FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY
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WHY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IS KEY
Creating jobs, countering poverty and ensuring global protein intake Aquaculture will be an essential factor in the challenge facing food production for a global population, which according to WHO, will reach 9.7 billion in 2050. This makes it essential to progress as a sustainable and efficient industry that recognises the value of investing in development, for example in innovative net cleaning systems. by AKVA Group ASA, Bryne, Norway
ish and seafood are far more sustainable and have a lower carbon footprint than meat and dairy products. Research shows that one kilogram of salmon fillet from farming to wholesaler has emissions of approximately 2.5 CO2 equivalents, the unit used in greenhouse gas accounts to compare emissions. The carbon footprint of farmed salmon is thus far lower than for example the production of beef (30 CO2 equivalents per kilogram) and pork (5.9 CO2 equivalents). EAT founder, Dr Gunhild Stordalen in an interview with laks.no claimed that, “Using the sea as the new larder to feed a growing population with lots of healthy nutrients, good sources of protein, and not least Omega-3 and numerous micro-nutrients, will be one of the great challenges, yet also huge opportunities we have.”
Huge potential
More and more consumers care about where their food comes from, but many are still unaware that salmon is far more climatefriendly than all other typical meat-based meals. This has global consequences, and is definitely something one should take into account when planning dinner. Only five percent of food production is currently from the sea, and this means there is huge potential in a future-oriented industry. The aquaculture industry has its challenges, but these are issues that can be resolved. Technology is the foremost solution in connection with this, and currently vast resources are being spent on innovation in the industry.
Net cleaning for welfare and value
Billions of dollars are being invested in the fish farming industry around the world. Rationalisation of the operation of fish farming facilities is an incredibly important element in connection with this, and a natural step is thus to ensure improved and more efficient net cleaning, which is an area firmly in AKVA group’s sights. So why is net cleaning important for sustainable farming of healthy fish? Guttorm Lange from AKVA group explains, “The difference between a clean net and a dirty one is huge, and is very important for fish welfare, health and overall performance. Increased net fouling reduces the water flow and may lead to oxygen deficiency for the fish. Less oxygen in the cage leads to increased metabolism and higher stress levels, which reduce feed intake and in severe case may lead to increased mortality.” Profit is also at stake when nets are not properly maintained. A clean net reduces the risk of fish escaping by keeping the fish safeguarded. The forces of the sea current, often constitutes 70-75 percent of the total forces on the whole site. The load on 36 | February 2017 - International Aquafeed