that makes it possible to recognise each individual fish in a cage and provide it with its own follow-up and a separate health journal. It will provide better fish health and welfare, and will be a quantum leap for the aquaculture industry.

• An iFarm cage has approx. 150,000 fish.The salmon is kept deep in the cage by means of a net-roof.When it seeks the surface to fill the swim bladder with air, it is passed through the iFarm sensor, which scans each fish and uses automatic imaging to recognize each individual.

• Weight and weight development of each individual are measured. Lice are counted on the whole fish, including early stages of lice.Any wounds and signs of illness are also registered in the fish’s health record.

Cermaq Group is the world’s second largest producer of salmon and trout, with operations in Norway, Chile and Canada. Cermaq Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation.. FF

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 15:34:47

Landbased Aquaculture

Interest in land based salmon projects still booming

O

pen-water fish farming can be a risky business. Some of the challenges that need to be taken into account when farming in natural marine environments include the spread of disease, antibiotic resistance, sea lice, and, of course, escape. Meanwhile, the use of costly, environmentally unsound chemicals and insecticides is unavoidable.

Until just a few years ago, land-based fish farming was considered too costly, but this is changing as systems and technologies become increasingly sophisticated.

High salmon prices, limited opportunities for growth at sea, new technology and venture capital are helping to build a new salmon industry.

‘It is almost a full-time job in itself to follow all the projects that are planned,’ said Pareto analyst Carl-Emil Kjolaas Johannessen during

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land based Hatchery.indd 55

a conference organized by the Norwegian Fisheries Industry last week, and reported on

by IntraFish.

While salmon production on land is nothing new, large-scale growout on land is, but Johannessen thinks the sector will grow ‘sharply’ over the next few years.

‘Despite many challenges such as accidents with mass mortality, bad taste, early puberty Above: Checking the tank and such, we believe that many of the problems have now been solved, or are about to be solved,’ he said.

Many of the planned new facilities are so-

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Landbased Aquaculture

10 years, we believe “Inthere will be many large facili�es in the US and Asia, but also in Norway and elsewhere in Europe,’ said Johannessen

”

called recycling facili�es, a rela�vely new technology where the water is recycled through various filters.

Plans iden�fied by Norwegian analysis firm Kontali would, if completed, enable the produc�on of 1.7 million metric tons of salmon on land.

‘If everything were to be realised within 10 years, which is not very realis�c, it would make up a third of all the world’s produc�on of Atlan�c salmon,’ said Kontali head Ragnar Nystoyl, again as reported by IntraFish.

Most of this produc�on -- more than 600,000 metric tons -- is planned for Norway, with other large projects planned for elsewhere in Europe.

In North America, there are plans for 500,000 metric tons, while in Asia, projects for around 200,000 metric tons have been iden�fied.

However, only a small percentage of these farms have started produc�on.

‘There is as li�le as 3-4 percent of the planned capacity where the first earth has been dug,’ said Nystoyl.

On this basis, he believes that projects will take longer than planned and there will be less salmon produced than planned.

‘It is s�ll not proven that it is technically and biologically possible to produce salmon on land on a large scale in a good way. It is a li�le too early to conclude that there is a paradigm shi�.’

Land-based salmon farms in Norway will benefit from good infrastructure and exper�se,

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land based Hatchery.indd 56

but not from proximity to the market, so growth is likely to be spread across con�nents.

‘In 10 years, we believe there will be many large facili�es in the US and Asia, but also in Norway and elsewhere in Europe,’ said Johannessen.

He expects a produc�on cost of more than NOK 50 (€4.57/$5.38) per kilo for the first land-based facili�es -- 25 percent more than costs to farm at sea in Norway -- but that this will fall over �me.

There are also advantages to be had in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused air freight costs to rocket on a shortage of passenger flights and added NOK 10-20 (€0.92/$1.08-€1.83/$2.15) per kilo to ship salmon to Asia and the United States.

‘We believe that it makes no sense to fly fish from one con�nent to another,’ said Karl Oystein Oyehaug, managing director and ac�ng CFO of Atlan�c Sapphire. FF

Above: A large facility

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 14:59:54

Fischtechnik makes the grade

S

taff from Fischtechnik International Germany are striving to build the best graders for live fish. For almost 40 years the company has been known for its unique belt system which carries the fish very gently and sorts them with high precision.

More than 2.000 fish graders have been exported to over 70 counties. whether trout, salmon, carp, tilapia, eel, seabream, bass and many others, Fischtechnik has a suitable grader for all of them – from 0.5 g up to 5 kg!

Over the years the graders have been perfected and all include frequency converters for freely adjustable band speed. Built from seawater resistant aluminum and stainless steel the company

grants a 10-year warranty.

Even for the oldest graders all parts are still available – therefore a Fischtechnik grader is a long-lasting investment which makes life for a fish farmer much easier.

– www.fischtechnik.com – E: verkauf@fischtechnik.com – T +49 3594 785 22 23

Demanding Diets

A

s the main feed supplier for marine fish hatcheries in Europe, PTAqua have taken the next step towards optimization of marine larval diets in 2020. With new aquaculture species emerging in Europe, the need for dedicated diets is increasing.

Many of these species, such as Ballan Wrasse, used as cleaner fish for salmon, have a sensitive intestine and no stomach.

Similar challenges are seen in other species such as Seriola or Meagre.

To stay on top of these developments in European fish farming, PTAqua has recently decided to focus on product development and testing of new ingredients and feed products as a dedicated target for the next years.

Björn Ronge, who has a decade of experience from a variety of aquaculture projects and feed-trials worldwide, will lead this effort.

The first step will be to analyse alternative raw material sources and novel ingredients such as AQUATE™.The goal is to improve the early development and mortality for species such as Ballan Wrasse, Sea Bream and Bass and Seriola.With new partnerships and a supply of alternative marine ingredients, such as copepods and algae they aim at improving digestibility and taste.

If all goes to plan trials will start in late 2020 and early 2021.Working with a variety of different ingredients and feed suppliers, PTAqua will carefully choose the correct composition for each species and live stage of the fish.With an exclusive focus on the marine hatchery market, PTAqua has a small niche for which to provide designated and superior diets. www.ptaqua.eu FF

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Above: Björn Ronge will be leading PTAquas effort towards more specialised hatchery diets. Here seen observing a well fed lump sucker.

Left: Atlan�c Wolffish are a demanding emerging species and will be part of future feed trials.

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Innovation

A glimpse of the future Innovation the key to overcoming industry problems

M

ore seafood is needed to meet the demand for protein. It took over a genera�on to industrialise livestock processes, and the environmental and social consequences of that development are being brought into sharp focus. The aquaculture industry is much further back on that curve, with environmental concerns beginning to come to light. Whether it is ecologically damaging aquaculture prac�ces in Southeast Asia or the environmental consequences of large fish escapes or managing problems like sea lice, many factors are driving innova�on in the way we farm fish.

Currently there are five main environmental challenges for aquaculture occurring in nearshore farms and pens: 1. Pollu�on – Fish farms release a lot of waste in the form of uneaten food (around 5% of total food in net-based fish farms), chemical treatments, and fish excrement, all of which can have significant impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

2. Escaped fish – The risk of non-na�ve fish entering a local gene pool has led to significant regula�ons and fines.

3. Disease, parasites, and chemicals – Ocean fish farms can amplify and spread deadly disease and parasites into natural environments, some�mes leading to mass fish farm harvest destruc�on and a fear of disease entering wild popula�ons. In recent years, controlling parasi�c sea lice spread from farmed salmon to wild salmon has cost the industry billions.

4. Access to feed – Roughly 30% of all captured fish are reduced into fish meal and fish oil. Much of this (68% of meal and 88% of oil) is used in aquaculture. Up to 2kg of wild caught fish is used to produce 1kg of farm-raised fish.

5. Predator impacts – If you fill a cage full of fish, it is going to attract bigger fish and other animals. There are o�en reports of sea lion deaths in Canadian fish farm cages, alongside the farmers’ own efforts to curtail preda�on of their stock.

Balancing these factors with the economic drivers for loca�ng a fish farm is driving innova�on across onshore and off-shore technologies.

Onshore technologies have the advantage of an en�rely closed system, nega�ng environmental concerns. Alterna�vely, placing a large cage further out to sea has less immediate environmental impact on coastal ecosystems with a much cleaner and temperature-stable environment. Both have challenges and are developing to meet the growing needs of a hungry planet.

Farms for “raising fish

are ge�ng larger, more secure, and are being sited further offshore

”

Left: Farming at sea Opposite: Aquaculture feed

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Fish Farming at Sea Farms for raising fish are ge�ng larger, more secure, and are being sited further offshore.

Norwegian salmon farming operator SalMar has developed a deep-ocean cage. The huge cage, named Ocean Farm 1, is repor�ng good growth rates and low mortality. Moreover, as salmon farms move deeper into the high seas, the level of sophis�ca�on is increasing to promote autonomy using high defini�on cameras and submerged automa�c feeders to reduce the need for human travel to and from the cages.

Recircula�ng Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are becoming more common with water recycling and waste reused as fer�liser for agriculture.

RAS can reduce the carbon footprint of seafood by up to 50%, and fish in these systems can be grown in a controlled and traceable environment without the use of hormones or an�bio�cs. These systems can be placed almost anywhere, including near urban centres.

One further technological innova�on that complements onshore fishing systems well is the onset of gene�cally modified salmon.

The leader in this field, Aquabounty, is already selling its products in Canada and is working on permissions for a plant based in the US. With gene�c engineering involved (which reduces fish maturity �me by 50%), the use of RAS keeps the modified salmon away from the na�ve popula�on’s gene pool.

Farm Management Systems Innova�on around farming infrastructure is cri�cal, and as in other industries, sensors and related data-derived services are targe�ng farm efficiency. Singapore-based Umitron recently raised a $8.2 million seed round from Innova�on Network Corpora�on of Japan, IDEO, and D4V to build out an aquaculture

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12/10/2020 16:54:13

A glimpse of the future

management system called UmiGarden, which gives greater insight into school behaviour analysis through sensors and a management so�ware layer.

Feed Feed is the major opera�ng cost for fish farmers, varying from around 50% to as high as 90% in certain markets and depending on species. Aquaculture feed is a mix of various oils, fats, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and more – again varying by species.

Tradi�onally, protein sources for aquaculture feed have been captured fish (which also brings fish oil, fish meal, and other nutrients into the recipe) and soybean or similar protein-rich agricultural crop. This leads to one of the challenges where up to 5lbs of wild fish is used to produce 1lb of farmed fish. Alterna�ve, and more sustainable, sources of protein are therefore being sought to meet growing demand for protein from more sustainable sources.

The solu�ons above cover some of the innova�on in aquaculture. Addi�onal areas include automa�on, fish processing, species selec�on and increased variety, as well as seafood product prepara�on, packaging, and shipping. FF

Efficiency without compromises

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The most innovative gutting machine designed for salmon and salmon trout using a princess - cut processing. Created with great consideration for hygiene enabling cleaning from all angles. · Princess – cut processing · Increased working range: 2-11 kg · Easy to shift between programmes · 3 suction units to secure perfectly clean fish · Quick Release system for better and easy cleaning of the machine

Master of fish processing

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

Innovation Intro.indd 59

www.kroma.dk · kroma@kroma.dk

59

12/10/2020 16:54:34

Ace Aquatec – Advertorial

NOAA’s Arc Are your predator deterrents MMPA compliant?

BY NATHAN PYNE-CARTER CEO OF ACE AQUATEC

T

here are many unanswered ques�ons about what it means to be compliant with the Marine Mammal Protec�on Act (MMPA). Thankfully there’s now more clarity when it comes to one par�cular area; protec�ng your fish from predator a�acks.

America’s Na�onal Marine Fisheries Service – informally known as NOAA Fisheries – issued new guidance in August detailing what kind of predator deterrents are compliant with the MMPA. What is the MMPA? When new import provisions of the MMPA come into play on 1 January 2022 the USA will ban fish product imports from countries whose farming opera�ons cause ‘mortality and serious injury of marine mammals’. NOAA Fisheries defines ‘serious injury’ as ‘an injury that is more likely than not to lead to the death of the affected marine mammal’.

Some countries which previously sanc�oned seal shoo�ngs as a last resort to protect fish from a�acks – such as Norway and Scotland- have already taken steps to move away from these prac�ces and adjusted their predator management prac�ces in response to the MMPA. Non-lethal methods of deterring predator a�acks have also been reviewed but it’s important to understand the MMPA is not a ban on acous�c devices or any par�cular technology; the focus is on reducing mortali�es and serious injury.

New guidance from NOAA New guidance from NOAA is open for public comment un�l 30th October 2020 but gives a good indica�on of how the MMPA is likely to be interpreted.

Certain non-acous�c deterrent methods are very clearly prohibited. These include chemical irritants, sharp objects, chasing with vessels, and explosives like firecrackers.

When it comes to acous�c deterrents though there’s a split between methods below 170dB in volume (eg. ineffec�ve low energy op�ons such as whistles, ‘vuvuzelas’ and air horns) and those using sounds above 170dB (eg. underwater acous�c transducers).

The ineffectual low energy devices are accepted as a category, and the higher volume impulsive startle devices are approved for use if they meet specific criteria.

There’s a quick way to check if your deterrents are compliant NOAA has launched an Acous�c Deterrent Web Tool to help quickly check which higher volume (over 170dB) impulsive startle devices are approved.

If your deterrent system meets the criteria then you’re immediately issued a cer�ficate of approval valid for one year.

The web tool asks for informa�on on three key parameters: frequency range; maximum underwater volume; and Duty Cycle (a measure of how o�en the device produces sound).

For example, with Ace Aquatec’s RT1 deterrent (a low frequency impulsive startle device) you would select mul�-frequency on the Web Tool, choose the following parameters, then save your cer�ficate: • Frequency Range: 1-2kHz • Maximum Volume: 195dB • Duty Cycle: between 0.8% and 7% (depending on your typical usage) While this guidance helps clarify how the MMPA will be applied, it’s also important to understand if other local regula�ons apply to your site. For example, if you need a European Protected Species (EPS) Licence for your site then any MMPA guidance is in addi�on to that, not instead of it.

Ace Aquatec have wri�en a self-cer�fica�on guide for their customers that will be updated as NOAA finalises their guidance.

The latest version will always be available at www.aceaquatec. com/MMPA FF

“

Above: Ace Aquatec RT1 low frequency deterrent on a fish farm pen Below left: Cer�ficate of Approval from NMFA/ NOAA Web Tool

Certain non-acous�c deterrent methods are very clearly prohibited 60

Ace Aquatec - PED.indd 60

”

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:55:18

Products and services

What’s NEW Monthly update on industry innovations and solutions from around the world

Access faults remotely with Kroma

For Kroma A/S, a supplier of fish processing equipment, it is essential to provide excellent service for customers in order to maintain the best processing results. Due to travel restrictions and the high costs associated, Kroma has developed a solution.

It now offers remote access supervision giving remote service support. Faults can be disclosed before they result in extensive production interruptions. The system remotely monitors, accesses the electrical functions of gutting machines at the customer site, and helps to detect errors. This secure and auditable gateway helps service technicians to troubleshoot problems, perform proactive maintenance, assist with customer operations, and help with sensor checks. www.kroma.dk

Health program to reinforce prevention against parasites

Through continuous research and innovation, ADISSEO has gained understanding of fish-parasite interactions and has developed unique and efficient functional feed additives to battle parasites.

Their health promoting feed additives (SANACORE® GM, APEX® BRANCHIA or APEX® AQUA) are based on combinations of synergetic natural compounds, such as phytobiotics, immune-stimulants and organic acids, that can work through multiple mechanisms against a broad spectrum of parasites.

These solutions provide anti-parasitic action against intestinal, skin and gill parasites, and reinforce protection via enhanced immunity and mucus defensiveness. Well documented results including laboratory and farm trials demonstrate high efficacy to lower the prevalence and severity of endo- and ecto-parasitic infections affecting cold- and warm-water species. www.adisseo.com

Moor for less

AKVA group`s versatile mooring system is easy to install and has a high breaking load. Alfaring uses patented technology specifically designed to meet the exacting demands of the Aquaculture industry. The main component of the system is a flexible polyurethane coupling ring incorporating an endless steel rope core. It acts as a robust corrosion proof coupling point for anchor lines doubling up as an attachment point for the buoy in a grid mooring. Alfaring contributes to a cost-effective mooring system by being simple to install, while also reducing inspection intervals and maintenance costs www.akvagroup.com

Super Spreader

It is the final crucial point in the feed pellet’s journey from silo to pen, and now Gael Force have developed a feed spreader that well and truly steps up to the mark to deliver feed safely and gently into the pen.

Robustly engineered, SeaFeed Spreader has an adjustable outlet nozzle which can be customised in its alignment by site operatives to suit different feed types and pen sizes thus offering a variable spread to suit individual farm feeding styles. A unique, tried and tested bearing design that offers smooth running and stability is housed inside an easy-to-access quick release coupling that allows for ongoing maintenance. www.gaelforcegroup.co.uk

www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk

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Industry Diary

Industry DIARY The latest aquaculture events, conferences and courses FEBRUARY 21

JUNE 21

OCTOBER 21

AQUACULTURE AMERICA 2021

AQUACULTURE EUROPE 2021

This show will be the largest aquaculture trade show in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest anywhere in the world with nearly 200 booths! This is your opportunity to inspect the latest in products and services for the aquaculture industry.

Madeira, Portugal October 5-8, 2021

San Antonio,Texas, USA February 21-24, 2021

MARCH 21 LATIN AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN AQUACULTURE 2021 Guayaquil, Ecuador March 22-25, 2021

APRIL 21 AQUACULTURE EUROPE 2021 (VIRTUAL EVENT)

NOVEMBER 21 RASTECH CONFERENCE WORLD AQUACULTURE 2021

The event will be held in Singapore this year with involvement from countries throughout the Asian-Pacific region and around the world.

Aquaculture is growing rapidly in the region and therefore 2021 is the perfect time for the world aquaculture community to turn its focus here.

Singapore June 14-18, 2021

MAY 21 AQUACULTURE UK 2021

WORLD AQUACULTURE 2021

Seawork is Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition, providing businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services to an international audience.

Southampton, Mayflower Park, UK, 15-17 June, 2021 Visit www.seawork.com

SEPTEMBER 21 ASIAN PACIFIC AQUACULTURE 2021 Aviemore will once again be the venue for this bi-annual trade fair and conference. It is undoubtedly the most important aquaculture exhibition held in the British Isles. The show has a tremendous following and with increased investment for 2021 it promises to reach even further across the broader aquaculture markets in both the UK and Europe.

Aviemore, United Kingdom May 19-21, 2021

62

Industry Diary.indd 62

Hilton Head Island, SC, USA November 3-4, 2021

SEAWORK

Aquaculture Europe 2020 will now be an ONLINE event. The basic format of the event will stay the same as ‘normal’ Aquaculture Europe meetings, with morning plenary sessions and then breakout parallel sessions for oral and Eposter presentations.

(Previously, Cork, Ireland) April 12-15, 2021

RAStech 2021 is the venue for learning, networking and knowledge sharing on RAS technologies, design and implementation across the world.

Surabaya, Indonesia September 7-10, 2021

WAS North America & Aquaculture Canada 2021 This World Aquaculture Society event will feature hundreds of world class speakers and delegates from around the globe.

St John’s Newfoundland, Canada, September 26-29, 2021

Merida, Mexico November 15-19, 2021

DECEMBER 21 AQUACULTURE AFRICA 2021 Alexandria, Egypt December 11-14, 2021

FEBRUARY 22 AQUACULTURE 2022 San Diego, California, USA February 27 - March 3, 2022

APRIL 22 WORLD AQUACULTURE 2022 Qingdao, China April 25-28, 2022

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

12/10/2020 16:58:51

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Opinion – Inside track

Criticism

BY NICK JOY

E

scapes, sea lice, mortality and the very existence of fish farming seems to get up some people’s noses. This year has been no different. A number of my wild angling friends have risked my ire by questioning me in the usual aggressive way about why salmon farming can’t get it right! They act as if catching a fish on the end of a line, toying with it till its exhausted and then letting it go to supposedly survive is perfectly reasonable! I tend to find when this is pointed out to them they rarely calm down. I am usually forced to hear how they really care about the fate of wild salmon stocks globally and how they are under so much pressure.

Yet it would seem that stopping fishing is not one of the things that would help these poor beleaguered stocks. Anyway, as I have been pointing out for a long while, there aren’t very many of them and they do not represent the general public.

In fact the only reason that the anti-salmon farming lobby are at all effective is that they lobby government very well. They know the corridors of power because a large number of them are either wealthy, went to school with those in power or offer them fishing. I remember well a major personage in SEPA some years ago who seemed to favour the anti-salmon farmers arguments. When I challenged him, he stated that he had no real interest, only on retirement to take up a major post in a wild salmon organisation. It is this type of dubious morality that underpins the effectiveness of our opponents. There are examples of this still in post in these organisations. It is hard to fight this sort of underhand behaviour but we must and we must maintain the moral high ground at the same time.

Whilst all of the above goes on, our industry goes on producing a healthy tasty food at a time when the nation needs it. The role of Omega 3 in almost every aspect of health is well documented and we must remember who we work for. The consumer in the UK has steadily eaten more and more of what we produce, despite the actions of the few who will try anything to derail our production. We have been attacked on welfare, environment and economic grounds and yet none of it has stuck with the public. It might be a good question to ask why but mostly, I guess, it is because the people who are trying to damage us don’t resonate with the majority of the public.

Whatever the case there may come a day when someone does present the arguments well and we may rue it. So it’s important to remember what we have to show to the public. I am not saying that we don’t but sometimes these key messages seem to get muddled up in corporate speak.

We do care about the environment not just because our fish are such good telltales of bad environment but because we live and work in that environment. So many of the people I knew working at sea were deeply knowledgeable about marine wildlife because they saw it every day. It was often the reason why they loved fish farming. We do care about the welfare of our fish, just the same as a cattle or sheep farmer does. We don’t just care because mortality affects our profitability but because we chose to be farmers because we like working with fish.

Finally, we do want to make a profit but not just because a business needs that but because our industry is the lifeblood of many isolated communities. Without profit we won’t be able to keep employment levels up. How do we know this so well? Because unlike those people who criticise us, we don’t come there on holiday, we live and work there. At a time when the poor hospitality sector is being put through the ringer, it is extremely lucky that our industry is putting so much into these communities.

Over 20 years ago, I met with a guy called Dr Martin Potter in a restaurant in London. I wasn’t actually employed at the time but was looking to see if I could persuade him, in his role with RSPCA

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the “onlyIn fact reason

that the antisalmon farming lobby are at all effective is that they lobby government very well

”

farmed animals, to create a standard for salmon.

The rest of the story has been told and retold and it is one of the proudest achievements of my career that our team managed to make this happen. The one interesting thing is that in all that time, no one ever asked me why I did it. I suppose people assume that I thought it would give Loch Duart an edge but if so why were the standards so accessible? It did give Loch Duart an edge to start with but fairly quickly was adopted by most of the industry. So to answer a question I have never been asked: I did it because I believed that it would resonate with the public.

The RSPCA had and still have an extraordinary respect from the public. If we could satisfy them that we were a genuinely welfare driven industry then however much that small band of critics machinate or scream, the public would see that a genuinely independent welfare organisation approved some of us.

I haven’t mentioned some of the people within the RSPCA and Freedom Foods by name as they take enough flak on our behalf but my gratitude, and I hope our industry’s, is never going to be enough for what they have done and what they do. I just hope we continue to try to get such organisations on our side. FF

www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk

12/10/2020 15:25:31

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