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ierra del Fuego, the southernmost province of Argen�na, has a good claim to the �tle “The end of the world.” Earlier the regional of of theUkraine, province voted to ban open net N the this day month that Russia launchedlegislature its invasion the Norwegian Seafood salmon farming. Coming on topon ofinthe Danishasgovernment’s decision autumn to Council described the situa� Ukraine “both very serious andlast unclear”. curtail any further fish at sea, and the ongoing struggle of assessment the industry in At the growth �me of of wri� ng,farming more than a month into the confl ict, that Canada to s� resist the closure farms in the it is clearer than ever thatof the ll holds true. It isofimpossible toDiscovery say at thisIslands, stage whether there is any hope a fipeaceful sh farming industry to make its case stay in resolu� on orneeds whether the war is setintoorder con�just nueto taking itsbusiness. terrible toll. It’s notisall gloom, however. At the Seafood Forum held online thisfor year What clear, however, is that the North situa�Atlan� on, as cwell as having dire– consequences so –many Norway’s Prime Minister Erna reiterated belief thatas investment in the blue the people in that country, hasSolberg implica� ons that her affect Europe a whole and, indeed, economy is a route to Fish saving the environment, not this harming it. for Alsothe at aquaculture the NASF, chief world. In this issue of Farmer we look at what means industry, in execu� vesdisrupted and analysts alike weresupplies in agreement that the challenge is terms of trade, limited of materials forindustry’s feed and biggest rising costs. finding ways posi� to meet the world’s growing foroftheir product that’s a good On a more ve note, 2022 has seen demand the revival trade shows –inarguably, the sector, which are problem returningtotohave. their tradi�onal in-person formats. In this month’s issue we preview two of the In this issue awaited we report on theSeafood NASF and alsoGlobal/Seafood present the first of a preview of Aqua Nor most eagerly events: Expo in part Barcelona, later this month, 2021, one of the industry’s biggestdue trade and Aquaculture UK in Aviemore, to shows. take place over 3-5 May. What’s happening in aq The Julybeen issuetalking also features a profile ofand Norcod, currently the front in the We’ve to the organisers exhibitors, and can reportrunner that the buzzrace for to both in the UK and around th revive theevents cod farming industry. Find out Norcod’s Execu� an Riber, of these is definitely building. Fishwhy Farmer is alsoChief delighted tove, beChris� the sponsor for the What’s happening in aquacu believes this �me theyYear have a modelatthat Finfish Farmer of the category the works. UK Aquaculture Awards, with the winner to be w in the UK and around the wo We also focus two aquaculture projects in Guatemala and The Bahamas that are being JENNY –– EDITOR announced on 3on May. JENNY HJUL HJUL EDITOR supported byissue, Norway’s Kvarøy Arc� c, and onofthe “Øymerd” project is why se�ng out to Also in this we look at the challenge predator protec� on, which and ask Scotland JENNY JENNY HJUL HJUL –– EDITOR EDITOR create a fitoshhave farmthe based on a flregime oa�ng concrete island. appears toughest of any salmon-producing na�on when it comes to Steve Bracken SSC’s record results Stewart Graham The final sessions Nicki Holmyard at the shellfish farmers’ ba�le against tubeworm and this issue also licensing acous�clooks deterrents. features industry onthe Breeding and Gene�cs, in Transport and the Logis� cs and Steve Bracken SSC’s record results Stewart Graham You canspecial also read aboutreports some of latest developments fish health; hopes that The final sessions salmon farming sector in Scotland, when it was to he focus this month istopictures on Europe, the internati T HE is coincidence that andwhere videos of unhealthy Sno Fish Farmer went press, was sti lltold no offi cialonal Li� ing andtourism” Cranes. will help to both a�ract “seafood and inform the public; and, in there our Careers special, be the subject ofScotti a be parliamentary inquiry, embraced the industry willsent soon gathering the (European salmon were to news outletsfor just asjoint the Scotti sh news from shaquaculture. parliamentary inquiry into see some of the great opportuni�es Tout there to build athe career in HE salmon farming sector in Scotland, when itEAS was tosalmon 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 opportunity this would provide to explain how it operated. 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 Best wishes, 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 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 Robert Outram Best wishes 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 Robert Outram 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, Astolevels well asare highlighti ng the latest technological farms -Montpellier. where sea lice in decline and, inwe fact, at abe fivemeeti in private, 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.into Weand now believe that MSPs, perhaps with acceptability of aquaculture the contributi on it makes to global consider its draft report 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, a45 move that is tobreaching welcomed. the excepti on ofvaluable one or two Greens cahoots with anti -farming Those who want to shut down thein industry asbe expected, shut down this sector, rather than tohave, those who operate Meet the the team Fish Farmer: Volume Number 04 Meet team Charo Karisa of WorldFish writes about the farming potenti al inthe Fish Farmer: Volume 44 Number 07 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 Advisory Board: Editorial Board: Nigeria, both in catf ti lapia vati on. Contact us responsibiliti es seriously and that businesses will only ever invest in the hope of fi nding incriminati ng evidence against farmers. One 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 Steve Bracken, Bracken, Hervé Hervé Migaud, Migaud, Jim Jim Treasurer, Treasurer, biosecure environments of131 farm sites tosomething snatch ingame Of course, such stories may be inaccurate and,photographs inofany case,ngthe Steve In Scotland, the summer has been aofwaiti Tel: +44(0) 551 1000 What’s in a name? Dr Nick Lake Phil Thomas growth that is sustainable. Tel: +44(0) 131 551 1000 campaigner fi lmed himself searching, unsuccessfully, for dead have always been fortunate to have the support their minister, Nigeria, both catfish and tilapia culti vati on.against responsibiliti seriously and will only ever invest Chris Mitchell, Mitchell, Jason Jason Cleaversmith Cleaversmith the hope of fies nding incriminati ng businesses evidence farmers. Onein committ ee’s fiin ndings are not binding. Scotland’s fish farmers Fax:ee +44(0) 131 551 7901 Chris while the parliament is inthat recess and thethose members of Holyrood’s Fax: +44(0) 131 551 7901 If the committ members, especially 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. and Hamish Hamish Macdonell Macdonell Email: editor@fi campaigner lmed himself searching, unsuccessfully, forto dead haveRural always fortunate toshfarmermagazine.com have the support of their minister, and Economy and Connecti vity committ ee conti nue weigh up Email: shfarmermagazine.com 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 isroutram@fi in recess and members of Holyrood’s If the committ ee members, especially those who have yet to Editor: Robert Outram 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 Editor: RobertRural Outram Head Offi ce: Special Publica� ons, Fe� esto Park, their we have plenty of good stories in our May Even and Connecti vity committ ee conti nue weigh up Head Offi ce: Special Publica� ons, Fe� es Park, of theinquiry, professional vets and biologists who manage theissue. welfare of committ ee, with their own agendas against the growth of a Economy farm, like to 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: Andrewvisit Balahura 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DL bett er,farms they could head to Highlands later this month, where 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DL We the evidence in their inquiry into salmon farming. don’t expect Designer: Andrew their Balahura these on a daily basis. industry, are in breach of the Code of Conduct for MSPs. As they 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, Commercial Subscriptions bett er, could head to Highlands later this month, where This month also sees reti rement of Marine Harvest’s longest JaniceManager: Johnston these farms on a daily basis. industry, are in breach of the Code of Conduct for MSPs. As they Subscriptions 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 Scotland’s economy, we have a right Janice Johnston Subscrip� onsto Address: Fish Farmer Montpellier report Dr Marti n Jaff a Doug McLeod jjohnston@fishfarmermagazine.com they will meet the industry en masse Scotland’s serving employee, Steve Bracken. had no Subscrip� ons Address: Fish Farmer If the isto proud of its high standards, as itsalmon says itcollecti is, it ng are in aindustry positi on inflthe uence the future course ofat farming, This month also sees reti rement of Marine Harvest’s longest We will certainly be at Aquaculture UK inindustry, Aviemore and look jjohnston@fiCommercial shfarmermagazine.com representati ve body, the SSPO, than it has done to date. The to know who they are, and we hope the through its Magazine Subscrip� ons, Warners Group warm tributes from his friends and colleagues to mark the biggest fi sh farming show. Assistant: 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 serving employee, Steve had noof trouble collecti ng forward toand, seeing many of you there too. campaigners, we now see, willrest stop at nothing, representati ves, will pressure the parliament toand investi gate before Publica� ons plc, The Mal� ngs, Publisher: Alister Benne� milestone along with of the industry, thefarmers team Richard Ellio� We will certainly be at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore and look Publica� ons plc, The Mal� ngs, representati vethey body, the SSPO, than itthe has done tothrough date. The to know who are, and wethe hope industry, its at Fish warm tributes from his friends and colleagues to mark the should be prepared toyou fiBourne ght back. the to REC report isStreet, published. West Street, Bourne Farmer wish him all the very best for the future. West Publisher: Alisterforward Benne� 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 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 Uphold the codefight back Fair hearing French connection Farmers must Uphold the codefight back

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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 SSPO 22-23 18-19 market 24-27 Salmon SSPO market

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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 Migaud, PatrickJim Smith and Jim Hervé Patrick Smith, PatrickMigaud, Smith, Treasurer and Editor: Jenny Hjul jhjul@fi shupdate.com Treasurer, Wiliam Jim Treasurer and Dowds William Dowds William Dowds Head Office: Special Publications,

26 22-23 30 BTA Shellfi sh Comment 26 22-23 30 Shellfi sh Comment BTA 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

Janet Machrihanish Orkney farm Marti nBrown Jaﬀ a visit

33 34-35 28-29 32-33 36-41 Comment Cleaner Orkneyvisitfish Farm 34-35 28-29 32-33 36-41 Marti nofJaff Vaccines New player Dawn Comment Cleaner finew sha era Orkney Farm visit 12/04/2022 11:34:16

12/07/2021 Marti nofJaﬀ a15:32:14 Vaccines New player Dawn new era

Contents

Fish F armer In the April issue... News

What’s happening in the UK and around the world

Processing News

26-27

Update from the processing sector

Comment

28-29

Martin Jaffa

Salmon Scotland

30-31

Hamish Macdonell

Shellfish

32-33

Nicki Holmyard

War in Ukraine

34-38

Sandy Neil

EU Aquaculture Strategy

40-41

Vince McDonagh

Seafood Expo Global Preview

42-44

Looking ahead to the Barcelona show

Traceability

46-47

Francois Mosnier

Fish Health and Welfare

50-55

How research is supporting the industry

Careers in Aquaculture

Opportunities in the Blue Economy

Seafood Tourism

68-69

Fiona Nicolson

Technology

Cooke Aquaculture and Vaki are working together

Containment and Predator Protection Why tackling the seal problem is so difficult

Aquaculture UK Preview

What to expect from Aviemore this May

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Managing the microbiome in a RAS farm

What’s New

Monthly update on industry innovations and solutions

Industry Diary

All the latest aquaculture events, conferences and courses

Aqua Source Directory Find all you need for the industry

Opinion Nick Joy

ff04 Contents.indd 4

6-24

70-71 72-73 76-88 96-97 104 106 108-109 110

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11/04/2022 15:57:04

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11/04/2022 08:55:09 11/05/2021 10:07

United Kingdom News

NEWS...

Fish farmers call for cut in Brexit red tape

SALMON farmers in Scotland are calling for action to ease the burden of export paperwork following the UK’s exit from the European Union. Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, the body representing Scotland’s farmed salmon sector, has written to UK Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis, arguing that the promised move to a digital system for export health certiﬁcates (EHCs) is

Top: Cross-Channel ferry Above: Tavish Scott

UK News.indd 6

taking too long to implement. Since Brexit took effect, Scott said, Salmon Scotland’s member companies have faced an extra £3m in costs each year thanks to export bureaucracy. The UK Government has pledged to replace the existing paper-based system of EHCs with a more efﬁcient digital system, but despite the success of a trial version – operated in collaboration with Cooke Aquaculture – no deadline has been set for the roll-out. Scott wrote: “I would reiterate how important it is to get the new system up and running as soon as possible. “Salmon producing companies are already having to cope with steeply rising production costs (most notably in feed and fuel), and now face increased paperwork costs because of the EHC changes which were introduced in January (2021). “We really believe that the

time taken to process EHCs will reduce considerably when the system is moved online, that the number of errors will be massively reduced and the whole system will need fewer staff and less time to process – cutting down the costs and delays which are plaguing the system at the moment.” Salmon Scotland has suggested that if the French border control posts at Boulogne-sur-Mer and Calais – the crucial entry points for Scottish seafood to the European markets – are happy with the digital system, it could be rolled out for those ports ahead of clearing the way for its adoption throughout the EU. Scott has also called for the UK Government to help cover the extra costs being imposed on businesses as a direct result of the current export system. Andrew Watson, a spokesman for Cooke Aquaculture Scotland said: “We fully support the digitisation of export health certiﬁ-

cates (EHCs) and would welcome UK, French and European support to roll this out as quickly as possible. “Cooke has been piloting DEFRA’s digital EHCs on behalf of the sector and so far the process has been working really well – reducing time, cost and scope for error. “The Scottish salmon sector has put in the hard yards to prepare for, and cope with, the changes brought about by Brexit. Cooke and other companies have invested time, money and effort into getting things right every time. But more than a year after these changes came into force, paperwork errors by other seafood producers are pushing up the cost of EHCs for all of us. “Victor Hugo said ‘there is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come’. A fully digital process for EHCs in a format that Europe wants would beneﬁt both sides of the channel.”

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:00:29

All the latest industry news from the UK

Salmon farmers aim to tackle marine waste SCOTLAND’S salmon farmers have introduced a system for reporting marine litter, in a bid to help keep beaches free of plastic and other waste. The producers’ organisation, Salmon Scotland, is encouraging people to report waste, regardless of the source, so that salmon farmers close to the location can help remove it. Salmon Scotland has set up an inbox – reportdebris@ salmonscotland.co.uk – to report waste along the coast. The information will be collated centrally and reported to local teams for recovery. Those contacting the service are being asked, if possible, to provide a “what3words” location code and a photo of the site. The organisation stresses that in most cases marine debris does not come from salmon farms, but rather from towns and cities, other countries, and sometimes other continents, brought to Scotland by prevailing winds and tides. Weather conditions can, however, cause

nets and other equipment to break loose from fish farms. Member companies are also proactively helping to care for their local environment with regular beach clean-ups and other initiatives. Last year, Mowi carried out 79 beach cleans around the areas where it farms, while Scottish Sea Farms made its annual participation in the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean a company-wide effort. Tavish Scott, Salmon Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “By co-ordinating our efforts to collect marine debris – regardless of where it has come from – we can make a positive difference. “There is also a concerted drive from our sector to prevent any marine debris at source, which on rare occasions can be caused by instances of extreme weather. “We’re privileged to work on some of the most beautiful coastlines in Scotland and we are committed to being good neighbours.”

Above: A volunteer collects waste from a beach

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UK News.indd 7

11/04/2022 16:01:17

United Kingdom News

NEWS in Brief OSH hires Lynch as Head of Finance INDEPENDENT salmon farmer Organic Sea Harvest has appointed Paul Lynch to the newly created role of Head of Finance. Lynch was previously Head of Finance at Scottish Sea Farms between 2004 and 2015, and joins OSH from timber business Gilmour & Aitken. The company said: “Being able to attract an individual with Paul’s experience and knowledge is the last piece in our management puzzle, as we focus on our vision to become the leading organic salmon farmer in the world.”

Sainsbury’s Scottish salmon is now ASC-certified

Above: Thxxxx

Above: Paul Lynch

Two leading scientists join SAIC panel THE Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has appointed two senior scientists to its board. Professors Lisa Collins of the University of Leeds and Grant Stentiford, Co-director of the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures at the University of Exeter, will be joining SAIC’s Independent Scientific Panel (SISP). Lisa Collins is N8 Agrifood Chair in Agricultural Systems and Academic Director of the National Pig Centre. Grant Stentiford is also head of the OIE Collaborating Centre for Emerging Aquatic Animal Diseases and Principal Aquatic Animal Pathologist at UK government agency Cefas. Top left: Grant Stentiford Left: Professors Lisa Collins

Mowi’s Head of Sales, Scotland to step down MOWI Scotland’s long-serving Head of Sales, Georgina Wright (pictured, centre), is to leave the company after 27 years. She will be leaving Mowi at the end of March.Wright began her Mowi career with McConnell Salmon in 1994 which then became Marine Harvest, now Mowi, and she has worked for the company’s business units in both Scotland and Norway. Most recently, Wright chaired the Scottish Salmon Industry Brexit Working Group.

Above: Georgina Wright

UK News.indd 8

SAINSBURY’S says it has become the first UK supermarket group to have 100% of its fresh Scottish salmon range independently certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). Seafood that carries the ASC logo has been sourced from farms that have been independently certified as both environmentally and socially responsible. To meet the ASC standard, farms must undertake an independent audit in which their operations are assessed against strict, science-based requirements. These conditions include the quality of the water, impact on the seabed, and fish health, through to the fair treatment and pay of workers on the farm. Certified farms are re-audited every year and must regularly publish key performance metrics to ensure ongoing compliance. Sainsbury’s says that in Scotland less than 5% of all salmon farms have been certified against the exacting criteria set by ASC. As of now, 100% of Sainsbury’s Sea Bass, Sea Bream,Tilapia, Basa and chilled & frozen King Prawns products are ASC certified. Gavin Hodgson, Head of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Horticulture at Sainsbury’s commented: “We know it’s our responsibility to ensure the food on our shelves is as sustainably sourced as possible, which is why we’re so pleased to become the first UK retailer to offer 100% ASC certified fresh Scottish salmon.” He added: “Over the next few years we’ll continue working closely with our suppliers to ensure food is sourced sustainably from all perspectives – socially, environmentally and economically.” Chris Ninnes, CEO of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council said: “We believe consumers want to make a difference with their food choices, by choosing seafood from responsible farmers. But this can only happen if retailers provide shoppers with a comprehensive choice of certified products, which is why this commitment by Sainsbury’s is so important. “Scottish salmon is a world-famous product, for good reason. But it must be produced in a way that also preserves the iconic environment in which it is farmed. Sainsbury’s customers now have the chance to play their part in supporting responsible salmon farming by looking for the ASC logo.”

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:02:27

MSC Cargo.indd 9

11/04/2022 08:56:31

United Kingdom News

Shetland farms to get early warning of algal blooms FINFISH and shellfish farmers in Shetland are set to get an early warning of potentially deadly algal blooms, thanks to investment in new technology. The initiative, funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise with a grant of £185,000, is being led by UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands) Shetland, in collaboration with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). The grant will be used to purchase an Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB), an autonomous device that can scan water samples for phytoplankton (micro-algae) using flow cytometry, lasers and cameras.The IFCB then beams this data to the cloud for specialist analysis allowing phytoplankton detection and monitoring. The device is submersible and can work unattended in situ at an aquaculture site or monitoring station. Working around the clock, the IFCB detects early signs of harmful algal blooms, and this rapid detection can help to inform early stock management decisions that can protect the welfare and security of aquaculture stocks. The device will be supplied by McLane Research Laboratories Inc (MRL), an independent commercial arm of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WTI), which developed the technology. While phytoplankton are necessary to farm shellfish such as mussels, they can

device is a game changer and this second IFCB to come to the UK complements a project already running in the Isles with Seafood Shetland, which includes the first IFCB and is supported by the SIC’s Coastal Communities.The IFCB gives us a much higher resolution picture of phytoplankton abundance at any given time and is a specialist tool for monitoring numbers and species as these change throughout the seasons.” Half of the HIE funding approval is from the Scottish Government Islands Green Recovery Programme, which was administered in the region by HIE. grow to toxic levels and they can also be lethal to finfish, by producing toxins or simply by starving the fish of oxygen. With the help of SAMS, machine learning capabilities, using a deep learning artificial intelligence approach, will be developed to identify and count individual species present in a local waterbody from the tens of thousands of images captured by the IFCB every hour. Running alongside these developments will be a PhD studentship, led by SAMS UHI, Marine Scotland and Scottish innovation support body The DataLab, which are currently recruiting for that role. Gregg Arthur, aquaculture manager at Shetland-UHI said: “This autonomous Above: Gregg Arthur with IFCB; the IFCB in situ

Campaigners call for a ‘moratorium’ on ﬁsh farming

Above: Sarah Moyes, Jemma Watson, CIWF with Ariane Burgess MSP (centre), hand in an open letter with 130,000 signatories to Scottish Parliament calling for a moratorium on Scottish salmon farming.

ANIMAL welfare charity Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has submitted an open letter to the Scottish Parliament calling for a moratorium on salmon farming until “a number of animal welfare concerns” have been addressed by the industry. The letter has been signed by nearly 130,000 people and its presentation to Parliament was attended by a number of MSPs, including Ariane Burgess MSP (Scottish Greens) and Rachael Hamilton MSP (Conservatives).

UK News.indd 10

The biggest share of signatories (52,000) came from the UK. The remaining number of signatories were collected via Compassion offices in eight other countries to which Scottish salmon is exported. Presenting the open letter, Sarah Moyes, Compassion in World Farming’s Senior Campaign Manager, said: “Salmon are silently suffering, out of sight, in cruel underwater factory farms across Scotland. And despite this evidence, the Scottish Government are still not addressing these concerns! We cannot allow this awful suffering to continue. Rather than progressing with plans to expand the industry, a moratorium is needed - now.” A spokesperson told Fish Farmer: “Compassion is calling on the Scottish Government for a moratorium on the expansion of the Scottish Salmon industry. However, ultimately, we directly challenge whether farming essentially wild, migratory fish, such as salmon, has any place in a sustainable food system. Hence, although we would like welfare problems to be addressed to benefit fish currently being farmed, we still would not support further expansion of the industry.” Last year, Compassion in World Farming published a critical report on the salmon industry in Scotland, alleging maltreatment and poor conditions for farmed fish. The organisation also released photography and video evidence which appeared to show dead and injured fish in salmon pens. At the time, the industry responded by pointing out that salmon farms in Scotland are routinely audited by RSPCA Assured, and said that independent inspectors could visit farms at any time.

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11/04/2022 16:05:51

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UK News.indd 11

11/04/2022 08:59:26

United Kingdom News

‘Blue Economy’ vision for Scotland published to drive forward positive collaborations to deliver action.” The Vision identiﬁes six key outcomes by which the success of the vision can be measured: • Scotland’s marine ecosystems are healthy and functioning. Scotland’s blue economy is resilient to climate change, contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation. • Established and emerging marine sectors are innovative, entrepreneurial, productive and internationally competitive. • Scotland is a global leader in healthy, quality, sustainably harvested and farmed Blue Foods. • Thriving, resilient, regenerated, healthy communities have more equal access to the beneﬁts that ocean resources provide. • Scotland is an ocean literate and aware nation.

Above: Mairi Gougeon

SCOTLAND’S ambition for a world-leading “Blue Economy” has been set out in a paper from the Scottish Government. The document Blue Economy Vision for Scotland deﬁnes the concept as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of marine and coastal ecosystem”. It argues that, rather than seeing economic growth and protecting the environment as two incompatible goals requiring a series of tradeoffs, policymakers should aim for a “stewardship of natural capital” approach in which the two work hand in hand. In her foreword to the paper, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon says: “I see the blue economy vision as the beginning of a conversation,

Launching the paper, Mairi Gougeon said: “Together, we can achieve an ambitious transformation of the value of Scotland’s seas as we move from blue economy theory into delivery, driving forward innovative solutions to deliver bold and ambitious change, helping to tackle the twin crises of nature and climate change, bringing real benefits to people and communities throughout Scotland and globally. “Scotland’s seas and coasts support vital jobs across our economy, especially in coastal and island communities providing many goods and services as well as contributing to our overall wellbeing. “There is potential for an ambitious and inclusive blue recovery for people and nature and the blue economy vision starts us on that journey.” According to the paper, the next phase will be to work in partnership with stakeholders to develop a “blue economy action plan” and a monitoring and evaluation framework, which will begin to set out in more detail the actions and pathways required to achieve change and how this change will be monitored and reported upon. This will include a Strategic Environmental Assessment to describe and test the effect of the vision and outcomes on the environment. Dr Lyndsey Dodds, Oceans Recovery Policy Manager at WWF Scotland commented: “We know fishing plays an important role in producing the food we need as well as providing livelihoods... so for Scotland to be a global leader in marine management, we need to find ways of lessening its impact, while also protecting and restoring our marine environment.”

Bakkafrost says Q1 harvest in Scotland will be smaller BAKKAFROST has said that its ﬁrst quarter harvest from its Scottish operation will be appreciably lower this year. In a trading update the company said output from Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) sites – part of the Bakkafrost group – will total just 4,000 tonnes between January and March, against 7,000 tonnes 12 months ago. The Faroe Islands harvest, on the other hand, is 3,500 tonnes higher at 17,500 tonnes. Feed sales reached 26,200 tonnes against 23,800 tonnes last year. The sharp drop in the ﬁrst quarter Scottish harvest is not unexpected. Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen referred to the biological problems at SSC in his annual sustainability review, in which he said that the company was taking action to tackle them. Right: Bakkafrost farm

UK News.indd 12

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11/04/2022 16:07:39

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11/04/2022 09:00:38

Obituary

Sir William Lithgow (1934-2022) A chartered engineer, he “ was fascinated by the process of invention ”

By 1977 the system was in need of refurbishing and it was as part of that project that the present-day hatchery and smolt system was developed. With some funding from the Highlands and Islands Development Board, the Lithgow family linked the upper and lower sections of Loch an Torran to form a reservoir for the fish farm. The first ”swirlpool” seawater tanks (1981) were 12m in diameter and are still in use today, supplemented by 25 metre vitreous protected steel farm slurry tanks. As well as its innovative engineering solutions, Landcatch developed a new approach to genetic selection and breeding that helped the company to become one of the most respected names in the salmon sector. Initially producing farmed salmon for harvest, Landcatch was for a time run in partnership with Thor Mowinkle, one of the co-founders of salmon giant Mowi. In 1990 ir William Lithgow, who died on 28 February this year, was one Landcatch bought out the Norwegian interest of the pioneers of the aquaculture industry. Among many other and, during that decade, the company stopped achievements he was the founder of Landcatch, a salmon hatchproducing grow-out salmon to focus on eggs ery and land-based fish farm in the west of Scotland that is now and smolts. Landcatch’s eggs have been sold part of the Hendrix Genetics group. around the world, to customers as far away as Born, in 1934, into one of Scotland’s leading industrial dynasties, Sir Chile and North Korea. William’s family business was shipbuilding and at the age of 25 he Jarl van den Berg, General Manager, Hendrix became Chairman of Glasgow-based Lithgows. The company was part of the great Clydeside tradition of marine engineering, eventually merg- Genetics Salmon UK, said: “Hendrix-Genetics, acquired Landcatch from the Lithgow family in ing with its neighbour Scotts to became Scott Lithgow. 2011. We acquired a well performing salmon Sir William became embroiled in a long battle with the UK governstrain, fantastic staff, three excellent producment when, in 1977, Scott Lithgow became part of the nationalised – tion locations across Scotland and the legacy and ultimately unsuccessful – British Shipbuilders. He challenged the takeover on the grounds that shareholders had not of Sir William, a visionary and entrepreneur. been fairly compensated, and took the argument to the European Court Though we now operate to Hendrix-Genetics values, mission and vision as a small piece in of Human Rights in a case that lasted from 1977 to 1986. Although a global company, we still enjoy the simplicity he lost, he always believed the dispute involved important matters of and connectivity of our small community on principle. the Lithgow estate in Ormsary. A chartered engineer, he was fascinated by the process of invention “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the and turned his expertise to fish farming at his family estate at Ormsary, Lithgow family.” near Argyll. He helped to create a flow-through system using seawater Sir William is survived by his two sons James from the nearby loch and powered by hydro-electric energy. and John, who continue to run the hydro and Colonel Sir James Lithgow, Sir William’s father, had installed a hydro system after the First World War and Ormsary House, the family home, wind energy side of the family enterprise; his daughter Katrine, who runs a wedding busiwas the first residence in Britain to be powered by a hydro-electric ness; and his wife Mary. FF source.

Obituary Sir William Lithgow.indd 14

Above left: Sir William Lithgow

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11/04/2022 16:08:41

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11/04/2022 09:02:26

European News

NEWS...

Mowi reports improved financial performance for 2021

MOWI Scotland saw a significant improvement in its financial performance last year, the company has revealed in its annual report for 2021. The 2021 operational EBIT or operational profit totalled €77.2m (£65.5m) against €46m (£39m) in 2020. The improvement, says Mowi, was due to improved cost and volumes on the back of better biological performance as well as increased prices in the market. The operational EBIT per kg was €1.20 (£1.02) in 2021 compared with €0.87 (£0.74) in 2020. Mowi’s total (as opposed to operational) EBIT for salmon of Scottish origin almost trebled to €85.1m (£72.2m) compared with €30.2m (£25.6) in 2020. The total EBIT per kg was €1.32 (£1.12) in 2021 compared with €0.57 (£0.48) in 2020. The Mowi report said: “The reference price in euros increased on positive market developments following a challenging year in 2020. “Our price achievement for salmon of Scottish origin for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 17% above the reference price, compared with 24% above in 2020. Price achievement in 2021 and 2020 was positively affected by contracts in both years.” However, Mowi said the biological situation

European News.indd 16

in Scotland became more challenging in the second half of the year due to gill issues combined with seasonally low oxygen levels. But costs are coming down. The total cost per kg for salmon of Scottish origin harvested in 2021 decreased by 3% thanks to improved biology, reduced costs at seawater sites and positive scale effects from higher volumes. Commenting on the group’s global performance, Mowi CEO Ivan Vindheim, said in his annual report that 2021 saw market conditions gradually improving, with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the wane in the main markets for salmon. He continued: “Operationally, Mowi delivered all-time high volumes in both Farming and Consumer Products even as the pandemic continued to present a challenging environment. “The company’s farming licence utilisation continued to improve in Norway, Mowi’s largest and most important farming region. “With higher achieved prices and good operational performance, ﬁnancial results improved compared with the year before. These achievements were only made possible by the dedication and hard work of Mowi’s employees.” Total revenues for the group were the highest ever at €4.2bn (£3.56bn).

Swiss salmon farmer signs up Billund for RAS farm BILLUND Aquaculture of Denmark has entered into a strategic partnership with Swiss Blue Salmon, a company that plans to build a land-based fish farm in the Alps. Both companies say it will be an innovative project using state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and other cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud solutions, digitalisation and full automation. The planned location is the beautiful Alpine canton of Glarus in the east of Switzerland.When in operation the farm should be able to provide 8% of the salmon that is imported into the country. Swiss Blue Salmon CEO Rudolf Ryf said: “We have good quality water sources in the country and I see an opportunity to build up a Swiss aquaculture industry and reduce the current high import levels.” He said one of his original motivations for creating this company was to address the seafood trade deficit in Switzerland, where almost all fish is imported. Sune Moeller, chief technical officer at Swiss Blue Salmon, said: “From the fish farmer’s point of view, we create a lot of data that gets uploaded to a cloud-based platform and, from there, we can share all raw data with strategic partners like Billund. “In turn, Billund will be able to analyse that data and come up with new ideas and solutions, to make sure that both stay at the forefront of their industries.”

Above: The Swiss Blue Salmon team (L-R): Phil Huber (CFO), Rudolf Ryf (CEO), and Sune Møller (CTO).

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11/04/2022 16:12:11

All the latest industry news from Europe

Funding deal for chain of French shrimp farms PLANS for a new land-based shrimp farm in France have taken a big step forward after the company behind the project announced it has secured almost €5m (£4.2m) in funding. Lisaqua plans to build a 2,000 square metre facility near Nantes followed by others around the country which together will eventually be capable of producing up to 10,000 tonnes of shrimp a year. The French love their shrimp, eating 80,000 tonnes of the delicacy, accountiing for nearly a quarter of the 290,000 tonnes imported into the EU each year. Lisaqua now says it has raised an additional €2.6m (£2.2m) worth of capital with new investors including Le Gouessant Agricultural Cooperative and private investors, along with existing investor Litto Invest. This capital increase completes a nondilutive round of funding of €2.3m (£1.9m) from Bpifrance (ccrct) and the Crédit Maritime and CIC Ouest banks. Gabriel Boneu, Lisaqua CEO and co-founder said the company hopes to achieve its 10,000 tonne target by 2030. “This funding will allow us to recruit 10 people and to structure strategic partnerships to prepare our scale-up.We plan to

Above From left: Lisaqua’s Charlotte Schoelink, Caroline Madoc & Gabriel Boneu

set up a network of farms near the main French cities from 2024 in order to make our ultra-fresh shrimp available to as many people as possible”. Lisaqua has developed “permaquaculture”, a patented co-culture technology combining shrimp, micro-organisms and marine invertebrates in recirculated indoor aquaculture farms. This innovation allows the farming of shrimp without antibiotics, preserves the environment – such as mangrove forests – and saves 99% of water compared to conventional shrimp farming.

Shrimp effluents are treated and used for breeding marine invertebrates for animal feed. Since 2019, the company has been marketing the first fresh, local, environmentally friendly shrimp in France,“triple zero” guaranteed: zero antibiotics, zero kilometres travelled and zero polluting discharge. After three years of research and development, this new round of funding will allow Lisaqua to finalise construction in Nantes of the first shrimp farm in France, which should be operational this year.

Sølvtrans picks Hydroniq as preferred supplier WELLBOAT operator Sølvtrans has selected marine cooling systems specialist Hydroniq Coolers as a preferred supplier. The “frame agreement” means that Hydroniq will be the preferred supplier for cooling systems for all Sølvtrans newbuild vessels. Equipment orders can be conducted by Sølvtrans, a shipyard, or any company the shipowner nominates to place the purchase order. Hydroniq Coolers, which is headquartered at Ellingsøy outside Ålesund, Norway, has in recent years delivered its hull-integrated “Rack” marine cooling system to several of Sølvtrans’ wellboats, including numerous vessels that Norwegian shipyards Myklebust Verft and Aas Mekaniske Verksted have built or are in process of constructing for Sølvtrans. The Rack seawater cooling system is integrated in the hull below the main engine room of the vessel, where it reduces temperatures in the ship’s engines and other auxiliary systems, but without taking up valuable engine room space. Hans Robert Almestad,Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Hydroniq Coolers, said:“This is probably the most important and biggest agreement Hydroniq Coolers has ever entered into.” He added:“Sølvtrans is the world’s biggest wellboat operator, with a highly ambitious newbuild programme.They focus on sustainable solutions and future-oriented technologies that ensure optimal logistics and ﬁsh welfare.To be chosen as their main supplier of seawater coolers is a major declaration of trust and we consider it an important seal of approval.” Hydroniq Coolers is owned by investment company SMV Invest AS.

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European News.indd 17

11/04/2022 16:12:44

European News

Ex-minister joins fish health business

Above: Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen

NORWAY’S former Fisheries Minister Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen has gone back into business, joining a company which supplies health and important other services to the aquaculture sector. He has joined the Lofoten based Nordly Holdings in a business development role, in an area in which he has a strong background. The group, founded by Jim-Roger Nordly, is the umbrella for several companies at home and abroad, mainly supplying a wide range

of products and services to the aquaculture industry. Among those companies is STIM which delivers fish farming related vaccines and fish health products to fish farmers in Scotland, Chile, Iceland and Canada. Others include Polarfeed, the only Norwegian-owned fish feed producer, with a factory in Finnmark and the research and development business ACD Pharma. Ingebrigtsen gave up his ministerial job in October following the Conservative Party’s defeat in Norway’s general election a month earlier. He impressed during his two-year tenure extending the controversial traffic light scheme which limits fish farm development and taking a tough line on issues such as salmon escapes. He said: “I look forward to working with a bunch of very exciting projects in an industry that is really one of the mainstays of Norwegian business. “Jim-Roger Nordly and I have known each other for many years, from long before I went and became Minister of Fisheries, so it is with great enthusiasm that I now join the journey in what is a very exciting northern Norwegian group.” Nordly said his company was active in a number of markets at home and around the world and was developing a number of important aquaculture related products in which Ingebrigtsen would play a key development role.

Nippon Gases to supply SalMar smolt plant A new smolt facility and hatchery for salmon farmer SalMar will use oxygen and surplus heat from a nearby industrial gas production plant. Nippon Gases Norge has won a contract to supply oxygen to SalMar’s new smolt plant and hatchery, in Malm, central Norway. The deal, with the main company subsidiary SalMar Setteﬁsk, also involves the of use surplus heat from Nippon Gases’ air gas plant. Nippon Gases started production of industrial gases at its Malm factory around a year ago, supplying industrial gas to customers in growth areas including ﬁsh farming, the processing industry and offshore facilities in central and northern Norway.

European News.indd 18

SalMar Settefisk began talks with Nippon more than a year ago after it acquired the site for the smolt plant. A joint statement added: “The result is now in the form of a very sustainable agreement where Nippon Gases will supply both oxygen and surplus heat to SalMar.” Karl Christian Aag of SalMar Settefisk said: “This fits in very well with our ambition to create the

world’s most modern hatchery. “We will use the heat from Nippon Gases to create the best growing conditions for 23 million smolts a year.” Lars Borgli, CEO of Nippon Gases Norway, said: “We are pleased to have signed a long-term agreement for the delivery of oxygen to SalMar Setteﬁsk, who are our neighbours here on the Malm Industrial Park. “The gas will be piped from our plant and directly to SalMar, which is a short-distance away and makes for a sustainable solution.” Nippon Gases operates a number of similar oxygen plants in other parts of Europe.

Seaweed business raises capital for growth A Dutch seaweed start-up is planning “significant investment” following an injection of capital by Belgian retail group Colruyt. The Seaweed Company produces seaweed in its own farms in Ireland, Morocco, India and the Netherlands and markets high-quality seaweed applications such as animal feed supplements, food products and biostimulants – natural products that positively influence the growth, quality and resistance of crops. It was founded in 2018. The investment, which brings Colruyt’s minority stake in The Seaweed Company up to 21%, will enable further investment, the company says. The amount has not been disclosed. It represents the third phase of capital raising for The Seaweed Company, following initial seed and early stage investments. Seaweed extracts can contribute to “Blue Farming”, the company said, making agricultural chains more sustainable. Products include seaweed-based TopHealth animal feed supplements for chickens, pigs, cows, pets and horses, as well as a unique organic seaweed biostimulant, TopHealth Plants, that strengthens the soils and crops. A family-owned business, the Colruyt Group has more than 600 of its own stores and approximately 580 affiliated stores, food and non-food, in Belgium, France and Luxembourg. The Seaweed Company’s “SeaEO” Joost Wouters said: ”We are extremely proud that Colruyt Group is further expanding its minority interest to 21% and that we can continue to work on expanding our platform together with this commercial partner with thorough market knowledge. Our products and concepts have already proven themselves and we are therefore ready to further scale up our company in all aspects and to further increase our execution power.” Stefan Goethaert, director of Fine Food, Retail Services and Private Label, and responsible for Colruyt Group’s agricultural policy, said: “From Colruyt Group, we see a lot of potential in seaweed. It is extremely versatile and can be used in food, animal feed, fertilizers and even as an alternative to plastic in packaging... we are therefore investing in The Seaweed Company because we are convinced that they can provide sustainable solutions in various sectors, from agriculture to packaging, thanks to their expertise in developing innovative products based on seaweed.”

Above: Seaweed Farm, Clew Bay, Ireland

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:14:37

All the latest industry news from Europe

First smolt release completed at Indre Harøy LAND-BASED salmon farmer Salmon Evolution has successfully completed its first smolt release at the company’s new facility at Indre Harøy, Norway. About 100,000 smolt were released with an average weight of around 300 grams. The smolt were supplied by Kraft Laks, Salmon Evolution’s in-house smolt facility, which the group acquired in August 2021. Indre Harøy, located on the Norwegian west coast uses a hybrid flow-through system (HFS) designed for an annual capacity of approximately 31,500 tonnes. Salmon Evolution is also developing an HFS land-based farm in South Korea, as a joint venture with Korean group Dongwon Industries. The smolt transportation from Kraft Laks to Indre Harøy was carried out with a live fish carrier after which the fish were carefully pumped into the first fish tank at Indre Harøy. All relevant fish health parameters were constantly monitored during the process with, the company reports, no negative indicators identified. Salmon Evolution said that it is pleased to see that the conditions in the farm have been stable, the fish have shown good appetite and behaviour has been in line with expectations. Håkon André Berg, CEO of Salmon Evolution comments: “Since we started construction back in May 2020, this is the moment that we all have been waiting for. I am extremely proud of our organisation and the fact that we have been able to adhere to our ambitious timeline, even with the challenges [that] faced us during the pandemic. “At the same time, this is just the beginning. As we now move forward, our number one priority is the biology in our farm. Good biology will improve fish quality and translate into strong growth, which finally will be reflected in the financial performance.With our organisation now totalling more than 40 highly skilled employees, I am more confident than ever in our mis-

Above: First smolt release at Salmon Evolution’s Indre Harøy site

sion – extending the ocean potential.” Over the coming months Salmon Evolution intends to gradually ramp up production at Indre Harøy with the next release of smolt planned already in May. Steady state smolt release volumes are expected from Q4 2022, when both completion of phase 1 and the ﬁrst harvest are expected. Meanwhile, the company’s latest capital raising exercise has brought in NOK 300m

(£26.1m) for the company. The share issue, in the form of a private placement on the Oslo stock exchange, allocated 33,333,333 offer shares at a subscription price of NOK 9.00 (£0.78) per share. Salmon Evolution said:“The private placement attracted strong interest from Norwegian, Nordic and international high-quality investors and was signiﬁcantly oversubscribed.”

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11/04/2022 16:15:06

European News

BioMar ordered to pay up in patent dispute

FEED company BioMar has been ordered to pay its competitor STIM NOK 36m (£3.1m) over breach of patent on a smolt feed. The ruling, by the Borgarting Court of Appeal in Norway is the latest chapter in the long-running legal dispute between STIM and BioMar over the latter’s Intro Tuning smoltification feed. STIM claimed Intro Tuning infringed the patent protection of its own product, SuperSmolt Feed Only. The smoltification feed is aimed at stimulating growth for juvenile salmon and enabling faster growth in full light, so the smolt can be introduced into seawater safely within a shorter time. BioMar simply copied STIM’s formula, STIM said, once it was clear that it was commercially successful. STIM is now claiming victory following the validation of its patent.

STIM CEO Jim-Roger Nordly said: “This is above all a victory for innovation and for the industry we are part of. Our company has always put great effort and resources into creating new products and solutions that can improve fish health and welfare and the aquaculture industry as a whole. This ruling sends a clear signal that large international companies are not free to exploit such innovations. It is important not only for us, but for all companies involved in development efforts.” The Appeal Court said: “… BioMar developed Intro Tuning in a way that was not widely accepted in the industry, and that appears clearly blameworthy and contrary to considerations of healthy competition.” In 2020, both sides claimed vindication after the Oslo District Court ruled that BioMar could continue to produce and sell Intro Tuning - albeit with a revised formula - following the replacement of a key amino acid, L-Tryptophane, in the BioMar product. An appeal by STIM against that decision was dismissed at the Borgarting Court of Appeal in April 2021.

Arctic Fish ‘not to blame’ for mortalities ICELANDIC salmon farmer Arctic Fish was not responsible for the biological incident earlier this year which cost the company almost £6m (ISK 1bn), an official investigation has found. The Dýrafjörður based business in the Westfjords region, part of Norway Royal Salmon, lost 2,500 tonnes of fish – a quarter of all the salmon in the fjord – due to poor weather and health problems. It became evident something was wrong in mid-January, with the incident reaching a peak the following month. The slaughter ship Norwegian Gannet was brought over a month later to help cut losses by harvesting the affected fish. It finished its task on 4 March. Now the Icelandic veterinary authority Mast has published a report saying the company was not at fault. The report says the episode was due to a number of external, but related factors, largely triggered by poor weather conditions. Mast said there was a sharp drop in sea temperatures in January with fish suffering physiological problems and wounds taking longer to heal. The report continues:“Tissue samples were taken for research. The results showed a rather poor condition of the gills and tissue changes in the heart and blood transfusions to other organs indicated that the fish had heart and muscle inflammation (HSMI) caused by the virus Piscine Reo. “This virus is widespread in both fish farming and in the natural environment but it is not considered notifiable. “This was followed by a period with many stormy days that made the situation worse and losses began to increase in both the breeding areas at Haukadalsbót and Eyrarhlíð II.” The affected fish were also moved between pens during the summer and treated for lice in December which made them vulnerable. “Mast is of the opinion that these reductions did not occur due to the conduct of the operator, but that various external and related factors caused these reductions,” the report concludes. Right: Arctic Fish

Atlantic Sapphire’s Danish fire remains a mystery THE cause of the fire which devastated Atlantic Sapphire’s Danish site last year remains unsolved, a seven month police inquiry has suggested. But the investigators also found no evidence that arson was involved. The fire, which was the worst of a series of mishaps for the company last year, broke out at

night at Atlantic Sapphire’s 10-year-old landbased farm, at Hvide Sande, in September. It caused extensive damage estimated at around US $33m (£25.2m). No-one was injured. The company said immediately afterwards it would use any insurance settlement to concentrate on its Florida project where it is

developing a large land based salmon facility. It is presently scaling up growth in Florida to produce its Miami Bluehouse brand of salmon for the US market. Following the police announcement, Atlantic Sapphire said it would continue to work on future plans for Atlantic Sapphire in Denmark. Meanwhile, Atlantic Sapphire also announced that it has entered into an agreement for a short term credit facility with DNB Capital of up to US $25m (£19.1m) as the next step towards funding the second phase of its Florida facility. The money will be used to provide immediately available funds and ensures extra liquidity for the group while the details of long term financing for the business are completed. Atlantic Sapphire has reported a harvest of 850 tonnes for January, February and March, having earlier forecast 1,000 metric tons for both the first and second quarters of this year. Left Atlantic Sapphire’s site at Hvide Sande,

Denmark, before the fire

European News.indd 20

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11/04/2022 16:16:28

Building Stronger

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11/04/2022 09:03:40

World News

NEWS...

Tilapia farmer joins forces with aquaManager REGAL Springs AG, the world’s largest vertically integrated tilapia producer, has formalised its collaboration with aquaculture technology business aquaManager, to accelerate the development of digital automation in its fish farming. Regal Springs is headquartered in Switzerland but produces tilapia in deepwater lakes in tropical and sub-tropical locations including Mexico, Honduras and Indonesia. The strategic arrangement with aquaManager will introduce approaches such as artificial intelligence, machine-learning and advanced algorithms, as well as the latest smart devices and equipment, such as state-of-the-art data-reading camera tracking systems, which have been successfully applied with more established species in marine environments. Alois Hofbauer, CEO of Regal Springs, said: “This collaboration aligns perfectly with Regal Springs’ strategy for environmental, social and economic sustainability (ESG), and is a building-block in our passionate commitment to the all-important Blue Foods Movement. As we create a sustainable fish farming industry for the future, we need to adopt cutting-edge technology, so that we can farm fish more efficiently and sustainably, but at the same time

Above: Or

continue to safeguard our waters, now and for the future. We are excited to collaborate with such an enterprising and innovative partner as aquaManager and, as Blue Food Movement pioneers, to create the ﬁsh farms of tomorrow”. Founded in 2000, aquaManager has evolved from a management software to a unique

and scalable ecosystem that includes business intelligence tools, leverages IoT (Internet of Things) through integrated smart devices and equipment and reshapes aquaculture with customer-driven innovations that make use of artiﬁcial intelligence. Above: Regal Springs farm

Sea lions feast at Cermaq salmon farm

Photo: Clayoquot Action

DOZENS of hungry sea lions broke into a salmon farm off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. They were reported to be feeding off the stock in what has been described in the Canadian media as an “all you can eat” buffet. The Rant Point farm off the west coast of Vancouver Island is owned by the salmon giant Cermaq, which has been reporting problems with sea lions during March and April.The company has described it as a “breach incident”. Cermaq said the sea lions keep moving in and out of the pens, making it hard to estimate exact numbers, but the ﬁgure is thought to vary between six and 20 per pen. Sea lions can eat more than 5% of their body weight in a single day. There have been similar incidents off the BC coast in the recent past. Conservation group Clayoquot Action said it was notiﬁed of the break-in by a whale-watching group on 3 April. “Some of them were coming and Above: Sea lion at Rant Point going from the pens, and so we’re quite

World News.indd 22

concerned about entanglement,” said Bonny Glambeck, campaign director with the group.“It’s really common for these sea lions to get injured in this situation.” Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) said the facility has predator netting and electric fencing around the opennet ﬁsh pens, yet somehow, the sea lions breached its defences. In a statement, Cermaq said the net did not appear to have been damaged, and the sea lions appear to have gained entry by jumping over the stanchions. The DFO said it was consulting with its biologists with the aim of trying to remove the sea lions from the net pens without injuring them. But it pointed out that the creatures have not responded to passive methods in the past. Andrew Trites, director and professor at the University of British Columbia’s Marine Mammal Research Unit, said there was a narrow window to get the sea lions out of the pens and it would be a difﬁcult task.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:18:04

All the latest industry news from around the world

New hatchery standard targets safety and traceability THE latest version of the Global Seafood Alliance’s hatchery standard includes new requirements for worker safety, food safety, water quality and traceability. Version 2.0 of the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Hatchery Standard, published earlier this month, will take effect as from 4 April 2023. The standard applies to all aquaculture hatchery and nursery facilities for finfish, crustaceans and molluscs that produce eggs and/or juvenile aquatic animals for live transfer to other aquaculture facilities and to all species covered by the BAP farm standards. A number of new requirements were added to the standard, including: • Hatcheries are now required to conduct a risk assessment of potential human food-safety risks associated with their operations. • The worker-safety and employee-relations requirements have been updated, including requirements for wages and benefits, working hours including overtime, voluntary labour, child labour and young workers, use of workers from recruitment agencies, discrimination, disciplinary procedures, worker voice, and worker health and safety. • The effluent monitoring parameters and limits for land-based systems have been updated and include unique parameters and limits for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). • The water-quality monitoring requirements for cages or net pens in fresh or brackish water have been revised, consistent with the approach adopted in the BAP Farm Standard Issue 3.0. • The BAP fish in fish out (FIFO) limits for hatcheries using more than 50 metric tons of dry feed per year have been revised, and a requirement to calculate the forage fish dependency ratio (FFDR) has been added. • Requirements for live feeds produced in hatchery operations have been added.

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World News.indd 23

Above: Trout hatchery

• Hatcheries are required to control the sources of their broodstock/ eggs via an effective internal auditing process. • Requirements to limit escape events were updated. • Traceability requirements, particularly those related to demonstrating BAP star status, were updated, and trace-forward and trace-back exercises are now required. Best Aquaculture Practices is a third-party certiﬁcation program developed by the Global Seafood Alliance, an international, non-proﬁt trade association headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA, dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible seafood practices through education, advocacy and third-party assurances.

11/04/2022 16:18:57

World News

Lockdowns fail to dent China’s appetite for salmon DESPITE the resurgence of Covid in some parts of the country, seafood exports to China have got off to a strong start in the ﬁrst two months of this year with salmon taking the lead. The Norwegian Seafood Council says that 28,500 tonnes of ﬁsh worth NOK 1.2bn (£100m) were sold during January and February. Thanks to rising prices, this represents an increase of 111% on the same period in 2021 and a rise of 30% in volume terms. The Seafood Council said the jump in value was driven both by increased volumes and

by higher prices for salmon which have risen sharply. It adds: “Salmon accounts for 45% of the export value, and this is higher than what we have seen earlier for this period. In addition, we are also seeing a strong increase in value for both whitefish and pelagics.” The city of Shanghai, with a population of 26 million, went into a 10-day lockdown in March to stem a sharp rise in Covid cases. The Seafood Council said Chinese Civil Aviation Administration recently announced that between five airlines were diverting flights away from Shanghai to other cities in China. However, past experience in a number of countries has shown that if consumers can’t eat fish in restaurants, they turn to cooking it at home, so the Seafood Council’s next set of figures could prove interesting. Meanwhile, the Seafood Council has launched a comprehensive consumer survey on seafood imports into China.

AquaBounty’s genetically-engineered harvest nets $783,000

THE first commercial-scale harvest of genetically-engineered (GE) salmon has been a success, according to US-based producer AquaBounty Technologies. The company, which rears GE salmon in land-based RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) facilities, has reported harvest revenue for the full year 2021 of US$783,000. During Q4 of 2021, the company harvested 91 tons of GE Atlantic salmon and generated $340,900 in revenue from the sale of 101,700 pounds of salmon to customers. Sales of non-transgenic eggs and fry increased to $76,700 in the fourth quarter and totalled $391,800 for the full year. The company reported a net loss for the year ended 31 December 2021 of US$22.3m (2020: US$16.4m). This, AquaBounty said, was due to the growth in headcount, production expenses and third-party processing and transportation costs at the farms, as well as increases in corporate and marketing expenses. AquaBounty’s “AquAdvantage” fish are Atlantic salmon that have had elements of Chinook salmon and another fish, ocean pout, added to their genetic makeup, for better growth rates and more efficient feed conversion. The company operates two farm sites, on Prince Edward Island, Canada and in Albany, Indiana in the US. During Q4 the company received approval from local authorities for the issuance of up to US$300m in municipal bonds to support the construction financing for its planned farm in Ohio, which at 10,000 tonnes will have around eight times the capacity of the Indiana farm.

World News.indd 24

Mount Fuji salmon farm company cuts operating loss PROXIMAR Seafood has announced an operating loss of NOK 9.8m (£860,000) for 2021, reduced from NOK 11.1m (£940,000) the previous year. The company, which is moving closer to the opening of its high-tech land-based fish farm at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan, is still in a project development phase so has no revenues to report. However, the project is well on its way to completion and the company expects to harvest the first salmon by 2024. The net loss for second half of 2021 was NOK 5.5m (£480,000), compared to a loss of NOK 7.9 (£690,000) in the second half of 2020. CEO Joachim Nielsen said:“We have kicked off the work on our first land-based recirculation facility outside Tokyo – on time and on budget. “This brings us one big step closer to serving fresh, Atlantic salmon to Japanese households and restaurants, locally produced with a low carbon footprint.”

Seafarms’ shrimp farm project shelved PLANS to build the world’s largest shrimp farm in Australia’s Northern Territory have been put on hold. Seafarms unveiled Project Sea Dragon more than four years ago and last summer announced plans to raise around £50m. It had also received backing from the Japanese seafood giant Nissui. Seafarms said it remains committed to the project, but explained that construction of the 25,000 acre black tiger prawn facility was not financially feasible in its current form. The site, more than 200 miles south of Darwin, is seen as too remote and would have presented construction, breeding, processing and logistical challenges. Seafarms told the Australian Securities Exchange in an investor briefing last week: “It will not generate acceptable financial return. The existing scope cannot be completed for targeted costs or achieve target completion dates, and the project currently involves unacceptable risk.” Construction has been postponed until the production plan can be scrutinised further.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:19:57

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29/10/2020 11/04/2022 11:50:08 09:05:33

Processing News

Excellence award at Seafood Expo North America for SSC’s Native Hebridean Smoked Salmon The Scottish Salmon Company’s Native Hebridean Smoked Salmon was named as the Best New Foodservice product in the 2022 Seafood Excellence Awards on 13 March.

Above: Native Hebridean salmon

THE awards took place at Seafood Expo North America, held in Boston, Massachusetts. Also at the event, Canadian company DOM International Limited won the “Best New Retail” award for its product, DOM Reserve Salmon Poke. Winners were selected from a group of finalists during a live judging on 13 March by a panel of

seafood buyers and industry experts from the retail and foodservice industries. This year’s panel included judges from BJ’s, Albertsons, and Levy Restaurants. The finalists were selected through a screening of products participating in the Seafood Expo North America New Product Showcase, which features seafood products, condiments and culinary dishes launched in the past year by exhibiting companies. The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC), which is owned by Bakkafrost, was judged top in its category, beating Handy Seafood’s Chesapeake Bay Panko Breaded Oysters, Netuno USA’s Cobia Panko Bites and the Seagrove Kelp Company’s Seagrove Ribbon Kelp. Runners up in the retail category were: • Neptune Snacks – Wild Alaska Pollock Jerky • Ocean Beauty Seafoods – Echo Falls Wild Alaska Hot Smoked Sablefish • Ocean Beauty Seafoods – Echo Falls Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon Tapas Slices Mediterranean • Pacific Seafood – Tidal Tots

Seaﬁsh drops marketing campaign after review UK industry body Seafish is to drop its “Love Seafood” marketing campaign. It will also review the way the organisation is funded, with the aim of replacing the existing levy system. The changes are spelled out in a five year corporate plan for Seafish, following the results of a recent strategic review. CEO Marcus Coleman said: “You have told us the levy (due on first hand purchases of most seafood) is outdated and unfair so we have made

Above: Marcus Coleman

Processing News.indd 26

representations to government to review it. He added: “As a result of the demand for more focus on the issues above, we are making immediate changes to some of our existing activities. “The most significant change is we are stopping consumer marketing activity through Love Seafood. This will allow us to release funds to other on issues you want help with.” Other recommendations to be addressed include:

• Tackling outdated governance arrangements by updating the Framework Agreement and moving the corporate plan cycle from three years to five years. • Delivering increased partnership opportunities with the four UK administrations. • Consolidating Seafish’s position as the only organisation working across the seafood supply chain and across the UK.

Hebridean is a truly “Nativeunique product ” • Pescanova USA – Pescanova Branzino with Pesto Sauce • Kitchens Seafood, Inc. – Honey Walnut Shrimp. Su Cox, Communications and Business Development director at SSC, said: “Native Hebridean is a truly unique product having been specially developed over more than a decade and the award win is testament to this. It offers the discerning consumer a truly Scottish delicacy with unique heritage and is fully traceable to the Hebridean islands and West Coast of Scotland. It is our Hebridean hero!” Last year native Hebridean smoked salmon was also a category winner in the Great British Food Awards.

Danish smoked salmon business Vega up for sale DANISH seafood processor Vega Salmon is up for sale. Its private equity owners, Alpha Corporate Finance and Maj Invest, are seeking a buyer. Vega Salmon produces a range of smoked, hot smoked marinated, fresh and frozen salmon. Maj Invest and Alpha are reportedly hoping to find an interested buyer from the salmon farming sector, for whom Vega could represent an opportunity for ver�cal integra�on. Last year, Dutch salmon processor Foppen was sold by its private equity owners to Hilton Food Group. Vega Salmon is part of the Vega Sea Group, which was established in 2010 as a merger between Vega Salmon and Seamore. The company’s main ac�vi�es are processing and refinement of smoked and fresh salmon, of which over 90% is exported. Vega Sea’s flagship factory in Flensburg opened in September 2012 and has the capacity to produce more than 25,000 tonnes per year. The group employs more than 400 people in its plants, which are based in Denmark and in Germany.

www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk

11/04/2022 15:12:07

Processing News

Mowi’s new processing centre to cut out wellboats New seafood ‘cooling hotel’ for Oslo Airport

Above: The processing centre in Hitra

MOWI has announced plans to build a “state-of-the-art” processing centre in Hitra, Norway. Work on the new factory will start in April and is scheduled for comple�on in the ﬁrst half of 2024. The factory will have a produc�on capacity of 100,000 tonnes and will replace Mowi’s current factory at Ulvan. The new plant will take ﬁsh from sea harvest vessels only rather than wellboats. Mowi Norway is now using four sea harvest vessels to supply its processing plants, and the company said the South Region in Norway is already fully based on this technology. In the long term, Mowi plans to subs�tute

wellboat transport with sea harvest vessels, which it says will represent an improvement in fish welfare. Speaking about the new facility, Olaf Skjærvik, director of Mowi Mid Region, said: “This will be a state-of-the-art factory built for the future. The project group has done a thorough job, and we are very happy that we now can start construc�on. “The new factory will produce high-quality seafood in a much more efficient way than we do today. The building design is very modern and will create a more welcoming environment for our staff whilst op�mising health and safety features.”

AN advanced new export terminal for chilled seafood is to be built at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport. The centre, which should be completed by the middle of next year, will handle fish of all types, but salmon is almost certain to be the main species. The project received the go-ahead after the airport owner, Avinor, signed a deal with the Oslo Seafood & Cargo Centre (OSCC). The signatories said the 4,200 square metre centre will use less ice and deliver safer and fresher seafood. Avinor’s air freight manager Martin Langaas said: “The quality of Norwegian raw materials is ensured while at the same time we can reduce the climate footprint.” Langaas said the “cooling hotel” will make it possible to reduce the volume of ice in seafood packaging, by ensuring the fish is already cold when it is moved out to the aircraft.

Above: The new export terminal for chilled seafood

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Comment

BY DR MARTIN JAFFA

Not just another ﬁsh

Salmon offers, arguably, the best way to persuade consumers to eat more oily ﬁsh

CCORDING to a new survey commissioned by Food Standards Scotland, Scots are ea�ng less than a quarter of their recommended dietary requirement of oily fish. The survey was conducted by researchers from Abertay University who found that the average intake of oil rich fish was 33g per person per week. This compares against a recommended intake of 140g. Food Standards Scotland have said that there has been li�le change in the consump�on of oily fish in Scotland since 2001, but it should be men�oned that consump�on of oily fish in the rest of the UK is not much be�er. Unfortunately, the report does not seem to be in the public domain, so it is impossible to delve deeper into the findings, especially which fish presenta�ons were included in the survey, and which were not. Na�onal measurements of fish consump�on typically include all presenta�ons such as ambient, chilled, and frozen. Tuna remains popular in the UK, only because it is available in a wide range of �nned and pouched presenta�on. By comparison, most salmon is sold fresh or chilled. The two products serve very different consumer needs. Headlines like “Scots ea�ng less than a quarter of their recommended oily

Martin Jaffa.indd 28

fish” will usually bring to mind fresh fish that might be found on the fishmonger’s counter rather than �nned fish such as tuna. Consump�on of all fresh and chilled fish has been falling for well over a decade. There was a resurgence in consump�on of these fish when the first lockdown was announced but over the two years since, consump�on has been in slow decline. The only fish to buck this trend is salmon. Above: Salmon on fish Last year the volume of fresh chilled salmon consumed increased in the UK by 7.8%. Sales have counter Right: Tinned tuna gone up by nearly 5% whereas sales in the overall fish market fell by 0.2%. My own calcula�on is that in terms of oily fish, the volume sold in the UK accounts for 85% of oily fish consump�on. By comparison, consump�on of other species such as tuna and herring hardly feature at all. Salmon now dominates the fish sector, and it

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 15:18:09

Not just another fish

NEW ISOMAX

ISOMAX

EXTREME

is o�en said that if salmon wasn’t available, the fish sector would probably collapse, because the volume of sales of all other fresh and chilled fish would not sustain a viable business. The wri�ng is already on the wall given that Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco have given up mainstream fish counters. It is already hard to find independent fishmongers in many towns and ci�es. In my experience those that do well rely on local specialist consumers. I recently walked down Walthamstow High Street in north-east London and passed by at least three fishmonger shops. The unique feature of all was that unlike many other fish counters, there was almost no filleted fish. It was all whole and several types of fish on display are not those listed in industry retail surveys. The local popula�on is very diverse, and these stores serve their needs. However, if they were located five miles away, they would probably never see a customer. Aside from these specialist niche markets, wider demand for fish is on the wane and this is reflected in the findings of the Food Standards Scotland survey. My own view is that salmon, fuelled by the ability of a salmon farming industry that can produce fish of the right quality, at the �me when it is needed, and mostly at a price that consumers will pay, will drive future consump�on of oily fish. This ability to produce fish when needed allows much greater flexibility to supply the market than for other fish species. It is a factor that sets salmon apart and I would argue that this is the approach that should now be taken. Salmon needs to be seen as a protein in its own right rather than part of a wider fish sector. Thus, we should see supermarkets offer beef, pork, chicken and salmon, rather than salmon being seen as just another fish on the fish counter. With an increasing trend towards local convenience stores rather than large superstores, the range of fish that can be displayed on shelves will shrink and this is already visible with salmon being ever-present alongside some prawns, smoked mackerel, and fishcakes. O�en salmon is now the only fresh chilled fish available. Could it be that the way to boost consump�on of oily fish is not to men�on oily fish at all but simply for the recommenda�on to be to eat salmon? This is unlikely to happen, but if Food Standards Scotland want the Sco�sh public to eat more oily fish they will need to be more proac�ve in ge�ng their message across. With a decline in outlets, whether fishmongers or supermarkets, there will be li�le opportunity to buy any other oily species than salmon. Back in 2001, it was already clear that something needed to be done to promote consump�on of oily fish and nothing much happened then. I suspect that the same will happen now and it will be le� to salmon producers to get more fish into store and find ways tempt even more consumers to eat their variety of oily fish. FF

CONDITIONS

If salmon wasn’t available, the ﬁsh “sector would probably collapse ”

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2022-01-07 10:41:09 11/04/2022 15:28:31

Salmon Scotland

BY HAMISH MACDONELL

Poll position

Despite the critics, the salmon industry is supported by people in local communities

SK anyone who has ever put an opinion poll in the ﬁeld, and they will tell you that there is always a moment’s hesita�on before they give it the go-ahead. That’s because, even if you believe you have a good idea of what the poll will tell you, there is always more than a li�le frisson of fear: “What if it tells me something I really don’t want to know?” This was certainly the case when we asked Ipsos/Mori to conduct the ﬁrst comprehensive and detailed survey of opinions on salmon farming in the areas where we farm. The concern was based on the almost incessant cha�er from a few voluble cri�cs of the sector, who like to claim that there is widespread opposi�on to salmon farming in our own back yards. These are the same people who like to compile pe��ons packed full of thousands of signatures calling for moratoriums and restric�ons on salmon farming. Our belief was that these pe��ons are virtually worthless, packed as most are with the names of people from all over the world. What we wanted to know was simple: what do the people who actually live in the communi�es where we farm think about salmon farming?

Salmon Scotland.indd 30

They are the people whose opinions ma�er, much, much more so than angry vegans from New York or an�-farming ac�vists from London. So we asked Ipsos/Mori to draw up the ques�ons, determined that the poll should be as independent and impar�al as possible, and that’s what the pollsters did. But, more importantly, the pollsters made sure they actually only asked people from the local areas. This took �me but only those on the mainland living within 10 miles of a salmon farm, or living on islands where there are salmon farms, were asked to take part. This meant we did not get results from people living on the other side of the country, which could happen if you sample an area as big as the Highlands. As a result of this �ght framework, the sta�s�cs we received from a sample size of more than 1,000 (200 in each area) were undoubtedly the most accurate, localised and comprehensive of any poll ever conducted on this issue. The ques�ons were straigh�orward and clear: “How much do you know about salmon farming, do you feel favourable or unfavourable towards it and, crucially, do you want salmon farms to be located in your own community?” We always suspected that backing for salmon farming would be stronger in some areas than in others, and so it proved. Support was strongest in Shetland, reasonably strong in the Western Isles and Orkney and more divided in the mainland areas. But what we did not expect was to secure such clear support in every area. Overall, 54% of those ques�oned said they supported salmon farming and 24% said they were unfavourable.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 15:31:29

Poll position

A total of 76% said they backed salmon farming in Shetland while only 6% did not. For the Western Isles, the ﬁgures were 50% in favour, 27% against, while for Orkney it was 55% to 19%. In Argyll and Bute, it was 44% in favour and 28% against and in the North West Highlands it was 44% in favour, 34% against. These results were hugely posi�ve. Yes, they showed we have work to do in the mainland areas, par�cularly in the North West Highlands and we will do that, using these results to focus our energies on the areas where we need to make most progress. But what was really encouraging was that there was stronger support than opposi�on in every part of the country where we farm. Not only that, but the levels of support rose even higher when residents were asked if they supported salmon farms being based in their own areas. The overall result was 53% on favour and just 17% against. By area, the results were: Shetland: 70% in favour, 5% against, Orkney: 51% in favour, 14% against, Western Isles: 56% in favour, 16% against, Argyll and Bute: 50% in favour, 23% against and North West Highlands: 39% in favour and 24% against. What this means is that support rose when people were asked if they wanted salmon farms located in their own communi�es, precisely the opposite of what our cri�cs claim when they get faceless ac�vists from all over the world to sign their online pe��ons. The economic support that salmon farming provides was at the top of the list when residents were asked for their reasons to support for salmon farming, with local jobs really valued as a way of keeping communi�es together. Environmental concerns rate highest among those who don’t like salmon farming, which shows we have more to do in ge�ng our message across.

“

Opposite from top: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; Lerwick, Shetland; Cooke Aquaculture’s Terry Rendall and children with workboat Ella May Top: Salmon smolt Above: Feeding salmon

There was stronger support than opposi�on in every part of the country where we farm www.fishfarmermagazine.com

Salmon Scotland.indd 31

”

Overall, though, we hope that this will help tell the real story, that the voice of our communi�es will get heard by those in power and by those who decide planning applica�ons and that the demands from the global network of keyboard warriors will be seen to be what they are – largely irrelevant. These are the views of our neighbours, who live in the same villages and communi�es that we do. Their opinions ma�er and we will be doing all we can to make sure everyone in power knows what these views are. It was a relief to realise that those – albeit minor – concerns we had when we put the poll into the ﬁeld proved to be unfounded. We asked, now we know and we will be making sure we carry the message from this poll to every town hall and parliamentary chamber in the land. This gives us a real and concrete founda�on on which to work. We will make sure it can – and will – make a real diﬀerence. FF

11/04/2022 15:32:01

Shellfish

BY NICKI HOLMYARD

New horizons Initiatives to boost the Blue Economy could help to grow the shellﬁsh and seaweed sectors in Scotland

WO major developments in the Sco�sh shellfish world are the subject of my column this month. The first is an ambi�ous 10-year research and development programme known as ShellVolu�on, which will involve investment of £4.4m. The second is a review of a study by Crown Estate Scotland into the poten�al to grow seaweed and mussels further offshore. In March 2021, Heads of Terms were signed by the UK and Sco�sh Governments, for a 10-year, £100m package of investment to drive economic growth in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. Shetland is set to receive £33m from this “Islands Growth Deal” to finance a por�olio of projects, including ShellVolu�on. A funding applica�on for this project is now underway, as part of a methodical and somewhat lengthy process to unlock the Deal. The first two steps are to develop outline and full business cases. ShellVolu�on is one of four projects that have reached the outline

business proposal stage. The full business case is not likely to be ready for submission for government approval un�l later this year, and project funding is expected to start being released in early 2023. “The ShellVolu�on board is unable to update any informa�on un�l the submission has been made,” Michael Tait, MD of Shetland Mussels and chairman of the Sco�sh Shellﬁsh Marke�ng Group, told Fish Farmer. What do we know about ShellVolu�on? It has been developed in conjunc�on with the University of the Highlands and Islands, and will seek answers to technical ques�ons

“

There is also great interest in the emerging seaweed farming sector

”

Above: Michael Tait Left: Loaded with bags of mussels, Shetland Mussels Ltd boat Yasp arriving at Aith harbour Opposite from top: Mussel ropes, Unst, Shetland; Sugar kelp (Saccharinia latissima); Sliced laminaria; Wakama seaweed (Alaria)

Shellfish.indd 32

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 15:33:31

New horizons

to enable growth of the mussel sector in Shetland, and more widely throughout Scotland. Part of the focus will be on op�mising produc�on from exis�ng farm sites, improving spat collec�on and seed quality, reducing the incidence of biofouling, and generally finding be�er ways to farm within the marine environment. Increasing produc�vity and efficiency and exploring new farm loca�ons are key to achieving success. The aim is to see produc�on steadily increase to around 18,000 tonnes per year by 2037 and employment opportuni�es doubled. A statement on the Islands Growth Deal website says: “Consumer markets are considered to have capacity to absorb this gradual increase in produc�on; and mussel processors in Scotland will also benefit from the sustainable growth in farmed produc�on”. Crown Estate Scotland is also keen to see an increase in produc�on, and last year commissioned a study to look at “Prospects and Opportuni�es for Large-scale Restora�ve Aquaculture in Scotland,” the report for which was published in December 2021. Seaweed farming and mussel farming, as well as providing commercially important crops, are both classed as restora�ve aquaculture, thanks to their posi�ve impacts on the marine environment. The study, undertaken by ABPmer, noted that in 2020, produc�on of mussels for consump�on was just 5,661 tonnes, valued at £5m. Shetland was responsible for 78% of this produc�on, the Western Isles for 5%, and the Western mainland for the remainder. The majority of mussel farms are located in sheltered waters in lochs and voes and are small-scale, with just a handful producing more than 200 tonnes per year. Scotland Food and Drink’s “Strategic plan for aquaculture growth to 2030” outlined an ambi�on for growth of the shellfish farming sector. However, it acknowledged that assistance is needed to kick-start development, to make farming prac�ces more efficient, and to scale up the size of farms, which will inevitably take them further offshore or into more exposed loca�ons, where there is less compe��on for space with other marine sectors. There is also great interest in the emerging seaweed farming sector in Scotland, which aims to provide food, nutraceu�cal and hor�cultural products to global markets. The study sought to iden�fy marine areas on both the west and north/east coasts of Scotland where it would be technically feasible, based on their physical, environmental and opera�onal require-

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Shellfish.indd 33

ments, to cul�vate the kelp species Saccharina la�ssima, Laminaria digitata and Alaria esculenta, and/or mussels. Areas of interest needed to be further offshore and more exposed than current loca�ons, and to be suitable for large-scale developments. Researchers looked at feasibility in the 0-3 nau�cal mile (NM) and 0-6 NM zones for mussel farms capable of producing more than 500 tonnes of mussels per year, and seaweed farms covering an areas greater than 1km2. The scope for large-scale co-cul�va�on of mussels and seaweeds in single sites was also addressed, along with marine spa�al planning constraints. Not considered were wider environmental and socio-economic concerns, the capital and opera�onal costs that might affect the viability of a development, market demand and price achievable for the species farmed, and the impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit on the wider seafood sector. The poten�al displacement of fishing vessels from key inshore fishing areas and the entanglement of sta�c gear such as creels with farm equipment, if farms are sited in close proximity to fishing ac�vity, were highlighted as concerns for fishermen. As such, it was recommended that the establishment of any plan for offshore mussel or kelp farms should seek to safeguard exis�ng fishing opportuni�es and ac�vi�es wherever possible, in line with the requirements of the Na�onal Marine Plan and regional marine plans when these are adopted. Key findings for mussels were that the poten�ally feasible development area for farms within the 20 to 50 metre depth range was 3,641 km2, of which 2,896 km2 was within 6 NM of the coast. The majority of this was iden�fied on the east coast. To develop a farm that could produce the equivalent of 500 tonnes of mussels per annum/1,000 tonnes every two-year growing cycle, an area of between 5.46-7.26 km2 would be needed, based on a generic farm model suggested by the study. To produce 10,000 tonnes per cycle would require a sea area of between 45 - 56 km2. Key findings for kelp were that the poten�ally feasible development area for farms within the same depth range as mussel farms was slightly larger, at 4,372 km2, with the largest area again iden�fied on the east coast. Based on an extensive generic farm layout of 1.05 km2 arrays, it was considered that approximately 40 tonnes of kelp could be produced each year per array. Areas iden�fied as poten�ally suitable for either or both types of cul�va�on within the 20 to 50 metre depth range was 3,641 km2. All areas suitable for mussels were considered to be suitable for kelp, with some addi�onal areas suitable for kelp but not mussels. If the report’s conclusions are correct, we could see opportuni�es to boost produc�on for both shellfish and seaweed along the Sco�sh coast. FF

11/04/2022 15:34:11

War in Ukraine

The cost of conﬂict The impact of the invasion affects every sector in the global economy, and seafood is no exception BY SANDY NEIL

“

It can seem odd to be discussing the ‘price of fish’ at a �me like this,” said the UK’s seafood authority, Seafish, as Europe faced up to war and an unfolding humanitarian crisis, “but seafood is one of the most heavily traded commodi�es, and the horrific events taking place in Ukraine will impact on businesses and consumers in the UK, Europe and beyond.” Nobody can fail to be aware of the human cost of war. But what about the economic cost? The impacts, such as the loss of Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarussian markets, plus the rise in feed and fuel prices, pale in comparison to the suffering felt on the ground. They will only become clearer each day the figh�ng con�nues, and for a long �me a�erwards. From the perspec�ve of the aquaculture sector, following the earlier challenges posed by both Covid and Brexit, the future is once more uncertain. “The situa�on in Ukraine is both very serious and unclear,” said the Norwegian Seafood Council on Thursday 24 February, the day the first Russian missiles struck Ukraine. “It is expected that exports to Ukraine will be challenging, and that interna�onal sanc�ons and counter-sanc�ons will affect interna�onal trade, also for Norwegian seafood exports to the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).” The EEU consists of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, to which salmon, trout, herring and mackerel are Norway’s main exports. Moscow imposed a ban on food imports from Norway, the UK, the United States, Iceland and the European Union in 2014, in retalia�on

War in Ukraine (Sandy Neil).indd 34

for general sanc�ons imposed by the West a�er Russian troops annexed Crimea. However, Norwegian exports of salmon, trout and other fish had crept in through Belarus, where it was reprocessed and labelled as local seafood. Overall, Russia accounted for just 0.2% of the total value of Norwegian seafood and related exports in 2021, worth NOK 248m (£21.8m), with exports to Russia consis�ng mainly of salmon smolts and feed ingredients. Norway is Europe’s largest exporter of seafood to Ukraine, however. Although small, volumes are not insignificant at NOK 2.2bn (£185m) a year. Trade has been growing since the two countries signed a free trade agreement 10 years ago. Following the invasion, Norwegian seafood companies immediately faced difficul�es. SalMar, one of Norway’s largest salmon farming companies, had fish cargo on its way to Ukraine, but the shipments were turned around Opposite from top: Civilians just prior to Russia launching its invasion. evacua�ng Irpin, near Kyiv; Tavish Sco� “We took ac�on in advance and sent the trucks to other markets before they reached the border,” CEO and owner Gustav Witzøe says.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 15:36:21

The cost of conflict

“

You could go from an energy crisis to a food crisis

”

“Other consequences are far more serious, especially for those directly affected but also for the rest of the world,” he adds. “We must be prepared for a greater degree of fluctua�ons due to increased unrest in the markets.” In the UK, Salmon Scotland’s Chief Execu�ve Tavish Sco� agrees: “The impact of this despicable act of aggression will reverberate throughout the global economy, but our only thought is for the safety of the people of Ukraine, and we hope that democracy and peace can prevail.” In terms of UK salmon exports, the war will hardly have any impact at all, a sector source said. No Sco�sh salmon has been exported to Russia since the sanc�ons imposed following the annexa�on of Crimea in 2014. A small amount of salmon was exported to Belarus, but that has since stopped. Very li�le salmon was exported to Ukraine, so the overall impact, in export terms, is minimal. The Faroe Islands was one of the few European countries s�ll selling fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel to Russia. The Faroes’ unique poli�cal posi�on, as part of the Kingdom of Denmark but outside the EU, meant it was not bound by previous export bans to Russia. It is thought between 5-10% of sales from the country’s seafood sector found their way to Russia last year. Two key salmon farming companies in the Faroes, Bakkafrost and the Lerøy Seafood Group, acted to prevent their products ge�ng into

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

War in Ukraine (Sandy Neil).indd 35

Russia. Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen told the Norwegian business news site E24.no it had stopped sending salmon to Russia when the invasion seemed inevitable. Lerøy told the Norwegian news site iLaks that it had stopped selling fish to Belarus, which is thought to act as a processing conduit for Russia. Giving an update one week into the war, the Norwegian Seafood Council stated: “For seafood, there is a full stop of exports into Ukraine. Norwegian fish exporters report that they are trying to find other markets for the fish that were bound for Ukraine. This is also the situa�on for other na�ons such as Chile and the Faroe Islands, and it is expected that the compe��ve situa�on will intensify in other markets. “At the same �me, the airspace [over Ukraine and, effec�vely, also over Russia] is closed. This also affects air freight of seafood from Norway to Asia. Western exporters will have to send the fish around Russia. This means a longer journey and higher air freight costs. Lower freight capacity than normal will also mean less flexibility,” said the council’s Director of Market Insight and Market Access, Tom Jørgen Gangsø. The EU and many other countries have closed their airspace to Russian aircra�, and Russia has responded by closing its airspace to 36 countries, including Norway and the UK. What about inside Russia? In order to become less dependent on imports, recently Russia had taken major steps to increase its own salmon produc�on. In November, the country passed a milestone, reaching 120,000 tonnes per year of domes�c salmon and trout produc�on, almost level with its 2014 imports. Russia’s largest producer of red fish, such as Atlan�c salmon and rainbow trout, is a Moscow-based company called Russian Aquaculture. Its por�olio includes over 25 salmon and trout farms on the lakes in Karelia and in the Barents and White seas, together producing a total poten�al volume of 50,000 tonnes of red fish. As of December 31, 2020, it numbered 500 employees. In the month before the war, Russian Aquaculture’s earnings and sales spiked, driven by a surge in harvest volumes, which jumped 79% on the previous year to reach 14,300 metric tons of farmed salmon, and 1,200

11/04/2022 15:36:59

War in Ukraine

tonnes of trout. This drove an 80% boost in sales volumes to 27,900 metric tons, and a revenue increase of 91% to RUB 15.9bn (£138m). The company planned to build up volumes of harvested fish to 35,000 metric tons by 2025. However on 22 February, following Russia’s unilateral decision to recognise Luhansk and Donetsk, two breakaway republics in the east of Ukraine, as independent states, Russia’s markets became a sea of red. Aquaculture companies were not exempt from the stock market bloodle�ng, which saw 20% of Russian Aquaculture’s value wiped out, crashing to a low of RUB 396. It’s predicted that, for now, the company will weather the storm, with year on year revenue growth of 73% for the nine months to 30 September 2021 driven largely by domes�c demand. Russia also has almost one third of the global quotas for Atlan�c cod, and a half of the global quotas for Pacific cod, with an es�mated catch of just over 500,000 tonnes of total round weight in 2021. More than 99% of Russian cod exports are frozen whole and frozen fillets. In the UK, around 30% of cod consump�on is Russian cod. Measured in volume, the UK is the largest market for consump�on of Russian cod, with a consump�on of over 70,000 tonnes of round weight per year. Despite a rising volume of fresh Atlan�c cod landed by Norwegian harves�ng companies, prices reached record levels by 23 March. This was the result of red-hot demand, and growing concern that Russian fish could be banned or restricted in some European markets. Fresh cod prices in March averaged (€3.70/$4.10) per kilogram, headed and gu�ed, a record-high, and a 56% rise over the same �me last year. Frozen cod, selling at an average price of NOK 43.99 (€4.60/$5), is also at eye-popping levels. If Russian cod disappears from the European market, prices could be sent even higher. The Bri�sh Frozen Food Federa�on (BFFF) Chief Execu�ve Richard Harrow said: “We import a large amount of frozen white fish; according to Seafish in 2020 we imported 432,00 tonnes vs 47,000 tonnes of domes�c landings. Russia accounts for about 40% to 45% of all whitefish produc�on, so is a major player. In the short to medium term, we will see significant price increases, some driven by the 35% tariff and some as a result of companies turning away from Russian fish on moral grounds and buying from other sources.” Fish prices will be further driven up by spiralling fuel costs, he said. “All food producers are having to cope with increasing energy prices and many are being forced to pass price increases onto customers. This is one of the factors driving infla�on. Those businesses that are unable to pass on price increases will be forced to make some tough decisions. Whilst

War in Ukraine (Sandy Neil).indd 36

“

We must not forget that there is a popula�on… that will desperately need our help

”

Top: Russia airlines have been subject to sanc�ons and Russia has retaliated in kin Above: Richard Harrow

energy costs are one of the biggest concerns, there are other knock-on effects from the Ukraine war, especially where ingredients are concerned. The food industry has asked to be allowed to subs�tute ingredients where products such as sunflower oil are in short supply, and suspend elements of labelling rules, rather than reprints of labels, which are also in short supply at the moment. However, these are complicated issues and will take �me to resolve.” Due to the unprecedented rise in global oil prices, and huge vola�lity in the market, Scot�sh salmon haulier Northwards was forced for the first �me in its history to introduce a fuel surcharge. Announcing the move, Managing Director of Northwards Mike Porter said: “This will run for an ini�al period of three months, and will be reset every week to reflect the prevailing fuel price at that �me, so that when global prices rise and fall, so too will the surcharge. “We appreciate the knock on effect this will have for our customers, and wish to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to con�nue to deliver the best service, at the best possible price, during these difficult �mes.” Salmon producer Mowi says wheat is the second largest ingredient in its aquafeed, accounting for just over 17% of it. Russia is the world’s largest exporter of wheat, while Ukraine is the third largest, and by 2 March the wheat price on the Chicago Commodity Exchange was at its highest in 14 years. The two warring par�es are also big players in both corn and barley. The vast majority of these products are shipped by bulk carrier from the port ci�es on the Black Sea and through the Bosphorus Strait near Istanbul, closed by Turkey following a series of a�acks on cargo ships. A large number of shipping companies, including Maersk, MSC,

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 15:37:37

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11/04/2022 09:10:49

War in Ukraine

Above from top: Protest in London calls for sanc�ons against Russia Mairi Gougeon; James Withers; Svein Tore Holsether. Right: Checkpoint, Irpin

War in Ukraine (Sandy Neil).indd 38

NAT and Frontline, have announced that they will no longer serve ports in the Black Sea. Russia and Ukraine are also major producers of fer�liser, and shipping for this has also stopped. Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Norway based fer�liser group Yara Interna�onal, warns of an impending food crisis. He explains: “If you do not get nitrogen fer�liser on the soil, the grain crop will fall by 50% in the first year. So you could go from an energy crisis to a food crisis here.” If the war con�nues, it will be challenging to sow new grain in the vast farmlands of Ukraine and southern Russia. This in turn will cause las�ng problems for the supply of grain. This in turn has pushed up forward prices for a number of grain products, including subs�tutes such as soybeans, rapeseed and sunflower. Flour and vegetable oils are essen�al ingredients in fish feed for farmed salmon. Now the farmers have to get ready to pay significantly more for the feed. So what does it all mean for the price of fish? Seafish, the UK’s seafood authority, has warned of cost hikes of up to 20-30%, and significant supply chain disrup�on to UK seafood processing, in the form of rising fuel prices, delays to supplies, and compe��on for products. The organisa�on says: “This inevitably will result in cost increases [which] are expected to translate into higher food prices for consumers. It is impossible to predict how much prices will rise by, but they could be as high as 20-30%. UK seafood businesses understand how difficult this will be, par�cularly for low-income families who are already struggling, so there is a great deal of work happening by businesses to find ways to minimise the impact this will have on consumers.” In response to the crisis, the Sco�sh Government is se�ng up a shortlife Food Security and Supply Taskforce, co-chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon and Chief Execu�ve of Scotland Food & Drink, James Withers. Mairi Gougeon comments: “We need to take ac�on now to be�er understand the poten�al impact of disrup�on to the food supply chain in Scotland, how industry and government might work together to manage and mi�gate those, and be alert to the resul�ng impact on the cost of

food products. “Over the last two years, our food and drink sectors have experienced a series of shocks in terms of disrupted supply chains and new barriers to trade through Covid and Brexit. It is clear that the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine will have further impacts – not least through the hugely challenging increases in energy bills which aﬀect households and everyone in the food industry, from farmers to hauliers, processors to retailers.” The taskforce, convened jointly with industry, will monitor, iden�fy and respond to these issues, as well as recommending ac�ons that can be taken to mi�gate the challenges. Gougeon adds: “Crucially, the taskforce will also consider how we can con�nue to get products and food supplies to Ukraine. We must not forget that there is a popula�on s�ll there that will desperately need our help and support in the weeks ahead.” FF

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 15:38:19

Early warning of harmful algal blooms on salmon farms Phoebe Chadwick – Ocean Scientist – Fisheries & Environment, RS Aqua Asya Patleeva – Digital Marketing Strategist, RS Aqua

THE THREAT

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can have devastating impacts on marine site salmon farms and are an increasingly frequent problem. While it is hard to quantify how severe a HAB might be at a certain time, the risk of mortality events occurring on farms is incredibly high. Despite this, there is no off the shelf solution to warn farms of incoming HABs.

THE SOLUTION

Supported by an Innovate UK grant, RS Aqua and Canadian partner Innovasea have been developing a HAB early warning system. The system will notify farmers of potential HABs before they arrive, enabling them to initiate preventative measures ahead of time to protect stocks.

HOW IT WORKS

An oceanographic buoy with Innovasea’s cableless environmental sensors is positioned downcurrent of nearby farms, while more sensors are deployed on the farms themselves. The sensor data are sent to the cloud for processing by a Machine Learning protocol to establish a real time HAB risk index for farmers. Measurements include dissolved oxygen, temperature, chlorophyll, blue green algae, turbidity, salinity, and various meteorological and oceanographic parameters. Thanks to the unique wireless design of the Innovasea sensors, operations are much more efﬁcient and allow the system to be quickly installed at any site.

PROGRESS

The project is currently 12 months into a 29-month testing and development program, with all sensors deployed at a Scottish Sea Farms (SSF) site in Shetland. Ongoing SSF phytoplankton monitoring data is being collated with the real time sensor data to aid in the development of the Machine Learning protocol. The project hopes to have a proven system ready to be rolled out to other sites in early 2024.

We’re at , booth 235 3-5 May 2022, Aviemore, Scotland For more information contact RS Aqua on info@rsaqua.co.uk or through the contact form on www.rsaqua.co.uk For information on Innovasea, visit www.Innovasea.com www.rsaqua.co.uk | info@rsaqua.co.uk | +44 (0) 2394 004 540 21/22 The Slipway, Marina Keep, Port Solent, Portsmouth PO6 4TR, UK

RS Aqua.indd 39

11/04/2022 09:12:09

European Union

BY VINCE MCDONAGH

Catching up

Europe has a job on its hands if it is to realise the potential of the aquaculture sector

hen it comes to using the ocean as a sustainable source of food, Europe is trailing well behind other parts of the world, the European Union says. Now, the EU has unveiled a vision to develop its fish farming industry. Figures suggest that of all the fish consumed by EU ci�zens, barely 10% comes from aquaculture within the EU itself. The 27-strong trading bloc lost an important contributor in Scotland (the world’s third largest Atlan�c salmon farmer) following Brexit, while Norway has always been outside the EU – albeit s�ll part of the European Economic Area. Now Brussels wants things to change and it has a fresh strategy to achieve that goal, set out in a new report from the EU’s Directorate-General for Mari�me Affairs and Fisheries, Blue farming: new strategic vision for sustainable aquaculture production and consumption in the European Union (February 2022). The report says: “Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world supplying us with seafood and seaweed, which in addi�on to good protein sources also provides a number of other nutrients, including micronutrients such as vitamin D and B vitamins as well as selenium, iodine, zinc, iron and potassium. “In addi�on, there are long-chain omega-3 fa�y acids in fish, which uncondi�onally have important and very beneficial effects on human health and wellbeing as well as a property to remedy and prevent diseases.” Despite its physical size, only 2% of global aquaculture produc�on is centred on the EU, and most of that is in just four countries: Spain, France, Italy and Greece. There are plans to enlarge that base such as the new RAS (recircula�ng aquaculture systems) salmon farm due to be built on the Channel coast in Belgium

EU Aqu Strategy (Vince).indd 40

by Columbi Salmon. But they remain modest when compared to what is happening elsewhere. The EU report says: “In terms of volume of aquaculture produc�on per category of species, more than half is shellfish, while marine fish and freshwater fish each account for around 20% of the total volume. “The vast majority of EU produc�on is for mussels, trout, seabream, oysters, seabass, carp and clams. This means that there is s�ll a lot of poten�al for further growth and diversifica�on in terms of [the number of] producing countries and species farmed. “Aquaculture can also provide consumers in the EU with even more diverse healthy and sustainable food products, including those more widely consumed in other regions of the world, for example algae or invertebrates such as sea urchins.” It is es�mated that Europe has around 15,000 companies opera�ng in the aquaculture sector. However, the majority are microenterprises employing fewer than 10 people. The total number employed in aquaculture is close to 70,000 but those are 2018 figures which would have included Scotland. According to the report, these microenterprises tend to be family owned and use less efficient produc�on methods and systems. The EU remains highly dependent on imported aqua�c food. Despite having a large sea area around its coastlines, the EU imports over 70% of the fish and seafood consumed by its 440 million ci�zens. The report says: “It is therefore important to support the further growth and diversifica�on of aquaculture produc�on in the EU in a way that preserves the environment and provides more jobs and economic development to coastal and rural areas.

Left: EU Blue Farming report image Above: Sea urchins Below: Farm for dorado and sea bass

“

There is s�ll a lot of poten�al for further growth and diversiﬁca�on

”

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 15:41:28

Catching up

UKRAINE CONFLICT TO HIT EU FOOD SUPPLIES

Above: Julien Denormandie

“As early as 2013, the EU and its member states set the objec�ve to develop aquaculture in the European Union in a way that ensures its economic, social and environmental sustainability.” Brussels concedes aquaculture is a complex ac�vity that involves many (usually necessary) regula�ons covering the use of space and water, taking care of the health and welfare of animals farmed and ensuring the safety of products used in the farming process, such as feed or veterinary treatments, for the environment and for human health. But it believes the burden can and should be reduced. Going forward, the EU has drawn up a growth agenda, which it describes as “a new vision for aquaculture”. The objec�ve is to s�mulate the economy and create jobs while accelera�ng the transi�on to a greener Europe. It says it is more important than ever to ensure that aquaculture in the EU grows in a way that also contributes to important objec�ves such as reducing of carbon emissions, transi�oning to more sustainable food systems, reversing the loss of biodiversity, reducing pollu�on and crea�ng jobs in coastal and rural communi�es. The Commission says it is involving member states, ﬁsh farming companies and other interested groups in the prepara�on of the strategic guidelines.

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The strategic guidelines “cover all issues that are relevant for the sustainable development of aquaculture in the EU and provide concrete recommenda�ons to the Commission, Member States, aquaculture producers and other relevant actors, such as NGOs (non-governmental organisa�ons).” The report goes on: “Those recommenda�ons include the development of guidance and good prac�ces on different aspects of aquaculture ac�vi�es. Achieving the objec�ves of the strategic guidelines depends on EU and Member State authori�es, aquaculture producers, non-governmental organisa�ons, investors, processors, retailers and consumer.” Issues addressed by the new guidelines include: • Facilita�ng access to space and water, so EU aquaculture can keep growing. • Reducing the administra�ve burdens involved in authorising new aquaculture farms. • Further limi�ng the impact of aquaculture, as well as promo�ng the types of aquaculture that are most beneficial for the environment and the climate. • Improving measures regarding animal health and welfare. • Ensuring that aquaculture adapts to climate change and contributes to the mi�ga�on of climate change impact. • Providing more and be�er informa�on to consumers and ci�zens on EU aquaculture. • Promo�ng research and innova�on and the development of relevant skills. • Promo�ng the diversifica�on of produc�on to increase the offer of aquaculture products, notably of new promising species in the EU such as algae or marine invertebrates, including molluscs or other invertebrates such as sea urchins or sea cucumbers. The strategic guidelines, the Commission says: “Set out a path for the sector to grow into an even more compe��ve and resilient sector and to become a global reference for sustainability by 2030.” FF

THE European Commission plans to take another look at the objec�ves of its main sustainable food policies, including aquaculture, to ensure food security in the light of the Ukraine war. The EU’s food sector stands to be hit hard in the coming weeks, squeezed between the eﬀects of sanc�ons against Russia and Belarus, along with reduced trade from a war ba�ered Ukraine which alone accounts for 19% of EU wheat imports and 13% of oilseed supplies. “In the medium term, there’ll be a knock on eﬀect of the war on the capacity to produce food in Europe and elsewhere,” said French Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie, the current chair of the EU Council of agriculture ministers. This situa�on could lead to a reconsidera�on of the Commission’s “Farm to Fork” strategy, published in May 2020, which aims to make the European food system more sustainable via a set of stringent targets. See feature, page 34.

11/04/2022 15:42:03

Global Seafood Expo 2022

Viva Barcelona The world’s biggest seafood trade fair is back, at a new venue

�er a three-year gap, the world’s biggest trade fair for the seafood sector is back, and it has a new venue: Barcelona. The last Seafood Expo Global, in Brussels in 2019, was the biggest one yet. It says a lot about the industry’s appe�te to get back to in-person events that, so far, despite the con�nuing impact of the Covid pandemic and a war in Ukraine, booked space by exhibitors for this year’s show, at 39,545m2 stands at 97% of Brussels’ record-breaking total. Seafood Expo Global 2022 takes place over 26-28 April at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via exhibi�on centre. The event will bring together more than 1,527 exhibi�ng companies from 76 countries and so far, 59 country and regional pavilions have booked their space. And, of course, thousands of seafood suppliers and buyers will be a�ending. Par�cipa�on by Chinese organisa�ons has been sharply reduced thanks to the country’s con�nuing strict Covid quaran�ne measures. The war in Ukraine has also had an impact, with no companies from Russia or Belarus expected to be present and, understandably, huge difficul�es for those from Ukraine who might have been expected under other circumstances. This year’s event will feature, however, companies from countries such as the Czech Republic, the Falklands, Lebanon and French island Réunion, that were not represented in 2019 in Brussels. Liz Plizga, Vice President with the organisers, Diversified Communica�ons, says: “We look forward to having a successful first edi�on in the city of Barcelona and having the global seafood industry back together in-person.” The choice of Barcelona as a venue came a�er a long and detailed evalua�on of the alterna�ves, Plizga says. She explains: “We chose Barcelona for the long-term growth opportuni�es the city, as an interna�onal des�na�on, and Fira de Barcelona, as a modern and innova�ve venue, have to offer. Fira de Barcelona hosts hundreds of events annually and brings in-depth exper�se servicing global trade events. The city

and the venue are used to hos�ng large global events and networking experiences, a decisive factor in responding to the organisa�onal and produc�on challenges that this type of event requires. Keeping our customers’ evolving business needs in mind, the move of our event to a larger city with a larger, more modern venue was a necessary evolu�on. We believe this choice will enhance the visitor experience and the business being done between buyers and sellers. “Equally important was to choose a city with a substan�al and varied hotel offering. Barcelona has more hotel op�ons, which allows us to offer a wide array of compe��ve rate op�ons to our exhibitors and a�endees.” The stress on Barcelona’s strengths in the long-term – including the capacity to host even bigger edi�ons of the Expo in years to come – was a cri�cal factor. In contrast, Brussels – which had been the venue for 27 previous edi�ons – had been struggling, par�cularly in terms of hotel availability. It’s certainly good news for Barcelona, which expects to benefit from a €100m boost to its economy as a result of the Expo. Managing Director of Fira de Barcelona, Constan� Serrallonga, said: “We are very excited to host the

“

The city and the venue are used to hos�ng large global events

”

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Viva Barcelona

first edi�on in Barcelona of the largest event for the seafood industry, which further strengthens Barcelona and Fira as world hubs for interna�onal events.” He added that the addi�on of Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global to Fira’s por�olio “confirms our ins�tu�on as an epicentre for the food industry as it joins other major events in the sector, such as Alimentaria&Hostelco, Barcelona Wine Week and the Gastronomic Forum.” Of course, with Covid-19 s�ll very much present throughout the world, the pandemic has had an impact on the planning of the Expo. Liz Plizga says that lessons have been learned from Seafood Expo North America, which took place successfully in Boston, Massachuse�s in March this year. In par�cular, she stressed, organisers have had to be flexible, in the face of constantly changing regula�ons. But she added: “In Boston, everyone got to the show and people were so excited to see old friends. They were grinning from ear to ear!” For Barcelona, tes�ng will be available at the venue on a voluntary basis and for a�endees who require a test for their return journey. A mask mandate will be in force indoors and enhanced cleaning protocols will also help to manage the risk of infec�on. Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will occupy halls 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the Galleria between halls 4 and 5 at the Gran Via exhibi�on grounds. The trade fair is currently tracking to bring more than 1,527 exhibi�ng companies who

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Seafood Expo Global (1).indd 43

will showcase the latest developments in seafood products, materials and equipment, processing equipment and services. The 2022 event will see some leading businesses in the industry a�ending for the first �me, such as Balfego & Balfego, SL, Crusta C, Profand Group, SL, Hofseth Interna�onal AS, Maresmar SLU, Mascato, S.A., Mercamadrid, S.A., G. Mondini SpA, Grasselli SpA, Mediterranean Shipping Company España S.L.U. and Op�mar A.S. Other par�cipa�ng key players from around the world include AquaChile, CONFREMAR, Congelados y Frescos del Mar S.A., Denholm Seafoods Ltd, Frime, SAU, Iberconsa (Grupo Ibérica de Congelados), S.A.U., Iceland Seafood Interna�onal, Krustagroup SAU, Sjor AS, Mowi ASA, Nordic Seafood A/S, Baader, Cocci Luciano SRL, Craemer GmbH, FoodTech Belgium, Marel, Palinox Ingeniería y Proyectos SL, and Ulma Packaging. The 2022 edi�on will bring back an extensive Conference programme that will cover topics on the main challenges of the seafood industry. More than 65 leading interna�onal experts from the seafood sector will present in Barcelona to offer prac�cal and theore�cal approaches on core topics like seafood business and leadership, seafood sustainably, ini�a�ves on climate change effects and the evolu�on of fisheries and aquaculture markets in a new pandemic era, among others. Megan Greene, Global Economist, Financial Times Columnist and Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School will open the program by giving a keynote address on the economic outlook for 2022, offering insight on where the global recovery is heading, including an outlook for interna�onal supply chain challenges, infla�on and climate change. In total, more than 20 educa�onal sessions will be held during the three-day exhibi�on, from 26 to 28 April. We’ve become used to “hybrid” events recently, but the conference programme in Barcelona is geared to encourage industry discussions and facilitate conversa�ons around the topics covered at the event. The discussions will not be streamed, Liz Plizga says, but they will be recorded and available for purchase a�er the event. Aquaculture will be one of the highlights of the conference programme, including sessions on reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, and how the principles of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) are helping the sector move closer to a local and more sustainable fish produc�on model. Plizga recommends that by registering early, a�endees will receive up to date informa�on about the event. She adds: “We offer many tools for first �me a�endees and all those at the event, including a website with the exhibitor lists, conference schedule, product lis�ng and special events, so they can plan their visit ahead of �me. We highly encourage all a�endees to download the event mobile app, which is a user-friendly way that all a�endees can use to navigate around the Expo and find the suppliers they can meet with.” For more information on Global Seafood Expo 2022, including the Conference programme, go online to www.seafoodexpo.com/global/ FF

Opposite from top: Liz Plizga; Megan Greene; The Fira Barcelona exhibi�on centre Above: Images from Seafood Expo Global 2018, Brussels; The Fira Barcelona exhibi�on centre architecture

11/04/2022 15:43:58

Seafood Expo Global 2022

A taste of Scotland Scottish quality products will be well represented in Barcelona

s one of the leading producing nations for quality seafood, you would expect to see Scotland represented at the world’s biggest seafood trade fair. And indeed Scottish seafood will be well represented, by nearly 30 companies present at the show and, overall, by industry body Seafood Scotland. Natalie Bell, Head of Trade Marketing, Seafood Scotland, says: “A number of big shows have made a welcome return this year, including SENA (Seafood Expo North America) in Boston in March, and all the pointers are that everyone is eager to do business. This bodes well for Seafood Expo Global (SEG), and we are anticipating a high level of interest in Scottish seafood. We will be working hard to turn that interest into sales. “We will be focussing on promoting Scotland’s premium seafood, including our highly sought-after shellfish, salmon, and pelagic species, to both existing and new contacts. A lot of people have changed roles during the pandemic, and we see SEG as a prime opportunity to showcase the wide array of species available from our coastline.” A key theme will be promoting Scottish langoustines (Nephrops). The Scottish Nephrops

Above: Natalie Bell

Seafood Expo Global (2) SCOTLAND.indd 44

Programme Board, with input and support from Seafood Scotland, is spearheading a drive to position Scottish langoustines as the number one choice globally. Seafood Scotland’s Matthew Hurst will meet with buyers to educate and inform them about the premium quality shellfish. On the Scotland stand in Hall 2, organised by Seafood Scotland, 16 companies will be represented and a further 12 will be taking their own stands in Halls 2 and 3 (see panel, right). Natalie Bell says: “The presence of such a broad range of Scottish suppliers is a positive step forward for the industry, many of which were affected during the Coronavirus pandemic coming hard on the heels of Brexit.” Seafood Scotland will also be running a number of activities to support Scottish exhibitors. The Scottish Seafood Bar will be open daily for complimentary lunches (for corporate visitors) between 12 noon and 1 pm. Booking in advance is essential! Pre-booked cold seafood dishes – “seafood on the go” – can be delivered to stands at 11.45 am each day. Product demonstrations on behalf of exhibiting companies will be taking place at Seafood Scotland’s Chef’s Table, with seafood products expertly cooked by the chef team in front of up to 10 invited guests. A photographer will also be available to take professional shots of products, people or stands. Bell says: “Several shows have already taken place and without question the atmosphere has been buzzing at each event. Barcelona will be the largest seafood show in the world and we are looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere. After a two-year hiatus it really feels like people are laser focussed on doing business!” And she concludes: “Showcasing Scottish seafood at international shows has always been our key strength. We are skilled at forging strong connections and strengthening existing relationships which result in new trading partnerships beginning and others growing evening stronger. “People do business with people when it comes down to it, and there has to be a feeling of trust and goodwill. Face to face engagement is what drives that.” FF

Scotland Stand Exhibitors - Hall 2 StandS – 2E601/2F601

1. Crab Company Scotland 2. SQS/Salmon Scotland 3. associated Seafoods 4. Scottish Sea Farms 5. Wester Ross Salmon 6. IFC/nolan/norsea 7. Organic Sea Harvest 8. Loch duart 9. the Scottish Salmon Company

10. Macneil Shellfish 11. PdK Shellfish 12. Sutherlands of Portsoy 13. Langoustine Scotland Project 14. St. James Smokehouse 15. Simpson Fish 16. Lunar Freezing

Scottish seafood companies taking their own stands: HaLLS 2, 3 & 4 1. thistle Seafoods – 4B200 2. denholm Seafoods – 2H601 3. Macduff Shellfish/ Clearwater – 3M501 4. Lerøy Seafoods – 2G601 5. MOWI Consumer Products UK – 3B401 6. Pelagia aS – 2d300 7. Cooke aquaculture Scotland Ltd – 3g200

8. ace aquatec – 3LL301 9. dFdS – 3II501 10. Caley (on J Marr parent co stand) – 3n500 11. Fastnet (on J Marr parent co stand) – 3n500 12. Scotwest – 2J701

are looking forward to “aWefantastic atmosphere ”

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11/04/2022 15:45:25

Intelligent solutions

Kroma’s fish processing machines are focused on hygiene and efficiency

ROMA A/S is a Danish company manufacturing fish processing machinery for both fresh and saltwater species. This year, at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Kroma will present an improved SCALEMASTER, the new generation of the popular fish descaler machine available for a wide variety of fish species. The most remarkable feature of SCALEMASTER, apart from descaling fish with flawless results, is that it works without the use of water. In addition, the company will show the STUNMASTER machine with modern design and automated engineering solutions, and the GUTMASTER 1200, an absolute star of Kroma’s gutting product line. A new version of GM1200 has been developed for tilapia, which will reduce fish waste while providing high yields. Moreover, Kroma has revolutionised design salmon processing with the GUTMASTER X machine. This gutting machine is a masterpiece of its kind because it is the only equipment with an integrated water hose attached to the suction unit, which easily removes both guts and the whole bloodline from the fish. This achievement proves that Kroma continues to innovate solutions and design the next level of fish processing machines as a valuable addition to the aquaculture industry. On the top of all this, the company has a rich know-how and expertise in the design of complete fish processing lines, whether stunning, gutting and grading lines or descaling, gutting, filleting, and trimming lines. Kroma always aims for the most intelligent, hygiene and efficient fish processing solutions available, for a better and more sustainable future.

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Above: The Kroma GUTMASTER X Right: The Kroma SCALEMASTER 1500

11/04/2022 09:17:16

Processing and traceability

Out of excuses Traceability should be the top priority for seafood producers

he Covid-19 pandemic brought to the fore a previously under-addressed problem for companies and, speciﬁcally, their supply chains: their lack of traceability. While many management teams are resisting implementing traceability systems due to their cost, they are no longer simply a “nice to have” – in 2022, they are essential for survival. What’s more, they can actually help improve proﬁtability – particularly in the seafood industry. And now is the perfect time for seafood companies to implement traceability within their supply chains. Below, we explain why.

cessing supply chains – meaning that traceability is hindered by incompatible systems and poor data capture and management.

Increasing profitability While corporate management teams may recognise that traceability systems are desirable, they must also realise that the investment and operational costs can provide a promising return. Planet Tracker’s recent research demonstrates Sustainability and transparency that the typical seafood processor that impleImportantly, traceability systems enable companies to track their prodments a traceability solution can double EBIT ucts throughout the entire supply chain, from origin to use, and provide (earnings before interest and taxation) margins. crucial identification and measurement. This higher profitability results from fewer For the seafood industry – where claims of sustainability cannot generally be guaranteed due to a current lack of sea-to-plate traceability, product recalls, lower product waste and a with companies along the supply chain typically unable to reliably identify decline in legal costs, which mainly explain the three-percentage points margin gain. Interestingseafood products, track their locations and any treatments or transforly, our research showed that it was rarely driven mation – this would be particularly valuable. Industry-wide implementation of traceability would not only help verify by receiving an environmentally sustainable premium for the seafood product – rather, it can sustainability claims, but also avoid exposure to illegal, unreported and create greater market access, as retailers are unregulated fishing and reduce product recalls and investor risks. increasingly only permitting certified environBy gathering data and knowledge across the entire supply chain, management teams are given the opportunity to share data with stakeholders, mentally sustainable products. providing the crucial transparency needed to verify sustainability claims. Preparing for regulatory compliance Yet another benefit of (and, indeed, need Crucial risk management Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the interconnectivity of global for) implementing traceability systems lies in regulatory compliance. In the US for instance, supply chains has become painfully obvious. However, in a mapping of the seafood processing universe, comprising more than 4,000 companies, the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) is a risk-based traceability program that Planet Tracker discovered that there is a stark lack of interoperability requires importers of certain seafood products between companies due to the current fragmentation of seafood proto provide key data, from the point of harvest to the point of entry into US commerce. On 4 February, through the COMPETES act, the US House of Representatives passed a bill to expand the SIMP program to all species – it covers only thirteen species for now. Other markets, including the UK, EU, and Australia, are not far behind. The time is right For companies that have not yet invested in traceability, the current economic environment provides an ideal window to integrate a tracea-

Planet Tracker - Traceability.indd 46

Traceability implementa�on can “provide signiﬁcant cost savings ”

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11/04/2022 15:47:06

Out of excuses

Clockwise from opposaite left: Shrimp in the market; Fresh seafood on crushed ice; Fish in net; Frozen gilt-head sea bream; Francois Mosnier; Trawler nets; Fishing trawler

traceability standards and materials at no cost to the user, leaving the corporate to pick up “just” the IT costs. Actually, rather than a net cost, traceability implementation can provide significant cost savings, by drastically reducing direct costs of recalls. These typically include notification (to regulatory bodies, supply chain, consumers), product retrieval (reverse logistics), storage, destruction, unsaleable product and the additional labour costs associated with these bility system into a corporate’s infrastructure. activities, as well as the investigation of the root cause. Rising inflation – which some central banks Traceability also helps reduce litigation costs, the costs from any believe will be temporary – could be a conven- agreed or mandated governmental oversight postincident, lost sales and ient reason for companies to push through price the impact on the company’s market value and brand reputation. increases in excess of their increased cost base, When these factors are considered alongside the macroeconomic effectively covering the traceability system’s environment of low corporate debt costs and higher inflation, the case operating costs. And, as CFOs and Treasurers for traceability is compelling. who have to borrow to fund a traceability system will know, corporate debt rates remain François Mosnier is Head of Oceans Programme low in many jurisdictions. with Planet Tracker, an award-winning non-profit financial think tank aligning capital markets Out of excuses with planetary boundaries. Created with One of the major excuses for the lack of imple- the vision of a financial system that is fully mentation is cost. While expenses will vary con- aligned with a net zero, resilient, nature siderably depending on the size and complexity positive and just economy well before 2050. of the system required, it is worth noting that Planet Tracker provides insightful, applicable in some instances, there is no cost. information to financial professionals to assist Organisations such as the Global Dialogue on investment decision-making through dataSeafood Traceability (GDST) have developed driven and financially- grounded research. FF

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11/04/2022 15:47:43

Elanco – client content

Company Statement Clariﬁcation to article: “Novel vaccine technologies impact human and salmon health outcomes” (Fish Farmer Yearbook, 2022).

egarding the article published in the 2022 edition of the Fish Farmer Yearbook entitled ‘Novel vaccine technologies impact human and salmon health outcomes’, and in response to a complaint, Elanco would like to clarify the following points:

Getting things wrong when vaccinating via the intraperitoneal route using oil-adjuvated vaccines can negatively affect ﬁsh welfare, growth, and result in costly downgrades at harvest due to the described side effects of melanisation, adhesions, and spinal deformity.6,10

1. In describing the advantages of DNA vaccines over conventional vaccines it was implied that DNA vaccines hold an advantage regarding the plasmid stability and hence a longer product shelf life facilitating ease of storage and shipping. As approximately 50% of the approved PD vaccines in the UK for use in Atlantic Salmon offer two years of shelf life, the same shelf life as CLYNAV™, we acknowledge that our statement cannot be applied generally.

Figure 1. Location of CLYNAV™ vaccine administration

2. The statement “…These vaccines are extremely safe because they: cannot cause infection (they don’t contain a micro-organism or the genome for a complete organism)…” could, if taken out of context, imply that conventional PD vaccines in the market are less safe. This statement is correct with regard to the mode of action of live attenuated vaccines. These vaccines require the infection of the host in order to generate a protective immune response. It is generally accepted that attenuated vaccines produce transient side effects sometimes even consistent with the pathology they are intended to prevent1,2. It should be made clear that all current conventional PD vaccines used within the UK market are based on inactivated viral vaccine technology. All medicines, including vaccines, which have a Marketing Authorization in the UK have undergone rigorous risk benefit evaluation and are deemed to be safe and effective. The use of DNA plasmid vaccine technology does, however, offer distinct advantages when compared with a conventional oil adjuvated inactivated viral PD vaccine. The development of technology which precludes the use of mineral oil has significant impacts on the reduction of risk for the fish3,4. The use of mineral oil adjuvants in ‘traditional’ vaccines can lead to variable degrees of side effects in the form of melanisation and adhesions5. In order to qualify this point, reference is made to Table 1., which states the adverse reactions registered in the UK approved SPC* for both CLYNAV™ and ALPHA JECT® micro 1 PD. Oil-adjuvanted vaccines have been mentioned in the recently reported ‘cross-stitch’ pathology identified in Norway6. As previously mentioned, the use of oil-adjuvated vaccines can cause variable levels of adhesions and melanisation in the peritoneal cavity5. These side effects are well documented5,7,8,9,10. The fact that CLYNAV™ is administered by intramuscular injection in the area immediately anterior and lateral to the dorsal fin, in the epaxial muscle, and does not contain a mineral oil adjuvant mitigates against these documented reactions11.

Optimal vaccination area for intramuscular administration of DNA plasmid vaccine

Table 1. Key differences in the SPC* of CLYNAV™ and ALPHA JECT® micro 1PD11,12 CLYNAV™

ALPHA JECT® micro 1 PD

Administration route

Intramuscular use

Intraperitoneal (i.p) injection

Adjuvant

Parafﬁn, light liquid (mineral oil): 23 mg

Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)†

Transient changes in swimming behaviour, pigmentation and inappetence are very common and can be observed for up to 2, 7 and 9 days, respectively.

Melanisation and vaccine residues are very commonly observed in the abdominal cavity after vaccination. Mild visceral adhesions (corresponding to Speilberg scores 1 – 2) are very common, moderate adhesions (corresponding to Speilberg scores 3) are common, while the occurrence of severe adhesions (corresponding to Speilberg score ≥ 4) is very rare.

Needle injuries at the site of injection are common following administration of the vaccine which can persist in up to 5% of ﬁsh for at least 90 days and can be seen both macroscopically and microscopically.

Spinal deformities of the so-called “cross-stitch vertebrae” type, have been commonly reported after the use of ALPHA JECT® micro 1 PD, primarily in ﬁsh put at sea in the autumn (S0-generation). These deformities are believed to have multifactorial causes and are possibly linked to the vaccine’s PD component. However, a causal relationship has not been proven.

† The frequency of adverse reactions is deﬁned using the following convention:

• Very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s)) • Common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated) • Uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated) • Rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated) • Very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).

*SPC = Summary of Product Characteristics

Elanco - PED.indd 48 6324.001 FISH FARMER Advertorial 2022 A4.indd All Pages

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11/04/2022 09:21:03

Company Statement CLYNAV™: A new era in vaccine technology

Figure 2. How CLYNAV™ produces humoral and cell-mediated immunity DNA vaccine

Novel vaccine mode of action CLYNAV™’s DNA plasmid instructs cells adjacent to the site of injection to produce speciﬁc antigens of interest for salmon alpha virus (SAV) which can then be presented to the immune system. CLYNAV™’s DNA plasmid is taken up by the cells adjacent to the site of injection and directs production of the antigens using the host cell machinery. These antigens are recognized as foreign proteins and are then processed and displayed on the cell surface triggering a broad, potent immune response including both antibody (humoral) and cell-mediated components. Figure 2 illustrates how CLYNAV™ uses the myocytes and the antigen presenting cells (APC) to trigger the cell-mediated (CD8* T cells with MHC I) and humoral immunity pathways (CD4* T cells with MHC II), respectively.4,13 Proven high performance PD control A study was conducted independently, measuring the efﬁcacy of PD vaccines in commercially reared Atlantic salmon, using mortality and growth as the key outcome variables. This study was conducted on commercial farming sites where the presence of either, or both, SAV2 and SAV3 subtypes were detected.14

APC

Myocyte

Antigen presented to Cytotoxic T Cells with MHC I

Test/ Control

AJm6

ALPHA JECT® micro 6

Baseline control

CIm6

ALPHA JECT® micro 6

Test vaccine

CLYNAV™ PDm6

ALPHA JECT® micro 6

Test vaccine

ALPHA JECT® micro 1 PD Saline

Saline

Control

PD7

AQUAVAC® PD 7 vet.

Test vaccine

AQUAVAC® 6 vet.

Control

Cytokines released

B cell

Antibodies released

Proliferation and activation of effector cells

CD8+ T cell Cytotoxic T Cells

The cumulative mortality until harvest for the salmon vaccinated with CLYNAV™ was the lowest (2.9%) compared to an overall cumulative mortality of 4.2% for all the groups combined. The cumulative mortality for the group vaccinated with ALPHA JECT® micro 1PD was 3.7%.14

Helper T Cells

CELL MEDIATED IMMUNITY

The CLYNAV™ vaccinated group also had higher slaughter weights at harvest than all the other groups including ﬁsh vaccinated with ALPHA JECT® micro 1PD. In fact the CLYNAV™ vaccinated ﬁsh were 0.67kg heavier than those vaccinated with ALPHA JECT® micro 1PD (refer Figure 3).14

Figure 3. Average weight of different study groups at slaughter (kg)14

6.0

Mean harvest slaughter weight (kg)

Vaccine(s)

CD4+ T cell

Antigen secreted

The below vaccine groups were assessed: Group

HUMORAL IMMUNITY

5.5

5.46 5.0

4.96 4.5

4.79

4.81

PDm6

Saline

4.95

4.84

4.0 Ajm6

Clm6

PD7

Vaccine group References: 1. Mohd-Aris, Aslizah; Muhamad-Sofie, Mohd Hafiz Ngoo; Zamri-Saad, Mohd; Daud, Hassan Mohd; Ina-Salwany, Md. Yasin. Live vaccines against bacterial fish diseases: A review. 2019. Veterinary World Publisher; 12 (11): 1806-1815. 2. Minor Philip D. Live attenuated vaccines: Historical successes and current challenges. 2015. Virology; 479-480: 379-392. 3. Lorenzen N, LaPrata SE. DNA vaccines for aquacultured fish. 2005. Re. sci. tech. Off. Int. Epiz; 24 (1): 201-213. 4. C. Collins et al. DNA vaccination for finfish aquaculture. 2019. Fish and Shellfish Immunology; 85: 106-125. 5. Midtlyng PJ, Reitan LJ, Speilberg L. Experimental studies on the efficacy and side effects of intraperitoneal vaccination of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) against furunculosis. 1996. Fish Shellfish Immunol; 6: 335-350. 6. Letter dated 1st October 2020 from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI) to the Norwegian Ministry of Trade Industry and Fisheries (NFD) regarding the review commissioned by the NFD: Reply regarding vaccination against PD and fish welfare: https://www.vetinst.no/rapporter-og-publikasjoner/faglige-vurderinger-og-horingssva. 7. Midtlyng PJ, Reitan LJ, Lillehaug A, Ramstad A. Protection, immune responses and side effects in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) vaccinated against furunculosis by different procedures. 1996. Fish Shellfish Immunol; 6: 599613. 8. Poppe TT, Breck O. Pathology of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar intraperitoneally immunised with oil adjuvanted vaccine. A case report. 1997. Dis Aquat Org 29: 219-226. 9. Brown LA, Hunter D, Thorarinsson R. Fish Vaccination – Methodologies and outcomes. 2003. Fish Veterinary Journal;7: 56-66. 10. Mutoloki S, Alexandersen S, Evensen Ø. Sequential study of antigen persistence and concomitant inflammatory reactions relative to side-effects and growth of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) following intraperitoneal injection with oil-adjuvanted vaccines. 2004. Fish & Shellfish Immunology; 16: 633-644. 11. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/clynav-epar-productinformation_en.pdf; accessed on 01/04/2022. 12. https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_916517.PDF; accessed on 01/04/2022 13. McDonnell WM, Askari FK. The Emerging Role of DNA Vaccines. MedGenMed 1(3), 1999 [formerly published in Medscape Pulmonary Medicine eJournal 2(4), 1998]. 14. Magnus V. Røsæg, Arnfinn Aunsmo, Ragnar Thorarinsson. Effect of vaccines against pancreas disease in commercially reared Atlantic Salmon. 2021. Journal of Fish diseases; 44(12): 1911-1924.

Clynav™ contains pUK-SPDVpoly2#1 DNA plasmid coding for salmon pancreas disease virus proteins: 6.0 – 9.4 μg. Legal category POM-V in UK. For further information contact Elanco Animal Health on +44(0)1256 353131 or write to: Elanco Animal Health, Form 2, Bartley Way, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook, RG27 9XA, UK. Use medicines responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible. Advice should be sought from the Medicine Prescriber. Clynav™, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its afﬁliates. All other product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. ©2022 Elanco. PM-UK-22-0249

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11/04/2022 09:21:54 06/04/2022 15:36

Fish health and welfare

Investing in ﬁsh care The academic sector is playing a crucial role in helping producers to address health and welfare issues

t the forefront of improving ﬁsh health and welfare are the researchers working to improve the aquaculture sector’s knowledge. So far this year we have already seen a number of developments taking this forward. First, the renowned Ins�tute of Aquaculture (IoA) at the University of S�rling last month announced an investment programme to expand and improve its facili�es. Plans for a new £17m world-class research and innova�on facility have moved a step closer, a�er the ambi�ous plans were approved by S�rling Council. The Na�onal Aquaculture Technology and Innova�on Hub (NATIH), which builds on the IoA’s exis�ng capability, will bring together experimental aqua�c facili�es, including a new tropical aquarium, with state-of-the-art laboratories, and space dedicated to business incuba�on and accelera�on. The project is part of the S�rling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, a £90.2m investment from the UK Government and Sco�sh Government in innova�on and infrastructure intended to drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region. Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, S�rling Council, and the University of S�rling, will invest up to £123.8m, resul�ng in a project worth more than £214m, to be delivered over the next 10 to 15 years. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed in 2024. The aim is to posi�on the University of S�rling’s exper�se at the forefront of aquaculture’s global expansion, delivering and increasing the

Fish Health and Welfare (Intro).indd 50

economic, social and environmental beneﬁts for the industry, and informing modern commercial aquaculture markets. The impact of this pioneering work will be felt both in Scotland, the IoA said, where the sector has plans to double its output by 2030, and interna�onally, where the aquaculture sector has a prominent footprint in Africa, Asia and South America. Professor Simon MacKenzie, Head of the Ins�tute for Aquaculture, said: “This is an important milestone in the development of the Na�onal Aquaculture Technology and Innova�on Hub. There is an enormous role for aquaculture to play in ensurTop: The Na�onal ing that the world has a secure and sustainable Aquaculture Technology supply of food. and Innova�on Hub “The Hub will develop and reinforce a strong (NATIH) working rela�onship between the UniversiAbove: Professor Simon ty’s researchers and the global aquaculture MacKenzie industry, ensuring that the ideas, interven�ons and solu�ons developed will have a meaningful impact where they are needed most, and deliver jobs, growth and prosperity.”

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11/04/2022 14:44:14

Investing in fish care

Gene edi�ng has “ poten�al to expedite

from 12,000 infected fish to iden�fy regions of the salmon genome associated with resistance to sea lice. They will also compare Atlan�c salmon with Coho salmon to inves�gate the key mechanisms, genes and proteins involved in their different responses to lice. Gene edi�ng will be used to validate and shortlist genes and processes that could be linked to resistance, through tests examining the effects of The answer to sea lice? silencing genes of interest. The Ins�tute of Aquaculture is also involved in Ini�al research will be conducted in fish cells, to iden�fy the genes that a joint project with the Roslin Ins�tute, part of are most likely to be involved in resis�ng infec�on by lice. These genes the University of Edinburgh, which it is hoped will then be targeted to produce gene-edited salmon embryos. will iden�fy genes that could help to protect Gene edi�ng, which enables targeted, precise changes to the gene�c Atlan�c salmon against sea lice. code, has been used in previous studies by scien�sts from the Roslin The study aims to pinpoint key genes and asIns�tute to iden�fy disease resistance genes in salmon, and has poten�al sociated biological processes underlying gene�c applica�ons in aquaculture breeding to improve health and welfare traits. resistance to the parasites. Professor Ross Houston, Personal Chair of Aquaculture Gene�cs at the This will include studying the response to lice Roslin Ins�tute, said: “Gene edi�ng has poten�al to expedite the breeda�achment exhibited by Coho salmon, a species ing of disease-resistant salmon by making targeted changes, informed of salmon which is fully resistant to sea lice, and by years of research into the gene�c and func�onal mechanisms of resistthen applying knowledge gained concerning ance to sea lice. mechanisms of resistance to Atlan�c salmon, “Work by our consor�um aims to improve fish health and welfare, and which is suscep�ble. enhance the sustainability of the salmon aquaculture sector, which is The project will receive a total of £1.7m from worth approximately £1bn per year to the UK economy and is a major the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences source of employment in rural communi�es of the Sco�sh Highlands.” Research Council (BBSRC) and the Sustainable Aquaculture Innova�on Centre (SAIC). It is an A new approach to diagnos�cs industrial partnership award with aquaculture Meanwhile, a new spinout company from the University of the West breeding company Benchmark Gene�cs. of Scotland (UWS) is aiming to transform health diagnos�c prac�ces in Researchers will use data previously collected aquaculture.

the breeding of diseaseresistant salmon

”

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Fish health and welfare

WellFish Diagnos�cs – which has developed the first non-lethal method for assessing fish health – will benefit from a £1.2m investment from the University, Kelvin Capital and Sco�sh Enterprise. Tradi�onal fish health tes�ng can take days before producing results and o�en requires lethal sampling. WellFish – the second spin-out company to emerge from UWS – has established a method to enable fish farmers to con�nually monitor the health of their fish popula�on via blood sampling, in a unique approach developed by the company in conjunc�on with the salmon farming industry in Scotland. CEO Brian Quinn, a Professor of Ecotoxicology within the School of Health and Life Sciences at UWS, is a two-�me Converge Challenge finalist and winner of the 2019 European Aquaculture Society Innova�on Forum. He said: “WellFish presents a huge opportunity for the aquaculture sector to completely transform its prac�ces for monitoring, responding to and predic�ng health challenges within the fish popula�on. Tradi�onally, fish farmers would have to undertake a slower sampling and tes�ng process, o�en requiring fish to be euthanised prior to sampling, to monitor fish health within their farms.” The company is working with the Sco�sh salmon sector, a large trout farm, and producers in Ireland and Norway to provide fish farmers with technology and training to take their own samples, which are then sent to WellFish for tes�ng. The company is based in a state-of-the-art laboratory at UWS’s Paisley campus. Professor Quinn added: “We are the firstever laboratory to offer a non-lethal method of examining fish health commercially. When fish farmers take their samples – which they are shown how to do using our kits and specialist

Fish Health and Welfare (Intro).indd 52

From the top: Lab technician; Professor Brian Quinn; Professor Ross Houston

training – they are then sent back to us in the laboratory where the data is interpreted using an algorithm-based AI model and presented back to farmers within 24 hours via our specialist website portal. “It means farmers can make data-informed husbandry decisions, spot the early onsets of a poten�al health challenge and take proac�ve measures to reduce the impact, such as choosing to change feeding regimes or introducing early treatment to their fish popula�ons. “Our company also enables farmers – and the wider aquaculture sector – to access our data and spot trends emerging over �me, meaning we are also contribu�ng directly to crucial knowledge transfer about fish health management prac�ces within the sector and beyond. In this way, the farmers can provide their stock with the best health and welfare environments to the benefit of all par�es.” Professor Milan Radosavljevic, Vice-Principal, Research, Innova�on & Engagement at UWS, said: “WellFish Diagnos�cs is a fantas�c example of the pioneering research and innova�on taking place at our University and highlights our commitment to suppor�ng enterprise at UWS. “I am delighted to see the team secure investment to create a spinout company, which is testament to the team’s hard work and strong links with industry. It is inspiring to see the real-world benefits and impact WellFish Diagnos�cs will have on a truly global scale on health, welfare and sustainability within the aquaculture sector.” The WellFish Diagnos�cs team is made up of six people, including key experts from the aquaculture industry, such as former Managing Director at Marine Harvest Scotland and Skre�ng UK, Dr Graeme Dear, as well as John Allan, former execu�ve vice-president and CTO of healthcare diagnos�cs company, Quo�ent. WellFish is the result of an ini�al research and development project supported by the Sustainable Aquaculture Innova�on Centre (SAIC), the UK Seafood Innova�on Fund and Sco�sh Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme. This research has also received funding from Innovate UK as well as cash and in-kind contribu�ons from sector partners. The company has plans for rapid, interna�onal growth, with expansion into Norway in 2022 and further expansion into South America and Canada by 2023. FF

It means farmers can make data“informed husbandry decisions ”

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11/04/2022 14:45:25

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11/04/2022 09:23:37

Fish health and welfare

‘Worst year’ for Norway’s salmon A report into farmed ﬁsh diseases points out serious challenges that need to be tackled BY VINCE MCDONAGH

he latest report on farmed fish health in Norway does not make comfortable reading. The Norwegian Veterinary Ins�tute points out a number of growing problems that, it says, need to be tackled as a ma�er of urgency. The latest data shows that, last year, more than 52 million farmed fish in Norway died before their scheduled harvest date. The figure is close to the record total in 2019 when 53 million fish died prematurely, but that was also when algae unexpectedly struck a sec�on of the Norwegian coastline, resul�ng in eight million extra deaths. Taking that incident out of the picture, 2020 has to be the worst year yet, the report says. It finds such a high figure suggests too many fish are easily becoming prone to diseases of one sort or another. The Ins�tute’s Head of Sec�on, Edgar Brun, says: “The challenges within welfare and disease in salmon have not improved in Norwegian farming. When our efforts are not having an effect, it is �me for new thinking on the problem.” The report provides an annual picture on fish health using data gathered from fish farms, fish health services, private laboratories and the Ins�tute’s own diagnos�cs. Ingunn Sommerset, Head of Fish Health at the Ins�tute, says the situa�on has worsened despite many in the industry making great efforts to tackle disease, lice and premature mortality. She suggests the explana�on probably lies in an interplay of nega�ve effects in the treatment of lice and infec�ous diseases, which have existed in the industry for a long �me. Diseases such as infec�ous salmon anaemia (ISA), pancrea�c disease (PD) and heart failure (CMS) were all widespread in fish farms last year. In addi�on, there was the emergence of a new bacterial disease among salmon known as pasteurellosis, which seems to have gained a foothold in western Norway.

Fish Health and Welfare (Vince).indd 54

Not every sec�on of the coastline is the same, however. The area between the picturesque holiday area of Nordhordaland and Stadt, known as Produc�on Area 4, had some of the worst results, with mortality at 27%, up from 19.4% the previous year. She says there is no simple explana�on for this, but it is an area where the o�en cri�cised thermal delicing treatment has been used the most. However, the number of lice treatments did not diﬀer that much from those in other parts of the country. Produc�on area 4 had a total of 56 cases of pancrea�c disease (PD) out of a total of 158 across the en�re country, but as yet there was li�le or no clue as to how much extra mortality PD causes. The report says the number of infec�ous salmon anaemia cases was the highest since 1993, with 23 new detected cases at seabased salmon farms, twice the total for 2019. The disease was detected at seven produc�on areas along the coast, but the main focus

Above: Microbiologist Left: Edgar Brun Below left: Ingunn

Sommerset Below: Salmon

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11/04/2022 15:56:31

‘Worst year’ for Norway’s salmon

OTHER MAIN DISEASES Pancreatic disease (Pd)

the number of sites recording pancreatic disease remains at a high level with 158 new cases, slightly up on 2019. There had been an increase in the number of cases of PD caused by the saV-3 variant in Production area 2.

Heart Failure (cMs)

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority says heart failure is seen as the main problem in the food fish leading to premature mortality in salmon last year, with cMs diagnosed at 154 sites, the majority in the southern and central parts of the country.

FuruNculoSiS

a disease of both wild and cultivated salmon that can lead to bacterial septicaemia and is often fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics. the disease, which does not pose a threat to humans, was detected in five sea localities last year.

When our efforts are not “having an effect, it is time for new thinking on the problem

”

has been on the Troms and Finnmark region (production area, or “PO” 10-12) with a total of 15 outbreaks detected. About half of the ISA cases in 2020 were considered to be “primary outbreaks”. This means

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Fish Health and Welfare (Vince).indd 55

they cannot be linked to previous incidents or another clear sources of infection. Edgar Brun says that when current treatments do not give the desired results in terms of reducing illness and improving welfare, it is time to look again at how to deal with these issues. He adds: “We can do more to reduce infection contact between geographical areas in order to eradicate or reduce the disease burden, as well as to look at strategic measures to reduce the need for lice treatments. “It is important to obtain a national overview of what different issues caused deaths in fish. “Research, administration and the industry itself are engaged in this now, so we should be able to gain knowledge that can provide a basis for targeted measures.” FF

HsMB

commonly known as cardiovascular inflammation is a serious unlisted disease, but as a cause of mortality it is ranked somewhat lower. HsMB disease was confirmed in 161 localities.

coMPlex gill disease

gill disease causes mortality, reduced welfare and lower growth. The report says it is one of the health problems that registered the highest increase last year.

11/04/2022 14:47:55

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31/03/2022 12:19 11/04/2022 09:25:15

CPI Equipment Inc – client content

cpi EQUIPMENT INC. ODiN Titan Aeration Shields Fish Farms AIR, A NATURAL ELEMENT OF DEFENSE

able to control how many CFM flows to each CPI Equipment Inc. con�nues to be the leader of aera�on in Bri�sh pod which reduces the amount of air required, Below: ODiN Total Control Columbia. Implemen�ng its current ODiN Titan aera�on system ul�mately saving money on compressor needs. computer system AIR, A NATURAL ELEMENT OF DEFENSE successfully in Canada and other parts of the world for many years. Water quality is the key, and stabilising the Opposite from left: Kris These on systems protect farms from plankton blooms in-pen the British goal. Working in CPIaera� Equipment Inc.thecontinues to be the(HABs) leader of environment aerationis in Columbia. Implementing its McNichol, Founder of and play a huge role in crea�ng a healthy environment inside the partnership with the natural ocean and bringing CPI; Part of the ODiN current ODiN aTitan aeration system successfully in up Canada and isother the world for many Titan aera� on system; pens. CPI has developed system that works. What started out as a the water from the depths pivotal inparts of Salmon thriving around basic manual aera� on system has now transformed what is called establishing an environment thatblooms blocks out (HABs) and play a huge role years. These aeration systemsinto protect the farms from plankton a vortex of air ODiN Titan aera�on. This system provides data tracking and is working HABs and other environmental concerns. creating a vehealthy inside towards AI predic� so�ware toenvironment op�mize the way it tracks HABs,the pens. CPI has developed a system that works. What star maintains water quality, and facilitates the stabilisa�on of the in-pen The latest advancement with thewhat is called ODiN Titan aeration out as a basic manual aeration system has now transformed into environment. These systems were first developed to defend against ODiN Titan aera�on system is the theThis harsh plankton blooms on the west coast tracking of Canada andand have now system provides data is working AI predictive software to optimize the w introduc�towards on of this technology expanded to help protect farms worldwide. into the semi-closed containment it tracks HABs, maintains water quality, and facilitates the stabilization of the in-pen environment. pen environment. CPI recently CPIThese uses diffusers that are placed the fish pens at variousto depths completed a successful two systems wereintofirst developed defend against the harsh plankton blooms on the west coast and each system, as a whole, is client and farm specific. The circula�on year trial with Grieg Seafood Canada andcalculated have now expanded to help protect farms worldwide. of water is carefully to enhance harvest, improve in Bri�sh Columbia. The trial treatment procedures, aid in temperature control, improve water demonstrated improved growth, be�er quality and protect against HABs and sea lice. The ODiN system is feed conversion and lower mortality. Above

CPI uses diffusers that are placed into the fish pens at various depths and each system as a whole is client and farm specific. The circulation of water is carefully calculated to enhance harvest, impro treatment procedures, aid in temperature control, improve water quality and protect against HABs and sea lice. The ODiN tracking system is able to control how many CFM flows to each pod which reduces the amount of air required, ultimately saving money on compressor needs. Water quality i the key, and stabilizing the in-pen environment is the goal. Working in partnership with the natural Chemical-Free Water Treatment ocean and bringing the water up from the depths is pivotal in establishing an environment that bloc out HABs and other environmental concerns.

NANOBUBBLE TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE AQUACUTLURE

• Improve fish health The latest advancement with the ODiN Titan aeration system is the introduction of this technology • the Reduce disease, algae & off-flavor into semi-closed containment pen environment. CPI recently completed a successful two year t compounds with Grieg Seafood in British Columbia. The trial demonstrated improved growth, better feed conversion and productivity lower mortality. • Increase & Above yieldsall, during the trial, levels of sea lice remained so low that treatments were unnecessary. CPI believes working in collaboration with industry leaders helps pro • Reduce oxygen & energy usage new technology so the aquaculture industry can evolve and thrive in the future. • Remediate seabeds & aquatic life “You can buy a lot of things in life, but you can’t buy experience” - Kris McNichol, Founder of CPI

ADVANCEMENT OF AIR CPI is using its ODiN Titan aeration technology in an environment where barriers are put into place create a more controlled setting. CPIs aeration system is used in conjunction with Moleaers nano www.Moleaer.com | aquaculture@moleaer.com generators that disperse nanobubbles, producing what is being called CO 2L (cool) Flow Technology, Greig Seafoods. 58 This technology is used to maintain barriers between farmed salmon and www.fishfarmermagazine.com wild salmon and keep Sea Lice and HABs out of the pens. This collaboration of technology is a positive step forward for indust CPI Equipmentobjectives Inc - PED - DPS.indd 58 11/04/2022 11:45:17 and is paving the way for sustainable fish producers to transition to semi-closed

CPI Equipment Inc

“

collabora�on of technology is a posi�ve step forward for industry objec�ves and is paving the way for sustainable ﬁsh producers to transi�on to semi-closed containment.

You can buy a lot of things in life, but you can’t buy experience

”

- Kris McNichol, Founder of CPI

CPI con�nues to work alongside their clients to design, engineer and manufacture technology that ﬁts the needs of their farms and the evolu�on of the aquaculture market at large. Their commitment towards advancing technology in the aquaculture industry is unprecedented.

Salmon thriving around a vortex of air

*CFM – cubic feet per minute. all, during the trial, levels of sea lice remained so low that treatments were unnecessary. CPI believes working in collabora�on with industry leaders helps propel new technology so the aquaculture industry can evolve and thrive in the future.

ng its many huge role in What started aeration. ze the way onment. est coast of

www.cpiequipmen�nc.com info@cpiequipmen�nc.com

ADVANCEMENT OF AIR

CPI is using its ODiN Titan aera�on technology in an environment where barriers are put into place to create a more controlled se�ng. CPIs aera�on system is used in conjunc�on with Moleaer’s nano generators that disperse nanobubbles, producing what is being called CO2L (cool) Flow Technology, by Greig Seafoods. This technology is used to maintain barriers between farmed salmon and wild salmon and keep sea lice and HABs out of the pens. This

whole st, improve nst HABs which quality is e natural that blocks

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keep Sea www.fishfarmermagazine.com ODiN Total Control computer system or industry CPI Equipment Inc - PED - DPS.indd 59

11/04/2022 11:45:50

Careers in Aquaculture

Careers in

Aquaculture As you can ﬁnd out in our special report, the Blue Economy offers a wealth of exciting opportunities 60

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11/04/2022 14:49:59

An ocean of opportunity awaits.

FTL We’re always on the lookout for new talent. To start your Cooke career, visit cookeaquaculturescotland.com/careers. Cooke Aquaculture Ltd.indd 61

11/04/2022 09:35:27

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11/04/2022 09:36:57

SAIC - DPS.indd 63

11/04/2022 09:37:52

APPLECROSS’ JOURNEY TO A HIGH-TECH FUTURE

Local Jobs Created as The Scottish Salmon Company Develop Cutting-edge Aquaculture Hub The aquaculture industry has long been synonymous with remote and rural Scotland. The Scottish Salmon Company’s (SSC) has selected Applecross for its £49m investment into the first of its kind and cuttingedge ‘recirculating aquaculture system’ (RAS) facility. A first for the Wester Ross community. RAS technology is an indoor land-based aquaculture system which allows fish to be reared longer in freshwater tanks allowing them to grow into a larger smolt before being moved to a salt water marine site. Releasing a larger fish into the seawater phase shifts the balance of risk, supports fish healthy and can help to increase the consistency of supply. The RAS project will create 30 rural jobs, giving existing staff an opportunity to upskill and retrain, and attracting fresh and diverse talent to the business. The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Marine Scotland backed project will include innovative husbandry, enhanced smolt testing and vaccination methods to build on our first class fish welfare standards fish welfare.

Scottish Salmon Company Ltd - PED.indd 64

The Applecross facility has sustainability at the heart of its development. The ambition of the RAS project is to reduce waste by 90 per cent, to use 100 per cent sustainable power and to massively reduce the water used in the process. Hydro, solar, recycled material, and heat recovery systems will all be utilised to reduce impact on the environment. Once complete the RAS facility at Applecross will be the largest and most sustainable of its kind in Scotland and aims to produce 50,000 tonnes of Salmon by 2026. Ian Laister, Managing Director at The Scottish Salmon Company, explains: “Scottish Salmon is the UK’s biggest export and creates sought after, high quality and sustainable jobs in rural communities. SSC’s investment at Applecross, and plans for an additional two RAS facilities, are a game changer not only for the business but salmon farming in Scotland.” Owen Davies, Hatchery Manager at Applecross, said: “We have recruited both locally and nationally to hire people with a wide variety of expertise. Applecross, a purpose built multi-million-pound facility, will provide highly skilled jobs in the rural community. SSC is offering employment to local people who in the past, given the decline of traditional industries, have had to move further afield for work.”

Current vacancies include a Biologist and Freshwater Optimiser. Biologists provide advice and conduct surveillance on fish health and have the opportunity to participate in research projects within their area of expertise. The Freshwater Optimiser role is analytical and involves providing insight and guidance to the Freshwater Management team to enable the coordination and optimisation of freshwater production. SSC offers benefits including generous relocation assistance, a ‘Friends & Family Introduction Scheme’ with a £500 payment, access to discount schemes, numerous internal opportunities for promotions, and extensive training and professional development activities. SSC looks forward to making a positive impact on the local Applecross community in the future. For more information about career opportunities at SSC please visit: www.scottishsalmon.com/ workwithus/ currentvacancies or email: workwithus@ scottishsalmon.com

11/04/2022 11:47:40

FRESHWATER

HUSBANDRY ENVIRONMENT

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Grow your career with us. To find out more about the range of careers available, contact recruitment@scottishseafarms.com. Or for the latest vacancies, including trainee roles, visit scottishseafarms.com

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11/04/2022 11:50:07

Mowi Scotland - DPS.indd 66

11/04/2022 09:39:24

With a growing world population, our ethos rests on the belief that we can sustainably and responsibly produce healthy, nutritious and affordable food, now and for future generations. Our salmon has already been rated the most sustainable animal protein in the world. We are recognised for leadership and transparency in corporate sustainability by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its prestigious ‘A List’ for tackling climate change. And we’re only just getting started.

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We want to hear from people who are as passionate about the planet and our products as we are. Whether you are just leaving school, or are finishing college or university. Whether you are looking for your first job or have experience behind you. Whether you want to work in an office, on a farm, in a processing site or on a boat. Whether you want to commit full-time or prefer part-time hours.

When you take your first step with Mowi Scotland, you’re taking a step in your right direction.

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11/04/2022 09:40:42

Seafood tourism

Wish you were here Attracting holidaymakers could provide an economic boost to the seafood sector, and help to get its message across to the public BY FIONA NICOLSON

COTLAND’S “blue” economy could be at the beginning of a new era, as the pandemic recedes and seafood businesses are looking at how they can grow, innovate – or start something new. And seafood tourism could be the ideal vehicle for marke�ng their produce. To give them a hand, Seafood Scotland recently launched “Beyond the Boat”, a pilot campaign aimed at kick-star�ng new seafood-tourism ini�a�ves. It asked the Sco�sh seafood community to propose ideas for ini�a�ves that would provide an innova�ve visitor experience, tell their story and increase revenue, in return offering tailored advice and guidance to help selected applicants transform their ideas into ac�on. The appe�te is there, as Karen Galloway, head of retail at Seafood Scotland reports: “We were an�cipa�ng around half a dozen responses, but we received more than 30 – from all over the country. The ideas range from those at the very early stages through to some ini�a�ves that have been underway for a few years, which people now want to grow.” The seafood tourism ideas submi�ed included, to name a few: crea�ng community seafood fes�vals; fish-smoking demonstra�ons; and “catching, cooking and ea�ng” experiences for visitors – like going out to sea with the fishermen, hauling the creels, catching the fish, bringing it back and cooking it. The number of entries has resulted in a slight rethink, though, as Galloway

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explains: “We were going to take four businesses through the pilot scheme but due to demand we are looking at how we can provide support for as many businesses that need it.” Seafood Scotland is now cura�ng a three-month mentoring programme for this purpose. While seafood-tourism ini�a�ves are already underway in Scotland (such as the Stranraer Oyster Fes�val, which drew 17,000 people in 2019),

This page from top: Serious shucking at the Stranraer Oyster Fes�val; Visitors at the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre; harbour at the Centre (photos: Norsk Havbrukssenter); Karen Galloway; souvenirs at the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre Opposite from top: Beyond the Boat - Fisher in the west of Scotland; Norwegian Aquaculture Centre (photo: Norsk Havbrukssenter); Hamish Macdonell; Glen Garioch dis�llery visitor centre.

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11/04/2022 14:53:12

Wish you were here

He adds: “We see seafood tourism in general and salmon tourism in par�cular as a really useful way of connec�ng with consumers and tourists and showing them what we do, informing them properly on what the issues are and how we go about things.” Seafood Scotland has taken note of other countries’ And Salmon Scotland also intends to capitalise on these opportuni�es, with successes: “We’re looking at what Norway and plans to create a visitor experience centre to tell the story of Sco�sh salmon Iceland have achieved – that was very much the farming. First, it has created a mini version, in the form of a portable cinema inspira�on for Beyond the Boat,” Galloway confirms. space for eight people, with a film which takes visitors through the stages of the fish farming “journey”. This project was delayed due to the pandemic, but Seafood tourism overseas the plan is to roll it out this year, taking it to events such as the Royal Highland And there is much material for inspira�on. Norway Show. has made extensive use of seafood tourism to market its products, through visitor centres, such Blowing the myths out of the water as the Norwegian Aquaculture Centre in Helgeland, One of the benefits of a strong seafood-tourism industry is that it could help Akvakultur i Vesterålen and Storeblå in Bergen. address the percep�ons of detractors, as Galloway observes: “There are a lot The Norwegian Aquaculture centre offers guided of myths about the seafood industry and visitors can help dispel these because tours, which can be tailored for school children and there’s nothing like seeing a business up close to help you understand the businesses, and has an onsite shop, dedicated to all challenges of its environment. things salmon-related, as well as a restaurant and “Whether it’s a fisherman or fish farmer, you can see that the environment is exhibi�on. Akvakultur i Vesterålen describes itself fundamental to their future and the sustainability of their business – including as an “adventure centre for Norwegian aquacultheir financial sustainability – and that it’s therefore in their interests to take ture” where visitors can take a boat ride to see its care of it.” sizeable fish cages (“so big that a Boeing 737 can fit She believes that visitors will then spread the word: “If they come and see inside”) and taste its smoked-fish products. While our industry up close and we educate them about the reality of how it works at Storeblå, an audio-visual experience takes visitors and deliver a great experience, they will then talk about it posi�vely within through the story of the salmon industry, as well as their own communi�es and networks.” offering a high-speed boat trip out to sea, to see a Macdonell takes a similar view regarding the visitor experience: “If tourists fish farm. come to an area and see a salmon farm, try the produce, and understand more Fledgling Sco�sh community seafood fes�vals about the salmon farm and what it does for the community, and how integral it might also like to emulate the success of Iceland’s is to those communi�es, we can overcome some of the erroneous myths.” “Great Fish Day”. Held every August, near Akureyri One of the key messages for visitors is around sustainability, as he adds: “As in the north of the country, this event has drawn the demand for protein increases, the UN has iden�fied aquaculture as key 200,000 visitors in the last eight years, a�racted to feeding the world in the 21st century, and the Sco�sh salmon industry is by the seafood buffet, free fish tas�ngs and a fish absolutely central to that.” FF exhibi�on, as well as art shows, street theatre and music. However, inspira�on has not only come from Nordic sources. Scotland’s farming sector has provided fer�le ground for ideas too, as Galloway adds: “We’ve seen the agritourism industry grow here over the last few years, where farmers have diversified into farm tours, farm shops and glamping. People are looking for more local experiences and more access to local food.” Hamish Macdonell, director of strategic engagement at Salmon Scotland, looks to another iconic Sco�sh product for marke�ng inspira�on. He says: “Whisky has done very well in terms of its visitors centres and that is obviously a model that we would like to imitate – even in a small way.”

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We see “seafood

tourism… as a really useful way of connec�ng with consumers and tourists

”

11/04/2022 14:53:56

Technology

Better ﬁsh health and welfare through technology Technological advances have played a huge role in improving production, but just how do these innovations support the performance of aquaculture businesses? Owen Hutchins of Cooke Aquaculture, and Ben Garth of MSD Animal Health UK, explain how investment in technology is supporting businesses and ﬁsh health and welfare

erforming tasks efficiently while con�nuing to improve fish health and welfare is a priority on every farm manager’s list. So says Ben Garth, key account manager for aquaculture at MSD Animal Health UK, and he believes that developments in technology make this possible. Garth says: “Technology offers fish-producing enterprises new ways of performing necessary tasks, such as grading, coun�ng and feeding, while maintaining high standards of welfare and suppor�ng fish health. “For example, fish grading, a process used to separate and grade fish depending on their size, is a fundamental part of produc�on and is a really important process to maximise business profitability and performance of the fish. However, it’s important this process is as gentle as possible on the fish to avoid stress and other welfare issues.” This was a key considera�on for Cooke Aquaculture when they recently upgraded their fish grader. Cooke chose the Smart Grader by VAKI, part of the MSD Animal Health group since 2019, due to its ability to deliver accurate fish grading with improved health and welfare benefits. Owen Hutchins, farm manager at Cooke Aquaculture, explains: “As the grading process removes fish from water for a few seconds, we want to make sure that this process is as quick and effec�ve as possible. “Smart Graders that are more mechanically advanced will evenly distribute fish across the channels. This reduces the chance of fish riding over the top of one another and makes the process more accurate while improving the experience for the fish.” He adds: “We’ve found this has made the grading much quicker, therefore minimising the amount of �me the fish are out of the water

and reducing the contact �me between the handler and the fish – it’s a real benefit to fish welfare.” Hutchins explains that in terms of efficiency, the use of technology and automated machinery o�en provides a quicker alterna�ve to standard daily tasks performed manually. Developments have resulted in more efficient ways to operate machinery which means more �me can be given to focusing on fish health and welfare prac�ces. Crea�ng an a�rac�ve sector As well as �me efficiencies, Hutchins adds that the use of technology can also make the sector more appealing to poten�al joiners – a benefit which is especially important in a sector where recruitment can be a struggle. He explains that advancements in technology help to a�ract new and young talent who are interested in mechanical roles into the sector, while allowing those with qualifica�ons in animal health to focus on the health and welfare of the fish. He says: “I’ve got a marine biology degree, but I spent a lot of �me thinking I was be�er off having an engineering degree. New, easy to use, technology enables me to spend more �me on fish produc�on prac�ces. “For us, the purpose of technology is not to replace staff; it’s there to free up �me so that staff can spend more �me looking a�er the fish. On the other hand, it also means our sector appeals to tech-savvy people who can assume roles in helping to keep our equipment performing op�mally.” Top: Ben Garth Above: Owen Hutchins Left: The VAKI Smart Grader Opposite: The Cairndow Hatchery

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Looking to the future Investments such as the Smart Grader have proven hugely beneﬁcial to Cooke Aquaculture, and Hutchins explains that going forwards, the business will con�nue to invest in technology that improves ﬁsh produc�on. “A density controller will probably be our next purchase. Through skill and experience, we

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Better fish health and welfare through technology

lot of work to do around the development of this. “The site I manage is a flow-through farm and therefore the water in the tanks is constantly changing. This results in a lot of water extrac�on and variable water quality leading to an unstable environment for the fish, so recircula�on technology would be really beneficial for us,” he says. Both Garth and Hutchins acknowledge the need for technology in the sector to maintain high standards of health and welfare and keep pace with increasing produc�vity demands. “A great future lies ahead for technology development and I’m sure it will be well received in the ever-developing aquaculture sector,” concludes Garth. FF

currently manually control how many fish are going into a pipe when performing processes such as fish grading. “However, specialised density control equipment can do this automa�cally, making the process much easier and also be�er for the fish.” Looking towards further technological investments, Hutchins argues that for freshwater fish produc�on, recircula�on technology is the way to go. However, he acknowledges there is s�ll a

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New, “ easy to use,

technology enables me to spend more �me on ﬁsh produc�on

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11/04/2022 15:07:47

Containment and predator protection

No seal of

approval

Scottish technology is deterring predators around the world – but not in Scotland

reda�on by seals is es�mated to cost Scotland’s salmon producers around £12m each year. Even if seals can be kept out of a pen, their presence nearby can cause fish to suffer from preda�on stress, which can exacerbate other health risks. Seals and other marine mammals are protected species, however, which rules out using lethal means to protect farmed fish. Un�l recently, fish farmers made extensive use of non-lethal protec�on measures, including acous�c deterrent devices (ADDs). ADDs don’t just impact seals, however. The “wall of sound” emi�ed by the older genera�on of ADDs is also very problema�c for cetaceans, that is whales, dolphins and porpoises, which are highly protected species. Legisla�on passed in the US – the Marine Mammals Protec�on Act (MMPA) – makes it an offence to harm or disturb protected species, and because it effec�vely bans seafood imports from jurisdic�ons that have not passed

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equivalent legisla�on, it effec�vely applies to anywhere that wishes to sell its seafood to the US. Cetaceans are European Protected Species (EPS) and in Scotland, ac�vi�es in the marine environment that have the poten�al to kill, injure or disturb them are subject to a strict licensing regime. Unless an EPS licence is in place, it is an offence “deliberately or recklessly disturb any dolphin, porpoise or whale”. In March last year, the Sco�sh Salmon Producers Organisa�on (SSPO), since rebranded as Salmon Scotland, announced: “All devices the sector does not have total confidence in, with regards to the harming of protected species, have been turned off and removed from the marine environment.” Since then, however, the sector has moved on s�ll further. Salmon Scotland told Fish Farmer: “No ADDs are currently in use for commercial purposes on Sco�sh salmon farms and as such there have been no licences applied for.” This is also confirmed by Marine Scotland, which runs the licensing regime and says that to date no EPS licences have been issued to fish farms. Marine Scotland says: “It is for fish farm operators to determine whether use of an ADD at their site will require a licence to disturb EPS.” It adds: “Given current scien�fic advice, it is likely that an EPS licence will be required for all currently available ADDs unless it can be demonstrated that a device will not cause disturbance to cetaceans. “EPS licences may be granted in certain circumstances following an applica�on and determina�on

Predator “control is a con�nual challenge for the sector

”

Above: Seal Left: Ace Aquatec RT-1 device Opposite: Genuswave TAST device

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11/04/2022 14:41:33

No seal of approval process. Applicants must demonstrate that three licensing tests are sa�sfied: (1) there is a licensable purpose; (2) there are no sa�sfactory alterna�ves; and (3) the ac�ons authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the popula�on of the species concerned at favourable conserva�on status in their natural range.” Sco�sh Ministers have to date granted four EPS licences that allow ADD use in rela�on to non-aquaculture ac�vi�es such as piling and unexploded ordinance clearance at sites in the Moray Firth and on the east coast of Scotland. Fish farmers in Scotland with sites affected by seals are, therefore, dependent on an�-predator nets such as FISA’s SUPRA an�-predator solu�on, a custom braided kno�ed net produced with third genera�on high density polyethylene (HDPE). FISA works with Boris Net and Gael Force to distribute this in the UK. Could the latest genera�on of ADDs be less harmful to cetaceans, however? Rather than relying on a constant or near-constant “wall of sound”, the latest models use “startle” technology in which a pulse is randomly emi�ed or triggered by sensors which can detect the near approach of seals. The pulse is enough to startle seals but, the manufacturers say, will not cause problems for whales and dolphins in the area. The “startle” approach is also intended to avoid the “dinner bell” problem, when a constant acous�c signal, while unpleasant for the seals, also acts to indicate the presence of food. With Ace Aquatec’s ASR (Acous�c Startle Response) devices, for example, just 10 milliseconds from the onset of the sound to its highest peak creates a visceral response in mammals that cannot be overcome, the company says. The new genera�on deterrents can also be fine-tuned so that the acous�c pulse operates in a frequency range that does not impact most cetaceans. Ace Aquatec also offers an electrified dummy fish which creates a physical startle response that scares the seal without harming it. GenusWave has developed a seal deterrence system that uses Targeted Acous�c Startle Technology (TAST). The only acous�c deterrent approved by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, TAST was developed a�er more than a decade of research by world-class marine biologists at the University of St Andrews’ Sea Mammal Research Unit. It is ironic, says the company’s Managing Partner Steven Alevy, that a technology funded and developed in Scotland is not being used in Scotland. Instead, TAST is used on salmon farms in Norway. In Scotland there con�nues to be an apparent presump�on against ADDs and new acous�c technologies alike. Alevy says: “Even a technology that does not disturb EPS requires an EPS licence to disturb. Farmers are in a bind. They do not want to disturb EPS and certainly don’t want to be known as having a licence to disturb EPS, which the public may view as de facto proof that the farmer must be disturbing dolphins. “Sco�sh salmon farmers have turned off their conven�onal ADDs at a great personal sacrifice because they are suffering losses from seal preda�on. What has gone unreported is the impact on the salmon: fish health and welfare has been compromised as a result of the increased preda�on stress. Salmon have an acute sense of smell and can detect a seal swimming in proximity to a farm. Stress causes the salmon to produce cor�sol and not mucus, which is the first line of defence against parasites and pathogens. Next year’s harvest is likely to experience a severe increase in biological illness because salmon farmers do not have tools that keep seals away from their salmon.” Marine Scotland’s “frequently asked ques�ons” document on ADD licences spells out: “If… by virtue of the sound levels and frequencies at which they operate, it can be shown that ADDs (or related systems) cannot disturb cetaceans, then an EPS licence is not required. However, robust evidence to validate this claim must be provided to MS-LOT. In prac�ce, the hearing ranges of seals and cetaceans overlap, so there may be limited scope for iden�fica�on of deterrents to which only seals are sensi�ve.” Steven Alevy notes that the US MMPA, and the EU, accept peer-reviewed and published research as evidence of non-disturbance. Perhaps, he suggests, Scotland can also consider accep�ng peer-reviewed research. Alevy is op�mis�c that Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs in the Sco�sh Government, will find a way forward: “She is a though�ul leader with a vision for the future and she is keen to encourage new technology that benefits Scotland and its industry. I believe that new regulatory changes will be sensi�ve to the extreme compe��ve threats facing Sco�sh exports as well as guide and support the salmon farming industry over the long term.” For now however, Dr Iain Berrill, Head of Technical at Salmon Scotland, says:

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“Salmon farmers have a statutory duty to protect the animals in their care, but as �me goes by we have fewer and fewer op�ons to help manage against seal a�acks. Salmon farms and seals can co-exist quite happily in the marine environment, yet seals can inflict vicious and widespread damage, killing significant numbers of fish in each a�ack. “Predator control is a con�nual challenge for the sector and we require the ongoing development of effec�ve tools to ensure we can protect our stock. “Salmon farmers use a range of measures to exclude predators, and this is very site specific, but no ADDs are currently in use on Sco�sh salmon farms.” FF

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11/04/2022 14:42:06

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11/04/2022 11:52:26

Aquaculture UK preview

SHOW TIME The stage is set for the return of the UK’s biggest aquaculture event

he last �me the aquaculture community gathered in Aviemore for Aquaculture UK, Theresa May was Britain’s prime minister, Donald Trump was in the White House, Harry and Meghan were s�ll working royals – and the word “Covid” had not entered the lexicon. That was in May 2018. Now, four years and many world-shaking events later, the most important show in the UK aquaculture calendar is back, with a bigger than ever exhibi�on, a packed conference programme and the eagerly an�cipated Aquaculture Awards. Aquaculture professionals have waited a long �me for this dynamic show to return and, now the countdown has begun, expecta�ons are high for a memorable three days. For show organisers Diversiﬁed Communica�ons UK, the excitement is �nged with relief. Part of the group that runs the long-established seafood exhibi�ons in Boston and Barcelona (previously Brussels), they had just taken over the normally biennial UK event and were gearing up for the 2020 edi�on when the pandemic struck. Diversiﬁed UK managing director Carsten Holm, who spoke to Fish Farmer in the middle of the coronavirus crisis, described 2020 as a “rollercoaster”. “The ini�al plan was that we were going to take a bit of a back seat at the 2020 event and observe and learn as 5m [the previous owner] completed the handover,” he said. “We would come to the event and meet people, sit back and learn and start to understand in what direc�on the industry really wants to go… but, of course, that didn’t happen.” Even then, when no one knew that it was to be at least another year before large get-togethers could take place again, Holm was thinking about the future, with plans to “grow with the industry, in line with its own needs” and make the show “even be�er”. Now his and the company’s focus is very much on 2022 as they pre-

Aqua UK intro(1).indd 76

Right: Carsten Holm; Cheri Arvonio Other images: A selec�on of images from the 2018 Aquaculture UK show

pare to stage their first Aquaculture UK, which runs from May 3-5 at its long-�me home in the Macdonald Resort in Aviemore, Scotland. Cheri Arvonio, event director at Diversified Communica�ons, says more than 200 global aquaculture companies have booked stands and there is now a wai�ng list for space, with Diversified working to accommodate more exhibitors in the centre’s outdoor area. “This will be the first opportunity for many in the industry to meet face to face post-Covid and there is definitely a buzz building around the event,” she says. “Aquaculture UK offers an unbeatable backdrop for doing business, launching new products, networking with Bri�sh and interna�onal decision makers, and hearing industry updates. “We are confident that this year’s show will live up to its reputa�on as the most important UK based aquaculture exhibi�on and mirror the vision, drive and passion of the sector.” Aquaculture UK will highlight developments in the industry since 2018, with familiar bigname suppliers exhibi�ng alongside newer entrants to the aquaculture community. Well-known Sco�sh companies, including

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11/04/2022 16:23:23

Show time Gael Force Group, AKVA, Morenot, W&J Knox, Inverlussa Marine Services and Ace Aquatec, will be joined by younger start-ups, all with a focus on fast-changing technology. Along with advances in cage infrastructure, ne�ng, feeding systems and humane stunning, visitors will be able to see first-hand the progress being made towards smarter fish farming, combining tradi�onal husbandry with digitalisa�on, ar�ficial intelligence and machine learning. Underwater sensor technology to detect disease outbreaks and op�mise feeding, automa�c sea lice counters and acous�c-based treatment systems are just some of the innova�ons that will be on display by cu�ng edge companies such as Bluegrove, CageEye, Aquabyte and Pulcea. And the exhibi�on will provide a pla�orm for alterna�ve farming methods, whether offshore, semi-closed or land-based RAS (recircula�ng aquaculture systems), with ini�a�ves from InnovaSea, Ecomerden, AquaBioTech and CM Aqua Technologies, among others. There will also be a chance to learn about recent scien�fic breakthroughs – in fish health and welfare, gene�c selec�on, cleaner fish breeding, and more – from the likes of Benchmark, Xelect and the world-renowned Ins�tute of Aquaculture at the University of S�rling. The exhibi�on will showcase the latest feed developments, with the sector leaders, including BioMar and Cargill, exhibi�ng alongside

newer pioneers, such as cleaner ﬁsh diet specialist Vita Aquafeeds. Meanwhile, in the conference tent a busy programme, opening on Tuesday 3 May, will feature presenta�ons from the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), S�rling’s Ins�tute of Aquaculture, and SAIC (Sustainable Aquaculture Innova�on Centre), among other highlights (see page 78 for more details). Aquaculture UK also hosts the Aquaculture Awards, which recognise those who have made an excep�onal contribu�on to the sector over the past year. The shortlists have now been published and the winners will be announced at a celebratory dinner in Aviemore on the night of 4 May. The Aquaculture UK exhibition and conference, both free to attend, will be held at the Macdonald Resort in Aviemore, Scotland, from Tuesday, 3 May to Thursday, 5 May, 2022. Show opening times: Tuesday, 12pm 5pm; Wednesday, 9am – 5pm; Thursday, 9am – 3pm. To ﬁnd out more about Aquaculture UK visit www.aquacultureuk.com FF

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Aquaculture UK preview

Innovation in the sp tlight

A packed conference programme reﬂects the sector’s varied scope

nnova�on and sustainability are the key themes of the Aquaculture UK conference, which runs across the three days of the exhibi�on and is free to a�end. The line-up of speakers reflects not just the scope of the industry but its capacity to adapt, and the focus in the conference tent will be on the advances that have been driving change since the last in-person Aquaculture UK event, held in 2018. Alastair Dingwall, formerly Sainsbury’s head of seafood, will outline changes over the past two years at the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, where he is senior director of Technical Opera�ons. Dingwall, who began his career in salmon farming at Marine Harvest (now Mowi), has long been an advocate of sustainable aquaculture and will discuss the ASC’s role in ensuring responsible farming. The Ins�tute of Aquaculture at S�rling University has been at the forefront of the development of aquaculture around the world and the ins�tute’s new head, Professor Simon MacKenzie, will talk about research suppor�ng the industry’s sustainable growth. Professor MacKenzie will also provide an update on the crea�on of the Na�onal Aquaculture Technology and Innova�on Hub in S�rling. From Swansea University, Sara Barrento will showcase the prac�cal tools that can be deployed to improve the welfare of lumpfish, one of the cleaner fish species used as biological pest control on farms. Spearheading innova�on in the aquaculture sector is SAIC (Sustainable Aquaculture Innova�on Centre), and the centre’s CEO, Heather Jones, and director of Innova�on and Engagement, Sarah Riddle, will address the conference on, respec�vely, the impact of innova�on and the funding structure. SAIC is also hos�ng a Women in Sco�sh Aquaculture (WiSA) breakfast, with Teresa Garzon – WiSA chair and manager at fish health consultancy PatoGen – leading the networking event to promote diversity in the workplace. The conference’s opening session is sponsored by Dutch company DSM and algal oil pioneer Veramaris, a joint venture between DSM and German chemical giant Evonik. Veramaris global business development director Ian

Aqua UK intro (2) conference programme.indd 78

Carr and DSM global aqua marke�ng director Louise Bu�le will introduce a session on how alterna�ve ingredients – such as marine algal oil – can contribute to the sustainable growth of aquaculture. French insect ingredient business InnovaFeed, and nutri�on expert SPAROS will offer further insights into how fish can be fed more sustainably. The future of gene edi�ng in aquaculture is the subject of a talk by Alan Tinch, Vice-President of Gene�cs at the Centre for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT). As well as looking at the advantages of targeted gene edi�ng in emerging farmed aqua�c species, he will explain how science can develop improved strains with be�er disease resistance. Also from CAT, director of Fish Health Mark Braceland will consider the benefits and limita�ons of in-tank fish health and nutri�on. The importance of biosecurity measures and how to implement them will be tackled by Asbjørn Husby, senior engineer at water treatment specialist Xylem, with an overview of recent research on the UV sensi�vity of salmon pathogens. And, in a special session, the Chilean Embassy will present contribu�ons from five of the country’s top aquaculture innovators, sharing their exper�se in the sector, their experience working with domes�c and interna�onal markets, and their view of the Sco�sh industry. FF

“

The focus … will be on the advances that have been driving change

”

Above from top: Alan Tinch; Sara Barrento; Heather Jones Top left: Can targeted gene edi�ng help improve ﬁsh health? Left: Delegates will hear about the role of insects as alterna�ve feed ingredients

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:24:46

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11/04/2022 09:47:56

Aquaculture UK preview

Shining

We want to “acknowledge

stars

the incredible dedica�on of the people driving the industry forward

”

Outstanding achievement in the industry will be recognised at the 2022 awards

he shortlist for the Aquaculture Awards 2022 highlights the vast array of talent in the sector, from finfish to shellfish farming, from enterprise to innova�on, and across the supply chain. The awards, to be announced at a gala dinner during Aquaculture UK, include 14 separate categories and cover all aspects of the aquaculture industry. They recognise those individuals and businesses who have gone the extra mile, and they give the global aquaculture community an opportunity to celebrate its achievements post-Covid. The full Aquaculture Awards 2022 shortlist is:

Cheri Arvonio, event director at show organiser Diversiﬁed Communica�ons, says: “As the Aquaculture Awards return to Aviemore this spring, we want to acknowledge the incredible dedica�on of the people driving the industry forward. We are looking forward to reuni�ng the sector in Scotland and paying tribute to the projects, companies and people making an excep�onal contribu�on to global aquaculture.” FF

Above: Dougie Vipond

Rising Star, sponsored by Skills Development Scotland

Shellﬁsh Farmer of the Year, sponsored by M&S Food

Collaboration, sponsored by Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling

Finﬁsh Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Fish Farmer Magazine

ANDRE VAN – Kames Fish Farm ANDREW RICHARDSON – InnovaFeed CONNIE PATTILLO – Mowi Scotland RHIANNA REES – SAMS Enterprise

DEEP BRANCH – REACT-FIRST Project ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AIT) – Curriculum Development for Sustainable Seafood and Nutri�on Security (SSNS) MOWI SCOTLAND – Brexit Working Group

Innovation, sponsored by SAIC (Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre) BMT – Decision Support System MOWI SCOTLAND – Mowi Academy WORLD FEEDS LTD – VAF Feed Blocks

Environmental Impact, sponsored by Cargill

FJORD MARITIME – Fjord Hybrid NOUSHIN ARFATAHERY AND PROFESSOR JENS ROLFF ADAM RAINSDEN – Organic Sea Harvest

Economic Sustainability, sponsored by BioMar MOKSHINIKA SHRIMP FARMS SCOTTISH SEA FARMS

Community Initiative, sponsored by Poseidon Ocean Systems

SCOTTISH SALMON COMPANY – Healthy Communi�es Community Charter HIMALAYAN FISH FARM & AQUA TECH MOWI SCOTLAND LTD – Mowi Salmon Wagon

MAGNE CATHRINUS HOEM – Norgeskjell JUDITH BROWN – Isle of Skye Mussel Company Ltd JUDITH VAJK – Caledonian Oysters GEORGE HOLMYARD – Oﬀshore Shellﬁsh Ltd

ROBERT CURRIE – The Sco�sh Salmon Company STEPHEN WOODS – Sco�sh Sea Farms

Animal Welfare, sponsored by MSD Animal Health BENCHMARK ANIMAL HEALTH UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING & ACE AQUATEC THE SCOTTISH SALMON COMPANY

Aquaculture Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Stingray OCEAN KINETICS NUTRITION ANALYTICAL SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING UNDERWATER CONTRACTING LTD

Unsung Hero, sponsored by DSM

IAN KEEN-SMITH – Cooke Aquaculture Scotland EUAN MCARTHUR – Organic Sea Harvest PAUL CHRISTIAN RYAN – Paciﬁc Ocean Culture Pte Ltd DAVID STEWART – The Sco�sh Salmon Company ED LEY-WILSON – Aquascot

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, sponsored by Marine Scotland JIM TREASURER – FAI Farms NICK BRADBURY – BioMar STUART CANNON – Kames Fish Farm DAN PHILLIPS – Mowi Scotland

The award for the Best Aquaculture Company, sponsored by Crown Estate Scotland, and a new Judge’s Special Recogni�on Award, sponsored by Solvtrans, will be announced on the night.

Aquaculture UK (3) awards.indd 80

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:26:53

Chiller Pack The market tested solution to sustainable packaging for the fish industry.

Seamix Seamix is a specially formulated simulated sea water mix for the aquaculture industry. This simple to use, DEFRA approved formula is ideal for creating clean seawater free of bacteria and perfect for shellfish purification, holding tanks, aquaculture operations and equipment testing. Just add tap water! PDV, Sea & Rock Salts Sodium Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride

Cepac’s award-winning Chiller Pack has undergone rigorous supply chain assessment to prove its suitability for transporting fresh fish and shellfish.

Magnesium Chloride Hydrated Lime and more.

Peacock Salt, North Harbour, Ayr, KA8 8AE T 01292 292000 F 01292 292001 E info@peacocksalt.co.uk

Cepac Rawcliffe. Speciality Transit Packaging specialists cepacrawcliffe@cepac.co.uk 01405 837400

Visit us at AquaCulture UK stand 202 and learn how Digitalisation and the use of Industry 4.0 technology can help you upgrade your production plant to a Smart Factory – and by reducing waste and resource consumption support a Sustainable Future

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

Aquaculture UK (3) awards.indd 81

11/04/2022 09:51:47

Aquaculture UK preview

Glad to be back

Suppliers and producers from across the whole range of the aquaculture sector will be setting out their stalls in Aviemore

quaculture technology and services group AKVA is a longestablished regular at Aquaculture UK. David Peach, the company’s General Manager, Scotland, says: “A�er the long period of lockdown our primary objec�ve is to meet face to face under one roof with our customer base, engaging directly on their plans and upda�ng them on our developments, whilst con�nuing to understand the technical demands they have in day-to-day farming. Stepping out of the normal mee�ng schedule, this will be much more conducive to ge�ng good quality feedback and input.” AKVA has added several new team members, and this is a great opportunity to introduce them, Peach says. The company also has key messages about its new plas�c pen infrastructure including nets, Sperre net cleaners, feed barges complete with hybrid technology, cameras, Observe and AKVA Connect so�ware providing precision feeding technology solu�ons. He adds: “The show is long overdue! It will be great to get reacquainted with colleagues and friends from the wider industry, plus ge�ng some added and deserved focus on the importance of aquaculture in Scotland and the role AKVA Group play in it.” AKVA Group Scotland will be at Stands 77 and OS15.

World Feeds is a UK based manufacturer of animal feeds, specialising

in aqua�c nutri�on. Its Vitalis range of products is used globally by leading aquariums and households, and the company has also branched out into aquafeed, with its VAF (Vita Aqua Feeds) brand. Exhibi�ng for the ﬁrst �me at Aquaculture UK, Managing Director Peter Kersh says: “We’re hoping to cement and build our presence in the Sco�sh salmon market for our unique VAF feed products.

Aquaculture UK (4) Exhibitors.indd 82

“We are looking to penetrate the market more deeply with the usage of our VAF feedblocks for cleaner fish as a key and biologically natural way to reduce lice issues. Most of the key Sco�sh salmon farmers are now on board and we are looking to expand usage across the whole market. Addi�onally, we are looking to build confidence in the World Feeds/VAF brand as we look to develop further new products for the salmon industry.” The VAF Cleaner Fish Feed Blocks and feeding sta�ons are now being used by six of the seven largest salmon producers in Scotland. Kersh says fantas�c results have been recorded on fish health and welfare, and also bringing considerable �me, energy and financial savings for salmon farmers. Finally being able to meet in person at a major trade show like Aquaculture UK is “hugely important”, he adds. As Kersh puts it: “Not being able to visit or see customers for the last two years has been painful and we long to get back to being able to talk face to face again to discuss the problems and issues facing the industry.” Find World Feeds at Stand 219. Top left: AKVA pen Left: World Feeds feedblock in produc�on Above: World Feeds lumpfish feeding sta�on

“

Not being able to visit or see customers for the last two years has been painful

”

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:28:30

Powerful ROV

Mooring plate lock Meet us at stand 277

Stealth Cleaner MK3 in stock

www.ocein.no Ocein.indd 83

11/04/2022 09:59:39

Aquaculture UK preview challenges first and then design and manufacture effec�ve, prac�cal solu�ons that are bespoke to an individual customer’s needs. “The installa�on of the innova�ve thermolicer treatment system on Mull-based Inverlussa Marine Services new mul�-purpose vessel, the ‘Kallista Helen’ is a perfect example. The 26metre boat, on long-term lease to Sco�sh Sea Farms, was designed to minimise fish handling and maximise fish welfare. The vessel won Best Offshore Aquaculture Workboat in the Baird Mari�me Awards. Henderson adds: “We are also working on a collabora�ve ini�a�ve to develop a clean energy system specifically for the industry … and we are very much looking forward to sharing news of its progress at the Aviemore exhibi�on.” Visit Ocean Kinetics at Stand 328. 328

Norway-based FiiZK will be back at Aviemore to promote its range of closed systems, water filtra�on, digital and tarpaulin products. Ashleigh Currie, Fish Health and Business Development Manager for UK & Ireland, says: “We hope that our current, prospec�ve customers and anyone with an interest in what we produce, will visit our stands for a chat and a beer!” She adds: “We are always really excited about discussing the prospects of closed systems in Scotland and I know that there are lots of ques�ons surrounding these produc�on systems so this is a great opportunity to discuss in a relaxed environment. “Our water membrane filtra�on systems are also a hot topic since we are seeing more on-land farming as well as upgrades to RAS facili�es that require a be�er quality of water for smolt produc�on. “And farmers want to know how our nanofiltered water is aiding in the fight against sea lice/AGD [amoebic gill disease] and hopefully some of our customers from Ireland can shed some light on their experiences. It’s a great opportunity to share informa�on between operators.” Currie is looking forward to returning to Aviemore: “In-person events are always a great way to catch up, have a laugh and discuss poten�al partnerships… a�endees also get a be�er idea of the quality of our products from some samples that we will show on our stand, and we get the chance to build rela�onships informally in-person rather than having to opt for another Teams call. “The show is always great fun and we are all looking forward to a�ending the Awards dinner. I am personally looking forward to catching up with former colleagues that I haven’t seen for the past few years.” FiiZK will be at Stands 53 and 110.

Marine engineering supplier Ocean Kine�cs, a ﬁnalist in the Aquaculture Awards 2022 Supplier of the Year, will be at Aviemore presen�ng examples of innova�ve developments for the industry. Managing director John Henderson comments: “While many other marine engineers will provide a manufacturing service, we look at the

Aquaculture UK (4) Exhibitors.indd 84

Marine engineering business Brimmond Group will be coming to Aviemore having

recently been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Heila Marine Cranes. The deal opens the way for Brimmond to signiﬁcantly expand its opera�ons in the aquaculture sector, with four new Heila cranes available for rental and more cranes in the process of being built. The company has also grown its sales team as a result. Visit Brimmond Group at Stand 114

Ferguson Transport & Shipping has not stood s�ll since the last event. The company has added another vessel to its ﬂeet, “Jenna”, a shallow dra� mul�-purpose workboat with a 100 tonne crane and capstans. At Kishorn Port, Ferguson has expanded its warehouse capacity to 6,000m2 with direct access to the quayside and has also invested in a 100 tonne mobile crane. Opera�ons and Project manager, Kevin Ferguson, says: “The business con�nues to invest and look at how best to serve the sector and understand customer needs and requirements. The addi�on of the heavier li�ing cranes increases our li�ing capacity to conduct work which we had to outsource previously.” Ferguson adds: “There is nothing like an in-person event. We are looking forward to catching up with our customers within the industry, old and new.” Ferguson Transport & Shipping can be found at Stand 299. FF

In-person “events are

always a great way to catch up, have a laugh and discuss poten�al partnerships

”

Top left: Certus closed pen, FiiZK Left: Ocean Kine�cs Above: “Jenna” docked at Ferguson’s quayside at Kishorn Port

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:29:15

From engineering to completion We supply complete piping systems for land-based aquaculture, from design to installation. SIMONA Stadpipe offers services from the ’post-it note’ phase to completion, and monitors projects from the initial idea to production and the installation of the system at site.

stadpipe@simona-group.com

Nedre Sjåstad 24 6750 Stadlandet, Norway

+47 57 85 68 80

www.simona-stadpipe.com

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11/04/2022 10:01:09

Aquaculture UK preview

Heading north

Logistics business Northwards is looking forward to Aviemore

ransport and logis�cs business Northwards will also be exhibiting at Aquaculture UK, and hos�ng two tables at the awards dinner on 4 May. Commercial Director Neil Leslie says: “Northwards plays an important role in the aquaculture sector. As well as expor�ng ﬁsh from Orkney and Shetland to central Scotland, we carry feedstuﬀ into the islands, transport aquaculture equipment and nets, and move waste away. “We know the industry well, and we have the infrastructure in place, to make sure that, as the industry evolves, we adapt to meet its needs. A recent £1.5m investment in new vehicles means that we are well equipped to provide a highly specialised – and o�en bespoke – service for our customers.” A close working rela�onship with Northwards’ parent company, Sea-Cargo, makes it possible to provide seamless transporta�on links between Norway and Scotland. Leslie adds: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to reconnect with exis�ng customers and meet new people in the industry. We have really missed the one-to-one conversa�ons, where we hear what people’s logis�cal needs are, and have the chance to talk through possible solu�ons.” Northwards can be found at stand 155.

See more of Mørenot Mørenot is a provider of solu�ons to the global ﬁshing, aquacul-

ture and seismic industries. In aquaculture, the company oﬀers nets, moorings, services and Aquacom, an IT applica�on to help manage the maintenance of infrastructure and vessels in the industry.

Aquaculture UK (5) Northwards & Morenot.indd 86

Casper Guldberg Petersen, Country Manager, Denmark and Head of Cages with Mørenot, says: “A lot has happened in Mørenot since the last Aquaculture UK, including the 2019 acquisi�on and integra�on of Hvalpsund Net, opening a new state of the art net lo� in Lithuania and tweaking the product por�olio to be�er match the market demand and with a con�nuously stronger focus on ESG. “We look forward to mee�ng with good and longstanding clients to explain how we are constantly striving to make Mørenot a more relevant supplier.” Mørenet also has product launches to talk about, including the Mørenot Collect, a cage system that Mørenot Aquaculture, in associa�on with Li�-Up, Aquapro and Ragn-Selles Havbruk, launched at Aquanor in Norway last year. The new system collects and reduces the accumula�on of sediment in fish farms and reuses this waste as biofuel. Tes�ng at Lerøy Seafood shows a 60-70% collec�on performance, which offers major environmental benefits and good produc�on u�lisa�on. The cage material and configura�on are carefully planned to ensure good water flowthrough and the best possible fish welfare, while also func�oning effec�vely as a sludge collector. Petersen is looking forward to May: “These events are a very important part of our client contact. We could never replace this with online mee�ngs and look forward to once again coming to Aviemore.” Find Mørenot at Stand 293. FF

Top left: Northwards vehicle on the road Left: Neil Leslie Above from top: Caspar Guldberg Petersen; David Goodlad

We are delighted to have the “opportunity to reconnect with… customers and meet new people ” www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:30:41

Tailored Feed Block Diets for Wrasse & Lumpfish Improved Health & Welfare, Reduced Aggression

THE SOLUTION TO SEA LICE

Strategic Feeding Systems - Practical & Efficient

Ferguson TransporT & shipping

CLEANER FISH MANAGEMENT

No Preparation, No Refrigeration

High Quality, Sustainably Sourced Ingredients

Logistic soLutions successfuL with partners

Multipurpose Workboat Supply Vessels Landing Crafts OUR SERVICES:

Our vessels are available for private hire, with long-term, short-term and one off contracts all welcome.

Ferguson TransporT & shipping

• Self-load and discharge, Logistic soLutions successfuL with partners sling hook or grab • O&M for aquaculture Multipurpose Workboat • Offshore renewable support Supply Vessels • Oil & Gas Rig Support Landing Crafts • Diving support & surveying work OUR SERVICES: • General cargo movements • Self-load and discharge, sling hook or grab

info@worldfeeds.uk

www.vitaaquafeeds.uk

Our vessels are available for private hire, with long-term, short-term and one off contracts all welcome.

• O&M for aquaculture • Offshore renewable support • Oil & Gas Rig Support • Diving support & surveying work • General cargo movements

Tel: +44 (0)1397 773 840 • Email: enquiries@fergusonshipping.co.uk

www.fergusontransport.co.uk www.fishfarmermagazine.com

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11/04/2022 10:03:11

Aquaculture UK preview

Get hands-on with Gael Force The aquaculture supplier will be showing its latest offerings - inside and outside of barges. There will also be a focus on our SeaQureWeld process within our wider quality assurance programme for the produc�on of pens.” The prospect of returning to a live trade event in the UK a�er all this �me is exci�ng for the Gael Force team. Wilson says: “To be very honest, a few months ago we understandably had some reserva�ons about poten�al a�endance levels at the exhibi�on given the series of postponements and generally as people have been a bit more on guard these last two years. “However, we have heard from a lot of farmers in the past weeks who have spoken posi�vely about the fact that they will be going to Aviemore and that is fantas�c news for everyone a�ending. “It is not just a brilliant opportunity for us to listen to our customers and demonstrate our equipment and technology – Aquaculture UK s a key supplier to the industry, Inverness-based Gael Force is a social trade show and the whole occasion Group is an Aquaculture UK regular. This year, Gael Force will manages to strike a great balance between prohave a presence inside and outside the covered exhibi�on area. fessional exhibits and the laid-back atmosphere On the company’s larger stand inside the main marquee, a core required to enable people to feel like they can range of farming equipment and technology will be on show, with physical catch up informally.” components and digital displays. The semi-enclosed presenta�on area will Gael Force is at Stand 140 and outside the provide a comfortable area for visitors to hear from a range of Gael Force’s exhibition main area. FF experts and partners. On the outdoor stand visitors will be able to view Gael Force’s containment products, including a large SeaQurePen 500 display which has been recently upgraded with new features for 2022, and a range of moorings components including shackle plates, ropes and other hardware. The display will also offer the chance to get hands-on with the company’s extensive ne�ng range. Group Marke�ng Manager Marc Wilson says: “We will be hos�ng a series of ‘Meet the Expert’ presenta�ons on our indoor stand throughout the first two days of the exhibi�on. The presenta�ons will be short and informa�ve, exploring topics of interest and challenges facing fish farmers and their equipment. “There will also be the opportunity to sample some smoked salmon and maybe even a small dram!” He adds: “We know that secure containment and safety is vitally important to our customers. Over the past 12 months our teams have worked �relessly towards NS9415 accredita�on and Aquaculture UK is going to provide us with an opportunity to demonstrate the ways in which our quality assurance checks, and controls, have been improved even further – par�cularly around pens and moorings, and barges. “We will be demonstra�ng our in-depth approach to Moorings Technical Analysis with NS9415 approved so�ware. We will also be demonstra�ng new safety features on our latest feed barge range, plus hybridisa�on

Left: Gael Force stand at Aquanor 2021 Above: Marc Wilson Below: Fish farm with Gael Force equipment deployed

“

Secure containment and safety is vitally important to our customers

Aquaculture UK (6) Gael Force.indd 88

”

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 16:33:42

- the gentle and efficient delousing system Salmon lice present a significant challenge for the aquaculture industry and are a major threat to fish welfare, not to mention a large burden on the economics in the sector. Hydrolicer handles the fish gently with controlled speed, low pressure and low lifting height during the entire delousing process.

Immediately after the treatment, the fish is ready for feeding. With the main focus on good fish welfare at all stages of the delousing process, Hydrolicer has achieved excellent results and become a recognised and preferred system across a wide range of sites in the industry.

Hydrolicer uses only water taken directly from the sea to process the fish. No chemicals or hot water are used. All transport water is filtered through a drum filter on board the vessel. Lice, egg strings and eggs are collected and destroyed.

Emil Schanches Gate 8 7160 Bjugn Norway post@smir.no +47 924 34 554

smir.no

FINALIST Aquaculture Supplier of the Year Aquaculture Awards

EXPERTS IN AQUACULTURE ENGINEERING We’re exhibiting at Aquaculture UK, Aviemore 3-5 May 2022

FIND US AT STAND 328

oceankinetics.co.uk www.fishfarmermagazine.com

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11/04/2022 10:05:39

Unst Fluggaboats – client content

Workboats that deliver

Fluggaboats can handle tough conditions – and now there’s an electric option

e have recently completed a six-boat order for Grieg Seafoods. These were 8.5 and nine metre boats using OXE diesel outboards. They have been very successful in the role they are used for and the crews like them. The boats are built to an approved structural design and supplied ready coded MCA Cat 3 for use on arrival on site. The Fluggaboats’ use of aluminium for the hull and the HDPE collar make a very durable, long-las�ng boat that is proven to be up to to the use that farms require. Their strong structure and reserves of buoyancy mean these boats are probably the best on the market. We are aware of environmental considera�ons in the industry. Even our workshop is powered by our own wind turbine, and this has led us to inves�gate different propulsion methods, including an electric drive. At Aquaculture UK we will have on show the latest boat from Fluggaboats, an all-electric workboat. Some delays in supply mean we may not have all the tes�ng we wanted done before the show, but we are confident that we have another winner in the range we can offer. Currently we are working on MCA coding and hope to have this in place for Aviemore. The new boat will be on display on stand OS11 just outside the main entrance, with further informa�on on other Fluggaboats at stand 205 inside. FF

First showing at Aquaculture UK 22 - The all electric Fluggaboat

Ideal for fish farming and featuring a 125 hp electric outboard and 64 kwh battery. On STAND OS11 outside and STAND 205 inside

ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF A RIB, JUST HARDER

Featured: 8.5m, aluminium and HDPE collar. Specifically designed for Salmon farm work, with heated cabin, twin Oxe diesel outboards. Coded MCA Cat 3 on delivery.

Built in Shetland and designed to withstand the harshest sea conditions, Flugga Boats utilise an HDPE collar and aluminium materials for strength, low maintenance and a long-life hull. Flugga Boats, Hagdale Industrial Estate, Baltasound, Unst, Shetland ZE2 9TW Tel: (+44)1957 711 881 Email:info@fluggaboats.co.uk www.fluggaboats.co.uk

Unst Inshore Services Ltd - Flugga Boats.indd 90

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 11:54:05

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panaferd.com panaferd.com panaferd.com panaferd.com panaferd.com 11/04/2022 10:07:03

Gael Force Group – Client content

Building stronger Ahead of Aquaculture UK, Gael Force offers an exclusive preview into its latest range of SeaFeed concrete barges with enhanced safety features and hybridisation options

t was during a recent weekend in March that Sco�sh supply partner Gael Force reached a significant milestone - the simultaneous launch of two feeding barges on either side of the Atlan�c, in Scotland and Canada, and the remarkable achievement of a landmark 100 completed concrete feed barge builds. In lockstep with the advancements in fish husbandry over those many years, a great deal has changed in the design and manufacture of barges at Gael Force. Designing and building to the principles of NS9415 is the norm for the company’s well-established and highly skilled in-house team. Evolving over the years, Gael Force feeding barges remain a highly reliable and stable pla�orm of choice for farmers across many sites in Scotland. This year, however, the supply partner is implemen�ng a range of 2022 Sea Safe features and improvements, the most significant to date, on its modernised fleet of Sco�sh built SeaFeed Concrete Barges. These are set to be fully revealed at Aquaculture UK this May.

Enhanced safety features

Across the SeaFeed concrete barge range, comprising models 150t, 200t and 350t feed load capaci�es, the barges’ freeboards are designed to be signiﬁcantly greater than the requirement as set out in the NS9415 standards for Hs 5-6 ra�ng. For example, the 200t has had its freeboard massively increased from previous models - more than two metres when fully loaded. Load line markings clearly marked on the barge hull indicate light loading and full loading levels to the operator. In addi�on to exis�ng automated bilge alarm systems, a smart new hatch alarm system connected to all external hatches, doors, or openings is integrated across the new range. If any hatches are le� open, the

alarm system will no�fy the operator with a combina�on of audible and visual alerts. This is reinforced with a dis�nguishable ﬂashing light installed on top of the wheelhouse which will signal when triggered by an open hatch. Barge operators will not be able to leave the barge without knowing that a hatch or opening has not been closed correctly. Furthermore, Gael Force has introduced robust DNV-compliant water�ght doors in the lower areas of the barge to increase segrega�on between rooms. And, in response to customer feedback, all new barge designs feature a new heat ven�ng arrangement. Any heat generated from plant inside the lower levels of the barge is now vented directly outside, thus removing any source of heat build-up. As a result, the internals of the barge are kept close to ambient seawater temperature. This beneﬁts the plant on board and ensures that feed retains its quality in the best available environment. With every feed barge delivery, whether it be concrete, or steel built, the team at Gael Force work with their customers to provide the most appropriate and up-to-date barge owner manuals and operator training programmes to encourage and support safe barge handling.

Hybridisa�on

In a first for Gael Force, the most recent 200t concrete feed barge delivered in Scotland was fully hybridised using Fjord Mari�me’s Hybrid system. All the systems on that barge will operate from the power supplied from the ba�eries on board, with the generator only ac�va�ng on occasions required to recharge the ba�eries. Gael Force Produc�on Director, Stephen Offord explained: “Understandably we are seeing increased demand for hybrid power systems in feed barges, so we are delighted to be able to offer a solu�on as an op�on should our customers require it – either on new builds or retrofi�ed on exis�ng barges, for which, given the current financial and environmental cost of fuel, we expect to see a significant demand.”

Gael Force Group Ltd - PED.indd 92

Top right: Gael Force Barge Above: Stephen Oﬀord Below left: Gael Force SeaFeed 350T Concrete Feed Barge Opposite: The Fjord Hybrid

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 11:55:30

Building stronger

Using Fjord Hybrid, fish farms can run their generators for as li�le as three hours per day, instead of 24 hours, which is the current norm. This can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent compared with tradi�onal opera�ons. Moreover, Fjord Mari�me has reported that the reduced running �me can extend the life�me of fish farm power supply systems by up to 60%. With the Fjord Hybrid system, millions of data points are recorded each day from the barge which is then converted into easily understood informa�on. The informa�on can help with the op�misa�on of energy consump�on which can then lead to a be�er cost of produc�on per kilo of fish. Because of its modular design, Stephen Offord says that retrofi�ng exis�ng Gael Force barges is a straigh�orward process for their team: “All four modules are far smaller than the generator you would otherwise install in its place, so with our know-how and understanding of the system, installa�on onto an exis�ng barge is something that our team can carry out very easily.”

We are seeing increased demand for “hybrid power systems in feed barges ” www.fishfarmermagazine.com

Gael Force Group Ltd - PED.indd 93

Over 100 of these hybrid systems have already been installed across Norwegian ﬁsh farms, however, this recent installa�on was the ﬁrst to occur in the UK. “We have had great support from Fjord Mari�me during the design and installa�on process, with any ques�ons answered promptly and with clarity. Our team are fully trained on all aspects of the system installa�on, while we also have backup support from the manufacturer should it be required.”

Building stronger

These latest feature updates con�nue to show that Gael Force Group is highly mo�vated to support its customers in their aims for improved safety, security, and sustainability, all of which count towards the growth of a healthy, nutri�ous, and superior class of seafood. Gael Force Group is exhibiting 3-5 May at Aquaculture UK. For a full programme of events, visit gaelforcegroup.com or follow our updates on LinkedIn. FF

11/04/2022 11:55:56

CSAR – client content

Improving lumpﬁsh welfare

Researchers at the University of Swansea have developed a new tool to help in the care of lumpﬁsh

wansea University will be delivering an exci�ng workshop at the Aquaculture UK trade show, en�tled “Tools for improving the welfare of lumpfish”. The workshop will take place on 5 May 2022 from 12:00 to 13:00 and is free to all a�endees. The workshop will consist of two main topics followed by a discussion panel: 1) facilitated hands-on test session of the Lumpfish Welfare Watcher – a web-based and desktop applica�on designed to help fish farmers assess and improve the welfare of Lumpfish; and 2) using AI to improve lumpfish welfare. During the workshop, a�endees will get a free lumpfish welfare chart and learn how to use it in combina�on with the following lumpfish welfare tools: the lumpfish BMI calculator for the detec�on of underweight fish and the Rapid Welfare Assessment Tool to calculate the overall welfare of lumpfish. On 4 May, CSAR will be at SAIC’s stall from 15:00 to 15:30, showcasing its cleaner fish research and how CSAR is training the next genera�on of aquaculture professionals. “We encourage everyone interested in fish welfare – farmers, researchers, students, vets, and welfare interest groups to a�end this exci�ng workshop”, said Dr Sara Barrento, Swansea University, speaker and organiser of the workshop. This is the second joint event in a series organised and supported by the projects Access2Sea, funded by the Interreg Atlan�c Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund and the Seafood

Innova�on Fund (SIF). It is led by the Centre for Sustainable Aqua�c Research (CSAR), Swansea University The ﬁrst event took place during Lochaber Ideas Week – Aquaculture Day in Fort William, Scotland on 17 November 2021. For more information: Lochaber Ideas Week link www.sustainableaquaculture.com/newsevents/lochaber-ideas-week-aquaculture-day/ SIF: bsciweb.swan.ac.uk/lumpﬁsh/docs/LUMPFISH_WELFARE_WATCHER_WEB_INTERFACE_GUIDE.pdf Acces2Sea access2sea.eu/event/applica�on-of-sensors-in-precision-aquaculture/ To learn more and keep up to date on coming events follow us on Twitter @CSAR_ACE twitter.com/csar_ace FF

Each to their own

A study has revealed unexpected sea bass individual temperature preferences SHUTTLE box experiments with sea bass revealed that there are large individual differences in temperature preference, varying from a maximum of 19.6 °C to a minimum of 8.0°C. Mean temperature preference was 14.9 ± 2.2 °C (± SD), which was close to the temperature of the environment where the fish were originally collected (16 °C) and the temperature of the holding tanks (15 °C). The Centre for Sustainable Aqua�c Research (CSAR) has recently acquired a shu�le box – a twocompartment box, in which the temperature increases in one compartment and decreases in the other. Both compartments start with the same temperature and the fish can swim freely between the two and choose to stay on the side that is more pleasant. In this preliminary experiment with 30 sea bass, some fish moved frequently and thereby only allowed slow changes in core temperature, while others chose to move less frequently in the shu�le box, thereby exposing themselves to rela�vely rapid changes in core temperature. This is somewhat surprising given the fish are from the same age class, were collected at the same loca�on, and have been held under standardised condi�ons. This research is funded by the STREAM project, under The Ireland Wales 2014-2020 European Territorial Co-opera�on (ETC) programme, and we will be inves�ga�ng the underlying mechanisms that determine individual differences in temperature preference, including behavioural (boldness), physiological (metabolism) and morphological (size, body shape) traits. For more information on the STREAM project, see www.marinestream.eu/ Contact for both of the above topics: Dr Sara Barrento, S.I.barrento@swansea.uk (email), +44 (0)788 412 1703 (tel).

CSAR - Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research - PED.indd 94

Top: Graph showing temperature preference data for the 30 sea bass tested in the shu�le box Above: Shu�le box showing the two preference zones (of low and high temperature); the sea bass being tested is highlighted in red (Chloe Woodland)

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 11:56:56

Aquaculture UK Aviemore, 3-5 May Stand 187 www.nova-q.ie

RAS Bioﬁlter Microbiome Management Nitrifying Bacteria

Full Salinity Range

Control Off-ﬂavour

Technical Support

RAS Bioﬁlter Microbiome Management Nitrifying Bacteria

Full Salinity Range

Control Off-ﬂavour

Technical Support

Aerobic Denitriﬁcation RAS Water Treatment Training Long Shelf Life

Aerobic Denitriﬁcation RAS Water Treatment Training Long SolidShelf built Life aluminium workboats from Norway! Aquaculture UK Promek AS Aviemore, 3-5 May Kaiveien 90, 6570 Smøla Stand 187 +(47) 71 54 44 44 post@promek.no www.nova-q.ie www.promek.no

Detection reaches new limits Tighter rules on pesticide levels will require more sensitive testing technology

ames Hutton Limited is delighted to announce it is in the latest stages of launching a brand-new service to help fish farmers with the upcoming changes to Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC). These changes require analysis for Emamectin Benzoate (EMB) pesticide in marine water and sediments up to 1,000 times lower than current levels. The active ingredient in SLICE®, Emamectin Benzoate is used to control sea lice - a major problem in aquaculture. The team at James Hutton Limited are experienced in this sector and have been carrying out Emamectin Benzoate analysis to the detection limits previously required for more than 15 years. The organisation is now adapting its technology to meet the new legislative requirements using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ MS/MS). The methodology is expected to be approved by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and accredited by UKAS, the National Accreditation Body for the UK, in the near future. Now is the time to learn more about the services and how they can help you. Four key benefits using James Hutton Limited: • Analysis is carried out by world-class scientists from the renowned James Hutton Institute. • They use sophisticated analytical instruments to complete the analysis. • They can reach the new detection limits that are extremely difficult to achieve. • It’ll ultimately allow your fish farm to keep operating!

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

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For more information, please reach out to Rodger McGovern, Business Development Manager in Analytical Services: email rodger.mcgovern@huttonltd.com or visit www.huttonltd.com James Hutton Limited will be attending Aquaculture UK in Aviemore (3-5 May 2022).

12/04/2022 10:09:56

Recirculating aquaculture systems

Flavour saver

Managing the microbiome provided a solution to off-ﬂavour compounds in Kuterra’s RAS system

ne of the challenges facing recircula�ng aquaculture systems (RAS) – especially when these are used for grow-out – is the presence of off-flavour compounds (OFCs) that can affect the smell and taste of the fish. Geosmin is a typical example. It is a by-product of bacteria in the system and, while harmless, it is a smell to which we are very sensi�ve. O�en described as “the smell of the soil” or the aroma of woodland a�er a rainy day, humans can detect as li�le as 100 parts in a trillion of geosmin – and it is not a flavour anyone wants in their fillet of salmon.

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Geosmin (and another OFC, “MIB” or 2-Methylisoborneol) are created when non-beneficial microbes – o�en cyanobacteria or ac�nomyces – become established in RAS systems. These microbes produce Geosmin and MIB, which builds up in the recirculated water and is then taken up in the flesh of fish in the system. Off-flavour is commonly treated by “purging” the fish using large volumes of new, clean water, known as makeup water (MUW) for between five to 13 days before being harvested. Fish are not fed during this purge and therefore lose weight (reducing their value). The large volumes of water required also increase the environmental footprint of each fish produced. Raising land-based salmon on Vancouver Island in Bri�sh Columbia since 2013, Kuterra (now operated by Whole Oceans) produces high quality, sustainably reared fish. As one of the longest established grow-out facili�es, Kuterra has collated extensive OFC baseline data related to its systems. Typical for grow-out systems, Kuterra has historically managed OFC levels by

Above: Salmon Left: Full grown salmon Opposite from top: Cyanobacteria; Kuterra salmon; young smolt; Kuterra’s RAS facility

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 14:16:12

Flavour saver

varying the levels of makeup water (MUW) in the system, that is, addi�onal water. However, OFC solu�ons must also improve water quality, ensuring MUW does not have to increase. Having read about promising small scale trial work on OFC reduc�on conducted at the Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, Lethbridge College using ACF-RAS Right bacteria products, Kuterra contacted Nova Q and agreed to a full-scale trial at their facility. Nova Q is an Irish firm of environmental sustainability specialists, offering products and process innova�ons to customers across the agriculture, water, renewables, and aquaculture sectors. RAS Right is an established brand of bacteria products developed by Nova Q and BluePlanet Labs for RAS Aquaculture. The range includes nitrifica�on, denitrifica�on, species that remove OFCs, and solu�ons for sludge reduc�on in freshwater and marine systems. Nova Q applies the concept of “ac�ve microbiome management”, which involves the RAS Right bacteria species being mul�plied con�nuously on-site in a bioreactor grow-tank and dosed into the RAS biofilter at regular intervals. The current standard prac�ce is to only “seed” a biofilter with beneficial bacteria and allow bacteria popula�ons to develop without control. Simple seeding, however, does not control undesirable bacteria species taking hold in the biofilter. Ac�ve microbiome management ensures that not only are the OFCs targeted, but the essen�al popula�ons of nitrifying bacteria are maintained in adequate numbers to ensure water quality parameters are always met. The RAS Right bacteria species break down offflavour compounds directly and “crowd out” the bacteria that produce the OFCs. “Maintenance dosing” involves con�nually dosing RAS biofilters with specifically selected bacteria formula�ons. This stops sub-op�mal combina�ons of bacteria species developing, ensuring robust nitrifica�on, and avoiding spikes in toxins such as H₂S or contaminants like geosmin.

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Within a month, geosmin levels started a sustained fall. A�er 115 days, geosmin stabilised below the 5ng/L (five parts per trillion) industry-standard limit for acceptable flavour. This reduc�on was achieved while reducing MUW requirements to a quarter of their ini�al levels, alongside a downward trend in turbidity levels. Strong nitrifica�on – the core func�on of the biofilter bacteria – was maintained throughout. John Burton, Produc�on Manager at Kuterra, said: “We’re now ge�ng geosmin levels consistently below our maximum limit, coupled with only requiring design rates of makeup water – which is unprecedented in our site.” Julian Bea�y, MD at Nova Q, said: “Kuterra has been an ideal site on which to prove out our geosmin solu�on at a larger scale. The team there are among the most experienced in the grow-out industry, both in how they monitor and in willingness to try new approaches in their RAS. These ground-breaking results show how OFC issues can be solved by ac�ve microbiome management”. FF

We’re “ now ge�ng

geosmin levels consistently below our maximum limit

”

11/04/2022 14:16:49

Northwards – client content

Keeping industry on the move Freight operator Northwards is opening up the aquaculture transport network

reight, haulage, and maintenance operator Northwards - which has bases in Shetland, Orkney, Aberdeen, Inverness, Scrabster, and Central Scotland - is continuing to open up Scotland-to-Scandinavia transportation for the aquaculture sector. Visitors to Aquaculture UK in Aviemore (3-5 May 2022) will be able to find out more about the fast-developing logistics delivered by Northwards, who are not only transporting chilled product from Orkney and Shetland to central Scotland, but are also now supporting their aquaculture sector clients by providing fast, efficient transport of goods and equipment between Scotland and Norway, as well as the rest of the UK, Europe, and beyond. The company’s access to the vessels and European terminals of parent company, SeaCargo AS, is making transportation of goods and equipment between Scandinavia and Scotland simple and straightforward, while a partnership with UPN is facilitating pallet distribution services across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Commercial director Neil Leslie said: “With strategically located logistic hubs across Scotland and transportation partners that can carry goods and equipment to and from customers across Europe, we are ideally placed to support our clients in the aquaculture sector with ambient as well as temperature-controlled freight. “Aquaculture is a sector that is very important to us. We have long-standing relationships with clients in the industry and understand their very specific requirements. As well as fresh product, we transport goods, equipment, and significant volumes of salmon feed, and we carry aquaculture waste via tanker away from the islands for safe disposal. “We understand the highly perishable nature of fresh fish and how

important timely deliveries are to maintaining quality, value, and customer confidence. The introduction of Insuliner trailers has made it possible to transport fresh fish south in state-of-the-art chilled trailers, then bring fish feed north to Aberdeen on the return journey. This is both sustainable and highly efficient for us and our customer. On board the ship, we have created new ways of stowing feed, which again resulted in greater efficiencies for us, the ferry operator, and our customers. “The need to continually innovate, create efficiencies, and solve the transport challenges faced by our customers is central to our operation. These are all areas that we look forward to discussing face-to-face, when we once again meet with our colleagues in the industry at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore.” Visit Northwards at Stand 155. FF

Depots

Trondheim Kristiansund Molde

Northwards Sea Cargo

Ålesund

UPN

We’re delighted to be exhibiting again at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore from 3 to 5 May, and very much look forward to seeing you there. • Temperature-controlled and ambient road haulage and freight shipping

Lerwick

Scrabster

Kirkwall

Bergen

Haugesund Stavanger

Farsund

Inverness

Aberdeen

Gothenburg

Glasgow Esbjerg

• Cargo handling and storage • Pallet distribution

Swinoujscie Immingham

info@northwardsltd.co.uk northwardsltd.co.uk 98

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UPN Rotterdam

See us at stand

155

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 11:58:15

Heart of the matter

A new study is helping to tackle cardiomyopathy syndrome in farmed salmon

ardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) of farmed Atlantic salmon is widespread and responsible for significant losses. Affected fish may show no external signs other than sudden mortality. Clinical signs, where present, are typically associated with heart failure. Histologically, characteristic changes including inflammatory cell infiltration, cell degeneration and cell necrosis are apparent in the heart muscle. The primary cause is believed to be infection with piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV), a double-stranded RNA virus. To date, PMCV has not been isolated in pure culture and shown to reproduce disease, and this impairs efforts to develop effective control measures. Moredun Scientific has recently validated an experimental model of CMS in Atlantic salmon post-smolts. The model is based on injection of fish with PMCV obtained from tissues from clinically affected fish. Tissue homogenates were screened by PCR to confirm the presence of PMCV and exclude interfering viruses causing similar pathologies. Viability of the PMCV preparation was

confirmed by demonstration of cytopathic effect using a susceptible fish cell line. In the validation study groups of 40 fish were challenged by intra-peritoneal injection at four dose levels. The study found 100% of challenged fish were PMCV positive at four weeks and 10 weeks post challenge. All control fish were PMCV negative. Experimentally challenged fish showed no clinical signs, and the pathological effect was determined by scoring of histopathological changes in the heart. The model resulted in a substantial increase in heart scores in affected fish. A range of promising clinical biomarkers have also been identified to support PMCV challenge studies. Learn more about our range of models at www.moredun-scientific.com Contact Moredun Scientific via info@moredun-scientific.com

Top right: CMS histopathology Right: Atlantic salmon farm

ABERDEEN

WEB LIMITED Scotland’s leading manufacturer of Webbing Slings | Round Slings | Ratchet Lashings • One Stop Lifting Shop • Bespoke UK Manufacturing • Mooring Slings & Ropes • Quality Shackles, Links & Chain • Own branded slings available AWL trusted for 30 years Lifting and Securing your goods +44 (0)1224 723111 info@aberdeenwebltd.com www.aberdeenwebltd.com www.fishfarmermagazine.com

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11/04/2022 10:10:48

Brimmond Group – client content

Fulﬁlling your

specialist lifting needs

Brimmond’s exclusive distribution deal with Heila Marine Cranes has given the company wider access to the aquaculture sector

Meet the Brimmond crane sales team

ince winning £1.75m worth of new contracts late last year, Brimmond Group’s growth has been going from strength to strength. Most recently, the company announced an exclusive distribu�on deal for Heila Marine Cranes. Heila is a global leader in the manufacture of specialist heavy-duty cranes with over 700 customers worldwide. Through the agreement, Brimmond is the exclusive provider and servicer of Heila marine cranes and crane parts across exis�ng and future UK and Ireland customers. “Heila is a strong strategic fit for us, and the deal supports our growth by widening access to addi�onal marine focused markets, such as aquaculture, defence and renewables, while s�ll providing a high-quality product and service to our exis�ng energy sector customers,” said Steve Simpson, Business Development Manager at Brimmond. “We have a strong track record in successfully supplying and servicing marine cranes to suit the individual needs of our clients,” con�nued Steve. “With every project we strive to meet the highest levels of safety, reliability and efficiency.” Since announcing the Heila deal in January, Brimmond has quickly grown its opera�ons in the aquaculture sector. Four Heila rental cranes are currently in opera�on, new stock cranes are currently being manufactured and the company has a steady stream of work commissioning and repairing cranes for fish farming vessels. The exclusive distribu�on deal has also supported Brimmond to grow its crane sales team, with the addi�on of Stuart Gilligan, Heila’s previous UK distributor. Stuart joins Paul Dingwall, Technical Sales Manager for Marine Cranes and together they offer Brimmond customers decades of exper�se, experience and stellar service.

Our focus is on genuinely “listening to customers to

”

fully understand their pain points 100

Brimmond Group - DPS.indd 100

Top: Stuart Gilligan Above: Paul Dingwall

Stuart Gilligan has extensive knowledge of the aquaculture market, having worked with all leading suppliers: “I have over 25 years of experience in the marine and offshore sectors working on all forms of li�ing equipment. For the last seven years, I have been distribu�ng Heila marine cranes so have considerable knowledge of the brand and its products. “Our focus is on genuinely listening to customers to fully understand their pain points and needs and ins�nc�vely iden�fy the solu�ons which are right for them. Paul and I are looking forward to hi�ng the road soon to visit our aquaculture customers – holding mee�ngs remotely has its merits but there’s nothing be�er than ge�ng to our customers in person.” Paul Dingwall has worked for Brimmond for nine years, suppor�ng the company’s growth into new sectors: “For more than 25 years, Brimmond has been consistently mee�ng the demands of global clients in a range of sectors, from energy to aquaculture, from our base in Aberdeen, Scotland. “We believe every project is unique so work with customers to truly understand their requirements. This means we help customers to iden�fy when an off the shelf solu�on is required and when specialist modifica�ons would be most effec�ve. Our client-focused approach is reflected in our results – we produce and deliver equipment which is robust and reliable and leads to safer and more efficient opera�ons for our clients.” Get in touch with Stuart or Paul by emailing sales@brimmond-group.com FF

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 12:07:41

Withaastrong strongtrack trackrecord recordin insuccessfully successfullysupplying supplyingand andservicing servicing With marinecranes cranesto tosuit suitclient clientrequests, requests,we wesell, sell,stock, stock,rent, rent,refurbish refurbish marine repairand andupgrade upgradeaadiverse diverseand andever-increasing ever-increasingrange rangeof ofnew new repair andsecond-hand second-handmarine marinecranes cranesfor forthe theAquaculture Aquaculturesector. sector. and Cranes for Workboats and Aquaculture Vessels Cranes for Workboats and Aquaculture Vessels New & second hand marine cranes kept in stock New & second hand marine cranes kept in stock OEM spares in stock + winches and remote controls OEM spares in stock + winches and remote controls Knuckleboom crane training Knuckleboom crane training Rental marine crane packages Rental marine crane packages Hydraulic power units available Hydraulic power units available Onsi Onsite/oﬀshore crane technicians Onsi Onsite/oﬀshore crane technicians

Crane installaaons and commissioning Crane installaaons and commissioning 6 monthly, annual & 5 yearly inspecaons 6 monthly, annual & 5 yearly inspecaons Troubleshooang, diagnose and repair Troubleshooang, diagnose and repair Full strip refurbishments Full strip refurbishments KAMAT Pumps: UK and Ireland agent. KAMAT Pumps: UK and Ireland agent. Pump skids for net cleaning Pump skids for net cleaning EFFER: PPreviously the UK distributor, we EFFER: PPreviously the UK distributor, we conanue to provide servicing and support conanue to provide servicing and support

ExclusiveUK UKand andIreland Irelanddistributor, distributor,service service Exclusive partnerand andagent agentfor forHeila HeilaMarine MarineCranes Cranes partner

ToohillsAvenue, Avenue,Midmill MidmillBusiness BusinessPark, Park,Kintore, Kintore,Aberdeenshire, Aberdeenshire,AB51 AB510QP, 0QP,Scotland Scotland Toohills Tel:+44 +44(0)1467 (0)1467633805 633805 info@brimmond-group.com info@brimmond-group.com www.brimmond-group.com www.brimmond-group.com Tel: Brimmond Group - DPS.indd 101

11/04/2022 12:08:46

HS. MARINE – client content

20 years of excellence

S.MARINE, the specialist manufacturer of marine cranes, based in Italy in a strategic area between Milan, Bologna and Verona, is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Stefano Forni, founder and Managing Director of HS.MARINE, says: “Next year we will blow out our first 20 candles, and we will do it alongside all those clients who have given us and who continue to give us their preference. A result that in fact goes to reward the path we have decided to follow which focuses on reliability, efficiency and ‘always operational’ service, able to respond to any request in a very short time.” “These,” continues Forni “Are the three keywords that have made HS.MARINE, a manufacturer of marine cranes, one of the main players in the market. We are definitely not the cheapest manufacturer, but we are proud to say that we are the one offering the cheapest cost of ownership.” What is the excellent result of the Italian company based on? There is no doubt about the answer for Forni, who says: “Our business plan was based on the observation that the marine crane market was primarily made up using truck-designed cranes converted for marine use. We decided to design for the application”. Observing the lifespan of the cranes on the marine market and the costs of servicing them at sea, not to mention the financial impact of a breakdown, HS.MARINE understood that reliability and safety were the main differences between a marine design and a so called “marinised” design. So HS.MARINE decided to develop a specific design for the application and to focus on quality solutions and on the quality of the components. “All crane designs,” continues Forni, “Have been specially developed and improved for operation in the marine environment with a particular attention to fish farming. All structures have been designed to take up heavy lateral forces and to have flexibility, but with a low value of deflection under load. “All parts have been designed and protected for easy maintenance. Each crane component and each crane part has been selected and designed for Above: AK and AKC long life. I repeat: ours are not former marinised truck cranes. Ours are cranes in Fish Farming cranes specially designed for fish farming. Applica�ons “At first, they may seem more expensive, perhaps we have a premium price, but at the end we are the cheapest solution because, unlike other cranes, ours are designed to last and therefore we have the lowest cost of ownership on the market. That’s why we have so many repeat customers.”

“

Customers agree that HS.MARINE cranes have a longer lifespan

”

102

HS Marine - PED.indd 102

Forni continues: “Customers agree that HS.MARINE cranes have a longer lifespan and that they are designed to minimise and simplify maintenance. At the same time the cranes’ reliability reduces the need for spares and, consequently, operational costs. In fact, the HS.MARINE design concept, the quality of the components and the surface treatment reduces maintenance and lifetime costs, simplifies the inspection activities and minimises the need for spares and recoating.” “What is less well understood is that the safety aspects are also undeniable. To support the progress of the fish farming industry and to guarantee safety, equipment for aquaculture needs to be specially designed and developed for this application. HS.MARINE cranes are prepared for the tough marine environment and are designed and built from the ground up for marine use, with high attention to detail.” HS.MARINE cranes can work in any configurations: no matter if the boom is fully extended vertically or if it is knuckled downwards. In every position the safe working load can be moved by any crane cylinders, including the telescopic ones. Many manufacturers of cranes originally designed for trucks state in the manual that the crane cannot work in a fully vertical position, but nevertheless they are deployed in the fish farming and their cranes are often used in such configurations. “That is even worse,” says Forni, “Because fish farming companies have personnel close to the cranes. Not to mention that I often see cranes installed on boats that have a lower heel angle capability than that of the boat: unbelievable! I do believe that on safety aspects the fish farming industry needs to progress.” www.hsmarine.net FF

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

11/04/2022 12:10:24

THE BEST OF MARINE CRANES IN UK HS Marine Cranes to the UK market only from Maritime Aqua

Agents for HS MARINE Cranes and TENFJORD Hyrdraulic equipment in the UK and Ireland South Brownhill, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 4GZ

• Aquaculture Equipment & Consultancy + 44 (0) 7774 600 254 | karl@maritimeaqua.no • Crane inspections, servicing & certification +44(0)7774 600254 karl@maritimeaqua.com www.maritimeaqua.com

DIVERS & ROVS

Come and say hi at the Buccaneer exhibition Stand 109 Aquaculture UK to view our new ROVs and discuss how they can be used along-side divers. Quickly perform critical tasks: • IDENTIFY POTENTIAL FISH LOSS THROUGH RAPID NET INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS • FIND EXPENSIVE LOST EQUIPMENT • PERFORM REGULATORY COMPLIANCE WORK • MONITOR FEEDING HABITS • RECOVER MORTS • PERFORM MOORING INSPECTIONS

Incorporating ROVs also helps reduce potential safety risks and minimises exposing divers to unsafe conditions. Our ROV’s are agile and can capture high-quality video and still images working alongside the divers to provide a superior, safe and efficient inspection service in aquaculture.

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Ross-Shire Diving Services Ltd T: 01520 733333 E: info@rsdiving.com W: www.rsdiving.com www.fishfarmermagazine.com

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Products and services

What’s NEW Monthly update on industry innovations and solutions from around the world Mooring and nets for high energy sites WITH its origins in the Faroese aquaculture industry, where strong currents and wild weather come as standard, Vónin has specialised in supplying high quality fish farming equipment for demanding high energy sites. Vónin has decades of experience in designing, developing and manufacturing cage nets and moorings for the aquaculture industry. This has enabled Vónin to supply fish farmers with high quality and durable cage nets. Everything from the fabric to the structure is carefully considered and continuously developed in close collaboration with fish farmers. Vónin’s cage net and mooring designs are thoroughly tested to withstand the harsh environment of the North Atlantic. www.vonin.com

Cretel celebrates 50 years of yield and performance

CRETEL by ATS, the Belgian manufacturer of food processing equipment, is celebrating its golden jubilee. Consistently high quality has proven to be the recipe for success over the past 50 years as well as the formula for the future. Guy Persyn, Division Manager Mechatronics, said: “The basis is a permanent focus on design and development. To gather the necessary input for improvements, we always listen to what the customer really needs, like we did for our new generation of tabletop fish skinners F360M. The production of the machines takes place under our own management, which allows us to closely monitor the quality and continuously optimize the process.” Discover the new F360M and celebrate with the Cretel experts at booth 3BB601 during Seafood Expo Global fair in Spain. For more information see www.cretel.com

ANB Sensors launches breakthrough pH technology for water quality monitoring WATER quality is essential for a successful aquaculture operation, as it determines the health and productivity of the stock, and pH is a key but often overlooked parameter. The sensors still used today, little changed in a century, struggle to meet the demands of data-driven, high performance aquaculture. ANB Sensors’ breakthrough calibrationfree pH sensors, designed to “make pH easy”, are cost effective, robust and low maintenance. They provide accurate real time monitoring, link with data platforms and networks, integrate with multiparameter units, or, stand alone. www.anbsensors.com

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Solutions for aquaculture efﬂuent treatment

ALUMICHEM supplies customised turnkey solutions to treat intake water and effluents from RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) fish farms. The effluents are typically from the backwash of drum filters and biofilters as well as overflow water. The solutions are designed specifically for users; needs, local conditions, and any environmental regulation. Alumichem helps customers to maximise performance by supporting them before, during and after start-up. The Alumichem team are looking forward to Aquaculture UK, Aviemore, Scotland 3-5 May 2022. Visit the company at stand 202, at the Danish Pavilion, hear more about solutions for Aquaculture effluent treatment and meet Christian Bang-Møller and Rasmus Ingholt Winther. Find out more at: alumichem.com/ applications/aquaculture-sludge-treatment/

Ferguson’s take on the big challenges FERGUSON Transport & Shipping, with its marine services at Kishorn Port recognises the challenges of salmon pens increasing in size, particularly larger nets now being installed and changed out for cleaning. FT&S can provide a full collection and delivery service from the farms to the manufacturing and cleaning site and vice versa, utilising a comprehensive range of logistic services from sea, road transport and cranage. Ferguson’s have vessels with up to a 100 tonne knuckle boom crane capacity and Capstan winches, and at Kishorn the company has a 100 tonne mobile crane and bulk tipper lorries, so customers can have a one-stop shop for the transport of their nets. www.fergusontransport.co.uk

www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk

11/04/2022 12:12:04

Looking to

recruit?

COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE... In MAY:

• Waste Management & the Circular Economy • Barcelona REVIEW Post your vacancy on www.ﬁshfarmermagazine.com for only £225 (+vat) per job posting. Contact Janice Johnston 0044 (0) 131 551 7925 jjohnston@ﬁshfarmermagazine.com

Fish Farmer

For more information on opportunities for advertising with editorial content around these subjects please contact: Janice Johnston 0044 (0) 131 551 7925 jjohnston@ﬁshfarmermagazine.com Copy deadline - Friday 29 April See us at Aqua UK - STAND 175

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3-5 MAY 2022 JOIN US AT

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Supported by:

Aquaculture AWARDS 2022

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Industry Diary

Industry DIARY The latest aquaculture events, conferences and courses SEAGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

APRIL 22 SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL /SEAFOOD PROCESSING GLOBAL

https://seagriculture.eu/

Bremerhaven, Germany June 29-30, 2022

www.seafoodexpo.com/global

AUGUST 22

Fira, Barcelona, Spain April 26-28, 2022

WAS NORTH AMERICA & AQUACULTURE CANADA

MAY 22 AQUACULTURE UK 2022

WORLD AQUACULTURE 2021

St John’s Newfoundland, Canada. August 15-18, 2022

Merida, Mexico May 24-27, 2022

JUNE 22 BLUE FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT Aviemore will once again be the venue for this biennial 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 2022 it promises to reach even further across the broader aquaculture markets in both the UK and Europe.

www.blueinnovationsymposium.com The two-day summit will explore the opportunities and challenges in scaling aquaculture production while protecting and restoring the ocean ecosystem.

London, United Kingdom June 14-15, 2022

SEAGRICULTURE CONFERENCE https://seagriculture-usa.com/

Portland ME, USA September 7-8, 2022

AQUACULTURE EUROPE 2022

The European Aquaculture Society’s annual conference focuses on “Innovative Solutions in a Changing World”.

Aviemore, United Kingdom May 3-5, 2022

Rimini, Italy September 27-30, 2022

SEALICE CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL 2022

A unique opportunity to interact with internationally renowned sea lice researchers, and experience the Faroese aquaculture industry first-hand with site visits arranged exclusively for the conference. www.sealiceconference.net

SEPTEMBER 22

SEAWORK 2022

Faroe Islands May 9-13, 2022

NOVEMBER 22 LACQUA22

Panama City, Panama November 14-17, 2022

WORLD AQUACULTURE 2022 Seawork is a “one stop shop” for buyers, providing access to the commercial marine and workboat markets. It is the largest European commercial marine exhibition held at the prestigious Mayflower Park venue in Southampton, SO14 2AN, United Kingdom. www.seawork.com

Singapore November 29-December 2, 2022

Southampton, United Kingdom June 21-23, 2022

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CONFERENCE TOPICS

GIS

TER

Fish welfare Modelling and epidemiology Medical treatment Non-medical treatment Wild fish interaction Sea lice biology Genetics and genome Management – policy and legislation

FISKAALING Your Conference Host in the Faroe Islands

Our vision is: Knowledge for Sustainable Aquaculture. Fiskaaling is an independent company, committed to focus on research within these fields:

SEA

LIC

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At Sea Lice 2022 you will have a unique opportunity to interact with internationally renowned sea lice researchers, and experience the Faroese aquaculture industry first-hand with site visits arranged exclusively for the conference.

Jóhanna Lava Køtlum, CEO

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WELCOME! We are very excited to see the sea lice community in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands in May for a professionally stimulating and much awaited Inter-national Sea Lice Conference.

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11/04/2022 10:23:02

Opinion – Inside track

A way forward? BY NICK JOY

ON’T get me wrong: I think that Professor Griggs’ views are accurate and the work of rebuilding the framework on which our industry is regulated is critical. But where is the win for government in actually doing something? We like to think that government is incompetent or malign but actually more often than not, it suits government to have a complicated and inefficient system. Let me give you some examples. Currently, the planning system requires large numbers of administrators, sub-contracted experts and local council departments. In a world dominated by parties which believe in employing more and more people in government, this fits very well. There have been many leaders in the last 25 years who supported this idea, but it stems from a basic misunderstanding of where money comes from. It should be obvious, however, that you can’t employ people by paying them from the taxes that come from their wages.You have to create the wealth to pay those wages and fund state from the tax on it. Complication and obfuscation suits government, and the enmity between the wild and farmed lobbies has suited government very well. “Peace-making” committees like the tripartite working group seemed to be designed to achieve consensus but such committees were actually formulated to ensure no such consensus actually happened. There are few votes in rural Scotland. The fact that the rural industries are critical both to the economy and food security has mattered little till now and anyway, with their legal or academic backgrounds, politicians are either uninterested or unable to evaluate those factors. Letting rural interests fight means that there is little consensus in the rural electorate and thus no coordination. From that logic, parties can assume that finding a solution would only serve to create stronger campaigning groups that might notice the government’s lack of interest in rural industries. Reorganisation of government departments rarely happens, because those in the departments don’t want it and they are the people advising government. To reorganise a regulatory system involves the loss of roles and re-tasking. Neither of these are popular. Political realists are unlikely to tackle such issues unless they see significant gains in doing so. I have spent a considerable proportion of the last years working on a wind turbine project with an old friend. When the project started, I thought that I already understood how unfit for purpose the planning system is in Scotland. It has since become even more obvious how poorly designed it is, how overly complicated and often utterly absurd. The power in the system lies with experts who often only work a couple of days a week or with agencies that won’t define the parameters they are working to until a final submission, which has cost a fortune, is provided. Advice from the authorities tends to be very limited. It is almost as if agencies have worked out that if they don’t give you guidance more people will apply. This would benefit them two ways, if it were true. First, they would be able to show how effective they are, by refusing a large number of applications. Secondly, they keep themselves employed or even grow their departments to handle these projects. There have been many attempts to try and create a system which delivers, and delivers quickly. I shall not mention the idiotic suggestion a few years ago that a single objector should be regarded as significant to an application. I remember when the idea of a time limit was brought in; and I remember being told by SEPA (the Scottish Environment Protection Agency), who couldn’t process an application quickly enough to beat the clock, that if we complained they would simply reject the application. I have been asked to withdraw a letter, or an application would be

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“Complication and obfuscation suits government

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refused. There have been so many cases where the system is clearly wrong but the department uses their power to ensure its continuation. I’m sure that there are many other instances and I would like to hear yours – you can get in touch via editor@fishfarmermagazine.com. I will of course keep everything you tell me anonymous. I am sure some will think I am being unduly cynical, but the more you work with the planning process, the more it looks as if there are many decent people trapped in a dreadful recirculating system. Our regulators are often overworked and undervalued, but too often those who lead these organisations have agendas and do not value the people who really understand the issues. I know many people who work in the regulatory area and their frustration is evident. This is not to say that there are only good people. I have met and debated with a number who have their own undisclosed agendas, using their position to attack the particular industry of which they disapprove. This will always be so but the system should be designed to minimise their impact and, ideally, expose them. So, I wish the idea well but I fear that our regulatory system will be sorted out about the same time that our rural roads stop having potholes! FF

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11/04/2022 14:12:05

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Fish Farmer April 2022

Articles inside

Opportunities in the Blue Economy

Cooke Aquaculture and Vaki are working together

Managing the microbiome in a RAS farm

Why tackling the seal problem is so difficult

Fiona Nicolson

Nicki Holmyard

Vince McDonagh

Francois Mosnier

Martin Jaffa

Sandy Neil

How research is supporting the industry