Fish Farmer February 2022 by Fish Farmer Magazine

Fish Farmer FEBRUARY 2022

IN DEMAND

Seafood processors and the skills shortage

INFLATION

Rising costs in aquaculture

AHEAD IN THE MED

Sea bass and sea bream

GENE EDITING

Sea lice

Technology and controversy

Farmers vs parasites

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INDUSTRY LEADING SOLUTIONS THAT ENSURE WELFARE & SUSTAINABILITY FOR AQUATIC SPECIES

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Welcome

Editor’s Editor’s Welcome Welcome

ierra del Fuego, the southernmost province of Argen�na, has a good claim to the �tle he first few of 2022, while they have brought their share of turmoil both “The end of weeks the world.” interna� onally and domes� c front, have also brought us some grounds for Earlier this month on thethe regional legislature of the province voted to ban open net cau� ous op� mism. salmon farming. Coming on top of the Danish government’s decision last autumn to far thegrowth Omicron fresh of coronavirus onsofappears to have curtail anySo further of fivariant’s sh farming at wave sea, and the ongoinginfec� struggle the industry in caused less disrup� and serious illness than some had feared, there is reason to the Canada to resist theon closure of farms in the Discovery Islands, it isand clearer than ever that that industry life, and commerce, willits move li�order le closer like normal through fibelieve sh farming needs to make caseain justto tosomething stay in business. the this year. It’scourse not allof gloom, however. At the North Atlan�c Seafood Forum – held online this year aquaculture industry Erna can also chalkreiterated up some her early winsthat for 2022 already,insuch as the – The Norway’s Prime Minister Solberg belief investment the blue Washington decision that Cooke’s plan farm na�NASF, ve steelhead economy is aState routeSupreme to savingCourt’s the environment, not harming it. to Also at the chief trout did notves breach environmental legisla� on, and in that Scotland SEPA’s green lightchallenge for a newismodel execu� and analysts alike were in agreement the industry’s biggest of semi-closed cages at the proposed salmon farm on Loch Long. finding ways to meet the world’s growing demand for their product – arguably, that’s a good As we also report in this issue, however, there are s�ll some major challenges for the problem to have. industry. As Vince McDonagh farming industry rising costsNor that In this issue we report on thediscusses, NASF andthe alsosalmon present the first part ofisa facing preview of Aqua are outstripping the rate at which prices can be increased. 2021, one of the industry’s biggest trade shows. What’s happening in aq We also look at thefeatures ongoingachallenge sea licecurrently and the the technology beingindeployed to The July issue also profile of of Norcod, front runner the race to in the UK and around th protectthe both wild salmon from this pest. Chief Execu�ve, Chris�an Riber, revive codfarmed farmingand industry. Find out why Norcod’s What’s happening in aquacu Also in this this �issue, youhave can read about theworks. UK Government’s plans to open up the market to believes me they a model that w in the UK and around the wo gene-edited produce agriculture and aquaculture. We also focus on twoinaquaculture projects in Guatemala and The Bahamas that are being JENNY HJUL –– EDITOR JENNY HJUL EDITOR If greaterby flexibility to Kvarøy make use ofc,gene� c advances is a plus arising out of Brexit, hastoalso supported Norway’s Arc� and on the “Øymerd” project which is se� ng itout JENNY JENNY HJUL HJUL –– EDITOR EDITOR created problems for fi sh farmers, as Hamish Macdonell describes in his column this month, create a fish farm based on a floa�ng concrete island. Steve Bracken SSC’s record results Stewart Graham The final sessions while Neil looks explains howshellfi the seafood processing sector tubeworm is addressing the challenges NickiSandy Holmyard at the sh farmers’ ba�le against and this issue alsoof skills shortages following the exodus of many of its workers. features special industry reports on Breeding and Gene�cs, Transport and Logis�cs and Steve Bracken SSC’s record results Stewart Graham The final sessions salmon farming sector in Scotland, when it was to We farming inwent Chile and FlipFarm, an innova� ve he focus this month isto on Europe, the internati T HE is coincidence that pictures andwhere videos of unhealthy Sno Fish Farmer press, there was sti lltold no offi cialonal Li� ingalso andshowcase Cranes. a new approach to net-pen be thewere subject ofScotti a be parliamentary inquiry, embraced the development in shellfish farming fromHE New Zealand. industry willsent soon gathering the (European salmon to news outletsfor just asjoint the Scotti sh news from the shScotland, parliamentary inquiry into salmon farming sector in when itEAS was tosalmon he focus this month istopictures on Europe, the internati T 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 month. operated. The pace of change in this industry looks set to con� nue! Aquaculture Society) and WAS (World Aquaculture Society) parliament went back to work at the start of this These farming, conducted earlier this year by the Rural Economy Best wishes, be thewere subject ofScotti a be parliamentary inquiry, embraced industry willsent soon gathering the EASinto (European salmon to news outletsfor just asjoint the Scotti shthe news from the sh parliamentary inquiry salmon Current trends In good Julie Hesketh-Laird The industry had nothing to hide and, if given aof fair hearing, could Meet thehealth new chief exe conference, to be staged over fi ve days in the southern French images had litt le to do with the current state Scotland’s fi sh and Connecti vity (REC) committ ee. MSPs have now held fi ve Robert Outram opportunity this would provide explain how it month. operated. Aquaculture Society) and WAS (World Aquaculture Society) parliament back to work atto the start of this These farming, went conducted earlier this year by the Rural Economy address much of the criti cism levelled against it. Best wishes city ofngs, Asto well asand, highlighti ng the latest technological farms -Montpellier. where sea lice are in decline and, inwe fact, at abe five- Meet meeti in nothing private, tolevels consider their report and must Current trends In good Julie Hesketh-Laird The had hide if given fair hearing, thehealth new chief executiv conference, to beto staged over days in theaof southern images had litt le 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 Robert Outram 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 ngofpoverty. Increasingly, ngs anti -aquaculture suspects, as Economy activists. latest thesecame (see ourHolyrood’s newsindustry storyRural 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, aindustry move that is tobreaching welcomed. the excepti on ofvaluable one or two Greens cahoots with anti -farming Those who want to shut down thein asbe expected, shut down this sector, rather thanthe tohave, those who operate Meet the team Charo Karisa of WorldFish writes about farming potenti al inthe Fish Farmer: Volume 44 Number 07 Volume 45 Number 02 light. They will hopefully see that farmers take their environmental biosecure environments of farm sites to snatch photographs in Of course, such stories may be inaccurate and, in any case, Also investi gati ngacti initi aties, veswhich inregard thenow developing world, Harrison campaigners, will, on balance, the industry in a Dr favourable stepped viti involve breaching the within it.up their Editorial Board: Nigeria, both in catf ish and ti lapia culti vati on. Editorial Advisory Advisory Board: 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 biosecure environments of farm sites tosomething snatch photographs ingame Of course, such stories may be inaccurate and, inof any case,ngthe Steve In Scotland, the summer has been a waiti Steve Bracken, Bracken, Hervé Hervé Migaud, Migaud, Jim Jim Treasurer, Treasurer, What’s in a name? Dr Nick Lake Phil Thomas growth that is sustainable. Tel: +44(0) 131 551 1000 Tel: +44(0) 131 551 1000 campaigner fibeen lmed himself searching, unsuccessfully, for minister, dead haveboth always fortunate to have the support of their Nigeria, catf ish and tilapia culti vati on. responsibiliti seriously and will only ever invest the hope of fies nding incriminati ng businesses evidence against farmers. Onein committ ee’s fiin ndings are not binding. Scotland’s fish farmers Chris while the parliament is inthat recess and thethose members of Holyrood’s Chris Mitchell, Mitchell, Jason Jason Cleaversmith Cleaversmith Fax: +44(0) 131 551 7901 Fax: +44(0) 131 551 7901 If the committ ee members, especially who have yet to fi shthat at aEwing, Marine site. Another saidofhea saw ‘hundreds’ Fergus toHarvest growhas sustainably. In Scotland, the summer something ngminister, game of Phil What’s in a name? Dr Nick Lake Thomas growth isfibeen sustainable. campaigner lmed himself searching, unsuccessfully, for dead have always fortunate tobeen have the support ofwaiti their and Rural Economy and Connecti vity committ ee conti nue to weigh up and Hamish Hamish Macdonell Macdonell Email: shfarmermagazine.com Email: editor@fi shfarmermagazine.com visit aparliament farm, like tothe learn more about the of infested salmon in awould pen, but we only have his word against 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 fi sh at Marine site. Another said hefarming. saw ‘hundreds’ Fergus toHarvest grow sustainably. theaEwing, evidence in their inquiry into salmon We don’tof expect Editor: Outram Editor: Robert RobertRural Outram 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 against the growth of Head Offi ce: Special Publica� ons, Fe� esto Park, visit a Economy farm, like toagendas learn more about the subject ofthetime infested salmon in go awould but we only have his word against that Buttheir itsalmon should not unchallenged that some MSPs on the REC report unti l pen, the autumn but hope the MSPs are using the bett er,farms they could head to Highlands later this month, where 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DL 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DLWe the evidence in their inquiry into salmon farming. don’t expect Designer: Balahura Designer: Andrew Andrewtheir 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 Doug McLeod Montpellier report Dr Marti n Jaff a 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 Commercial Manager: Manager: bett er, could head to Highlands later this month, where This month also sees reti rement of Marine Harvest’s longest these farms on a daily basis. industry, are in breach of the Code of Conduct for MSPs. As they Subscriptions to become fully with the facts aboutof fish farming. biggest fish acquainted farming show. must mount aaquaculture much more robust defence itself, through its and of businesses vital toBracken. Scotland’s economy, we have a right Janice Janice Johnston Johnston Montpellier report Dr Marti n Jaff a Doug McLeod they will meet the industry en masse at Scotland’s serving employee, Steve We had no Subscrip� ons Fish Farmer Subscrip� ons Address: Fish Farmer If the isto proud of itsAddress: high standards, as itsalmon says itcollecti is, it ng are in aindustry positi on inflthe uence the future course oftrouble farming, This month also sees reti rement of Marine Harvest’s longest We will certainly be at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore and look jjohnston@fi jjohnston@fishfarmermagazine.com shfarmermagazine.com representati ve body, the SSPO, than it has done to date. The to know who they are, and we hope the industry, through its warm from his friendsdefence and colleagues tohave mark the biggest fishtributes farming show. Magazine Subscrip� ons, Warners Group Magazine Subscrip� ons, Warners Group must mount a much more robust of itself, through its and of businesses vital to Scotland’s economy, we a right serving employee, Steve Bracken. We had nonothing, trouble collecti ng forward toand, seeing many of you there too. campaigners, we now see, will stop at representati ves, will pressure the parliament toand investi gate before Publisher: Benne� Publisher: Alister Alisterrepresentati Benne� milestone along with rest of the industry, thefarmers team We will certainly be at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore and look Publica� ons plc, The Mal� ngs, Publica� ons plc, The Mal� ngs, 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 to fi ght back. the REC report is published. Farmer wish him all the very best for the future. West Street, Bourne West Street, Bourne forward toand, seeing many of the you 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 along with rest of thenothing, industry, thefarmers team Fish Lincolnshire Lincolnshire PE10 9PH should prepared to fivery ghtPE10 back. the RECbe report published. Farmer wish himis all the best9PH for the future.

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

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

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

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

Meet thebybyteam Printed JJ Thomson Printed in in Great Great Britain Britain for for the the proprietors proprietors Wyvex Wyvex Media Media Ltd Ltd Thomson Colour Colour Printers Printers Ltd, Ltd, Glasgow Glasgow ISSN ISSN 0262-9615 0262-9615 Editorial Advisory Board: Steve Tel: +44(0) 131 551 1000 Contact us Meet the team

26 22-23 30 Shellfi sh Comment BTA 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

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3 Fax: +44(0) 131 551 7901 Bracken, Scott Landsburgh, Hervé Steve Bracken, Scott HervéLandsburgh, Migaud, Editorial Advisory Board: Steve Tel: +44(0) 131 551 1000 Migaud, PatrickJim Smith and Jim Hervé Patrick Smith, PatrickMigaud, Smith, Treasurer and Fax: email: +44(0) 131 551 7901 Bracken, Scott Landsburgh, Hervé Steve Bracken, Scott HervéLandsburgh, Migaud, jhjul@fi shupdate.com Treasurer, Wiliam Jim Treasurer and Dowds William Dowdsemail: William Dowds Marti nofJaff a era Vaccines New player Dawn new Migaud, PatrickJim Smith and Jim Hervé Patrick Smith, PatrickMigaud, Smith, Treasurer and Editor: Jenny Hjul jhjul@fi shupdate.com Treasurer, Wiliam 12/07/2021 15:32:14 Jim Treasurer and Dowds William Dowds William Dowds Head Office: Special Publications, Dawn 07/02/2022 15:40:34 Marti nofJaff a era Vaccines New player new Designer: Andrew Balahura

Contents

Fish F armer In the February issue... News

What’s happening in the UK and around the world

Processing News

24-25

Update from the processing sector

Comment

26-27

Martin Jaffa

Salmon Scotland

28-29

Hamish Macdonell

Shellfish

30-31

Nicki Holmyard

Gene Editing

UK Government paves the way for new technology

EcoSea Fish Farm Costs

36-37

Vince McDonagh

Sea Bass and Sea Bream

38-39

Vince McDonagh

Processing Skills Sandy Neil

Management, Monitoring & Analysis Keeping tabs on fish welfare and structural integrity

Sea Lice

The latest fronts on the battle against parasites

Antifouling & Net Cleaning Dealing with a perennial problem

Land-based Farming & Hatcheries The latest innovations in aquaculture on land

What’s New Monthly update on industry innovations and solutions

Industry Diary All the latest aquaculture events, conferences and courses Find all you need for the industry

Opinion Nick Joy

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32-33 34-35

Sandy Neil

Aqua Source Directory

6-23

40-41 43 44-48 54 58-60 61 62 64-65 66

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07/02/2022 15:35:35

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07/02/2022 09:45:55

United Kingdom News

NEWS...

SEPA grants licence for Loch Long’s semi-closed cages

THE plan for Scotland’s first semi-closed containment marine finfish farm has taken a step closer to reality, following the granting of an environmental permit to Loch Long Salmon for a farm at Beinn Reithe near Arrochar on the west coast of Scotland. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) granted the permit following a two-year programme of surveys and modelling to assess its environmental impact. The environmental permit allows Loch Long Salmon to deploy five enclosures, each 140 metres in circumference, with a biomass limit of 3,452 tonnes. Each enclosure will have an impermeable membrane. The proposal still needs to obtain planning permission and Loch Long Salmon has submitted a planning application to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority for determination in early in 2022, which would allow construction on the site to begin by the end of 2022. Recent cases have seen planning authorities reject fish farm proposals even when a SEPA licence has

UK News v2.indd 6

been been obtained. Loch Long Salmon is a joint venture between three partners: Simply Blue Aquaculture, part of marine renewable energy group Simply Blue; aquaculture specialist Trimara Services; and food industry group Golden Acre Foods. The company says that its semiclosed system, which allows water to ﬂow through, but keeps sea lice out of the pens and waste in, means that it has less environmental impact than a conventional salmon farm. Loch Long’s application to SEPA did not include a request to be allowed to use chemical treatments to control sea lice in the pens, as this is not considered necessary in a semi-closed system. Also, the company estimates that more than 85% of waste and uneaten food will be collected internally at the bottom of the enclosure to be brought ashore and treated, further reducing the environmental impact of the site. Stewart Hawthorn, Director of Loch Long Salmon, said:“We are delighted SEPA has granted the

enable the industry to grow without adverse environmental impacts. Jo Green,Acting Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said:“As Scotland’s independent environmental regulator, SEPA is ambitious in its aspirations for an aquaculture sector where operators recognise that protecting the environment is fundamental to their success and is foremost in all their plans and operations.We want Scotland to be a world-leading innovator of ways to minimise the environmental footprint of food production and supply, and for aquaculture operators to have a strong and positive relationship with neighbouring users of the environment and the communities in which they operate. “SEPA’s revised regulatory regime aims to actively support innovation that drives environmental sustainability.As such, semi-closed containment systems, such as that proposed by Loch Long Salmon, have the potential to play a signiﬁcant role in enhanced sustainability through reduced medicine use and discharge.We will continue to encourage and support businesses across the sector to introduce environmentally innovative approaches to ﬁsh production.” See Fish Farmer’s December issue for an interview with Stewart Hawthorn on the Loch Long project.

CAR [Controlled Activities Regulations] licence for our Beinn Reithe site in Loch Long, particularly for its thorough but helpful approach, which will help bring semi-closed containment aquaculture to Scotland for the ﬁrst time.” He added:“This farming system has been operating successfully in Norway since 2014 and is now being deployed in the Faroes and Canada, but this is the ﬁrst time it will be used in Scotland.This exemplar project provides an opportunity to show closer to home what is possible and to secure the future of the salmon farming industry in Scotland. It will reduce environmental impacts while continuing to support vital jobs and economies in rural Scotland.” “With this SEPA licence, I hope the Planning Authority will act quickly to grant permission so that we can begin construction of this exciting project.” SEPA said that its decision to grant the permit was linked to its desire to support From the top: How the Loch Long farm will look; Stewart new approaches Hawthorn; map of Loch Long showing the proposed site in aquaculture to

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07/02/2022 15:25:52

All the latest industry news from the UK

Cabinet Secretary opens marine science park extension

Above: Malin House

THE Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, presided online at the official opening of the expanded European Marine Science Park (EMSP) in Dunstaffnage, near Oban. on 3 February. The additional laboratory and office facilities have been created at Malin House, part of the EMSP following a £2m investment by the park’s developer, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The project was prompted by companies at the Park looking to expand their commercial activity, HIE said. The new laboratories and offices were designed in consultation with those companies and the work was carried out by local contractor TSL Limited. Five companies have expanded into the new workspace: Patogen AS,Tritonia Scientific Ltd, Ocean Ecology, Oceanium and Shetland firm Ocean Kinetics, which has established new operations in Argyll. Preparatory work is also under way to develop three more buildings, one of which has already been granted planning permission. Speaking at the formal opening, Gougeon said:“We are committed to developing a blue economy that is both environmentally and commercially sustainable. “That is why I was delighted to open these new facilities at this state-of-the-art marine enterprise cluster in Malin House today, which will promote entrepreneurship and showcase the many opportunities that Argyll and the Islands have to offer. “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this exciting initiative and I look forward to seeing the diverse range of businesses at Malin House continue to develop in the future, supporting the local economy and creating employment opportunities.” Morag Goodfellow, HIE’s Area Manager for Argyll and the Islands, said:“Argyll’s rich marine resource has created and maintained significant economic opportunity for generations.We have been developing EMSP as a centre of collaboration in marine innovation and technology that taps into this natural advantage and stimulates growth in the marine science economy, not just for Argyll but across Scotland. “It’s great to see that our investment to enhance the facilities at Malin House has enabled companies to expand.As a result, we can expect new opportunities in skills development and entrepreneurship, particularly for young people, as well as enhanced confidence in Argyll as a business location for inward investors.” Malin House was built in 2012, and is home to 10 marine sector companies, active in a broad range of commercial marine activity. Adjacent to Malin House is the Scottish Association of Marine Science, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands network.

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UK News v2.indd 7

07/02/2022 15:27:06

United Kingdom News

NEWS in Brief

Action plan to save Scotland’s wild salmon

Salmon Scotland hires Cooke’s Watson as comms chief INDUSTRY body Salmon Scotland has appointed Andrew Watson, UK PR and Communications Manager with Cooke Aquaculture, as its new Head of Communications and Partnerships. Watson’s role at Salmon Scotland will include promoting the industry’s sustainability message across the globe. He has been with Cooke since January 2020. Previous posts include communications roles with the Ministry of Defence and Skills Above: Thxxxx Development Scotland.

Above: Andrew Watson

Scottish salmon’s nutritional value ‘better than ever’ SCOTTISH salmon contains higher levels of vitamin D and omega-3 fats than previously thought, researchers at the University of Stirling have found. The analysis revealed that vitamin D and omega-3s are 7% to 8% higher in Scottish salmon compared with previous tests conducted in 2003 and 2020. It also found that a single portion of salmon provides more than 70% of daily vitamin D needs. Salmon also has 4.5 times the daily recommendation for special omega-3 fats found in marine foods, more than half our protein needs, and 42% of the vitamin E recommendation. The latest study was commissioned by industry body Salmon Scotland and conducted independently by the Nutrition Analytical Service at the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling..

UK News v2.indd 8

Above: Wild Scottish salmon. Below: Mairi Gougeon

AN ambitious strategy that aims to bring Scotland’s wild salmon population back from crisis point has been launched by Holyrood. Numbers have declined worryingly since the 1970s, with climate change thought to be one of the main causes. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:“The Atlantic (wild) salmon is one of the most magnificent animals in the rich and vibrant tapestry of nature in Scotland. “Its special status as King of Fish is evident in so many aspects of our culture throughout history and in present-day Scotland. However, there is sadly now unequivocal evidence that populations of Atlantic salmon are at crisis point. “Although the pattern of decline is repeated across the salmon’s North Atlantic range, likely caused, at least in part, by the effect of climate change on survival during its marine phase, there remains much that we can do in our rivers and coastal waters to build resilience and transform the fortunes of this iconic fish for the better.” She said the turnaround of the River Clyde where salmon were once extinct can serve as an example that transformational changes are possible. “Hard work and investment by multiple partners to improve water quality and restore connectivity in this heavily industrialised river means that salmon have now made a welcome return to the Clyde and its tributaries.” Marine biologists believe salmon are affected by a wide range of pressures, some out at sea, but many others acting within the Scottish freshwater and coastal environments.A key contributory factor appears to be climate change. The strategy highlights five priority themes for action, including improving the condition of rivers, managing exploitation,

including the effectiveness of deterrents to poachers, understanding and mitigating pressures salmon face in the marine and coastal environment, international collaboration and developing a modernised policy framework. Each theme is matched with a range of measures that will address the many challenges salmon face in their life cycle. The strategy also signals an increase in efforts to build up resilience of salmon stocks through partnerships working across public, private, and civil society groups. Gougeon continued:“I am grateful to the many organisations that have contributed to development of this important and ground-breaking strategy for wild salmon in Scotland. “There is now signiﬁcant evidence showing that populations of Atlantic salmon are at crisis point and we must now reinvigorate our collective efforts to ensure a positive future for the species. She concluded:“In addition to the measures we will take in Scotland, we are committed to supporting and pushing forward collective action in the international arena, so the young salmon leaving our rivers survive the many challenges they face on the high seas to return to their home river to spawn the next generation. “Only by acting together, at home and overseas, and applying our collective resource, knowledge and expertise, can we hope to change the fortunes of this iconic and vital species.” A more detailed action plan will now be developed with stakeholders. Meanwhile, environmental body Salmon & Trout Conservation said the new strategy “provides little cause for optimism”, arguing that the timescales presented are “far from ambitious” and calling for more determined action to control what it sees as the impact of aquaculture on wild ﬁsh.

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07/02/2022 15:51:02

All the latest industry news from the UK

Fish farmers blast Crown Estate over rent hikes SCOTLAND’S salmon producers have reacted angrily to a new rent regime announced by Crown Estate Scotland (CES).The new framework will see many farm rents increase by 95%, as well as the end of the Outer Islands Discount. CES administers the seas around Scotland on behalf of the Crown and leases areas of the seabed for aquaculture, energy and other commercial purposes. Earlier today, CES announced the results of a “root and branch review” of aquaculture leasing. The overall charge for finfish producers will be 1.5% of production turnover (through phased introduction of the reviewed terms), which CES said puts producers on a level playing field with other commercial users of the seabed. For shellfish tenants, rent remains the same other than an increase in minimum rents. CES said that the rent increases for finfish producers reflected “consistently strong prices for salmon alongside a revised rent determination process that can better reflect market behaviour.” Finfish tenants will also be required to report on their participation in collaborative management agreements to mitigate cumulative impacts. Further, all aquaculture tenants will have to report on the management of plastic used in the leased area. The phased rent increases are due to be introduced from January 2023. Salmon Scotland, which represents the farmed salmon industry, expressed concern that the rent hike had been brought in ahead of any conclusions from the review of aquaculture licensing currently being undertaken by Professor Russel Griggs. The organisation has also questioned the decision to scrap the Outer Islands Discount, which was created to help producers in remote locations where costs are higher. Salmon Scotland Chief Executive

Tavish Scott said: “Scotland’s salmon sector, employing 2,500 direct jobs in coastal and island communities, is very disappointed by Crown Estate Scotland’s arbitrary and totally unjustified decision to almost double rents on salmon farms. CES presumably now see salmon like offshore wind – a cash cow to be exploited.” He added: “Our members have paid more than £20m into CES over the last five years – a charge that is set to almost double under this new framework. “Scotland’s salmon farmers would

be more likely to accept such a steep increase if they could see the benefit in terms of local investment of these charges. But, despite requests, CES has failed to give any indication as to how – or even if – this extra money will actually be used to help local people in the areas where it is raised.” Scottish Salmon has written to Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands in the Scottish Government, to ask her to halt the rent rise at least until the Griggs review is complete. Alex Adrian, Aquaculture Operations Manager at CES, said: “This review was essential to ensure that we keep up with the pace of an ever-changing sector. Aquaculture businesses sustain jobs in some fragile, remote communities and their operations impact the environment. We want to ensure that, in line with legislation, sustainable development is the core principle underpinning seabed leasing.”

Top: Scottish salmon farm Anove: Alex Adrian

SEPA chief steps down following ‘conduct allegations’ THE Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has stepped down and left his position following “conduct allegations”, as of 21 January. The reasons behind the departure of Terry A’Hearn, who has been SEPA Chief Executive since 2015, have not been made public. Bob Downes, Chairman of SEPA, said: “Following conduct allegations, Terry A’Hearn has stepped down and left his position. SEPA has a clear code of

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conduct and takes conduct allegations very seriously indeed. In order to protect anonymity, SEPA is unable to comment further.” Downes confirmed that recruitment for a new Chief Executive would shortly commence and in the interim, Chief Officer Jo Green would be Acting Chief Executive, supported by SEPA’s Agency Management Team. Right: Terry A’Hearn

07/02/2022 15:53:41

United Kingdom News

Scientists hope to clean up with ﬁsh oil by-product

A Scottish start-up business is hoping to use ﬁsh oil waste from aquaculture to create detergents for cleaning products. Eco Clean Team is working with researchers from the University of St Andrews to develop a new process for making surfactants, a key component in detergents. With six-ﬁgure funding support from the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Eco Clean is aiming to develop a more sustainable alternative to traditionally petrochemical-based surfactants, which can be produced at scale. Surfactants – or surface active agents – are used in detergents to disrupt the surface

tension on the item being cleaned, helping to trap and remove dirt. Different types of surfactants are used as wetting agents, emulsifiers and foaming agents for a range of products. The aim of the new project is to use fish oil waste, rich in fatty acids, from fish processing, especially salmon. The bio-based process developed by researchers at the University of St Andrews has the potential to be more cost effective, efficient and eco-friendly than traditional methods of producing surfactants. The next stage of its development will ensure the new method is replicable and straightforward to implement, and allows surfactants to be producible in high volumes. Mark Hamilton, co-founder and Director of Eco Clean said: “This next stage in our research represents a critical step in the process of development then scaling up the Above: Mark Hamilton. Above left: Detergent production of our sustainable surfactant. full-scale commercialisation and seeing the “We have already proved the feasibility in a surfactant used in a range of industrial and previous study and hope that, by the end of selected household products.” this project, we will find ourselves closer to

Fish farmers hope for success at the Lantra awards THREE aquaculture trainees are among the shortlisted contenders for this year’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills, organised by rural skills body Lantra Scotland. The three trainees are: Emily Underhill, a Freshwater Fish Health Biologist with Scottish Sea Farms; Derek Ferguson, who is on a Technical Apprenticeship in Aquaculture Management with Grieg Seafood; and Emmanuelle Rey, who has completed a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture at Dawnfresh Farming. Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries. The awards (the ALBAS)

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recognise excellence in individuals learning agricultural and aquacultural skills, and the winners will be announced at gala dinner and award ceremony to be held on Thursday 3 March at the Dunblane Hydro Hotel. All three shortlisted aquaculture specialists studied with Shetland UHI. Underhill, from Oban, who completed a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture, said: “I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to collaborate over the past two-and-a-half years with many talented people in their field, particularly within fish health. Every one of them has influenced me in my career.” Derek Ferguson, from Shetland, is currently doing

a Technical Apprenticeship in Aquaculture Management. He said: “My current role involves ensuring the optimal husbandry of all stock on site, looking after the health and welfare of staff and resolving any problems relating to ﬁsh health. It’s very rewarding helping train colleagues and I take great satisfaction in maintaining the health of the ﬁsh stock.” Emmanuelle Rey from Glendevon, Dollar, has completed a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture. She said: “As soon as I learned about careers in aquaculture, I wanted to do nothing else. In a hatchery there is so much variation from one day to the next, and it always keeps you interested.” Industry categories at the awards cover agriculture, aquaculture, equine, environmental conservation,

game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering and trees and timber. As well as prizes for Overall Winner, Runner-up and Modern Apprentice of the Year, there are also prizes for Higher Education, School Pupil and Secondary Schools, CARAS (Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies), Jean’s Jam for inspirational tutor, the Tam Tod Trophy for outstanding young learner, and the Anna Murray Award for Partnership Working. The finalists for ALBAS 2022 were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector, chaired by Keith Paterson of Forestry and Land Scotland.

From the top: Emily Underhill; Derek Ferguson; Emmanuelle Rey

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07/02/2022 15:30:28

All the latest industry news from the UK

Cooke bids to create new farm off Orkney COOKE Aquaculture Scotland has submitted a planning application for a new six-pen salmon farm in East Moclett Sound, Orkney.The site would have capacity for biomass of 3,850 tonnes and would be run as an organic farm. The proposed site is situated offshore in a high-energy location, approximately 3km east of the southern tip of Papa Westray and more than 4km from the closest landfall on Westray. A report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency Above: Old pier, Papa Westray, Orkney (SEPA) in September Ben Johnson, Environmental 2019 described the location Development Manager at as a “high dispersion area” Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, in which waste would rapidly said: “The offshore location, be distributed away from significant water depth and the farm site and erosion tidal flows at East Moclett from marine currents would will minimise effects on reduce the concentration the local environment. As of sludge on the seabed. well as fully assessing and SEPA described East Moclett modelling the site to confirm as “low risk” in terms of its suitability for organic environmental impact.

salmon farming, the planning application also details how Cooke Aquaculture Scotland will minimise the environmental impact of the farm throughout its lifetime.” He added: “If consented, the proposed development will create up to six wellpaid, full-time seawater jobs, which we aim to recruit

from the local populations in Westray and Papa Westray wherever possible. It is likely that we will need to expand our processing facilities in Orkney to accommodate the increase in volume, creating more jobs at our packing station in Hatston Industrial Estate in Kirkwall in the process. “Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is the largest producer of organic Scottish salmon, which we grow exclusively in Orkney. If consented, we anticipate this would become our newest Soil Association organic-certified site in Orkney and we will stock this site with organic smolts, potentially before the end of the year if all necessary consents are in place, which is great news for the islands and Orkney’s deserved reputation for premium food and drink.” The planning application is currently out for consultation and will be considered by the Orkney Islands Council.

Wales invites bids for £1m in fisheries funding SEAFOOD businesses in Wales are being invited to submit applications to a £1m fund to primarily help mitigate the ongoing impact Covid-19 is having on the industry and adapt to the rapidly changing market conditions for seafood products. The window of applications for grants from the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) runs until 25 March. The fund will consider investments in the small-scale coastal fleet and aquaculture, together with improvements to the marketing and processing of fishery and aquaculture products. Any project selected and supported under the programme will have to be completed within a 12-month period starting from July this year. The EMFF is co-financed by the Welsh Government and the European Commission, and has supported many projects in Wales since being introduced in 2014. A scheme to replace the EMFF in the long term is currently being developed and is expected to be available later this year, the Welsh Government said. Information on how to apply can be found online at gov.wales/european-maritime-fisheries-fund

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Above: (Fxxx

Above: Fishing vessel in action

07/02/2022 15:31:44

European News

NEWS...

NTS founder faces battle on two fronts

ONLY a few months on from its victory in the bidding war for Norway Royal Salmon, Norwegian shipping-to-seafood group NTS ASA faces both a shareholder revolt and a play from rival Mowi to take over the company. As this issue of Fish Farmer goes to press, reports are suggesting that a rebel group hoping to take control of NTS may have the voting power to win later this month. The so-called “Rørvik group” narrowly failed to remove the NTS main man Helge Gåsø and his allies on the board, including his son, Anders, at an extraordinary general meeting on 21 January. The group’s proposal to remove Gåsø and Chairman Odd Reidar Øie,was voted down by 50.14%. However, two new board members were voted on in the shape of Hans Martin Storø and Nils Andre Williksen, the son of Nils Martin Williksen, one of the rebel group leaders. A new EGM has been called for 18 February and the ﬁnancial press in Norway are speculating that the rebels could succeed this time. According to the Oslo investor newsletter BørsXtra, the margin in favour for the current board was just 350,000 votes, but since that meeting the rebels have been gaining support. BørsXtra reported that the current shareholder list shows that the private stock company Haspro AS had purchased 1.2 million shares from the Alfred Berg Fund, equal to about 1% of the company. The General Manager of Haspro is Solvår Hallesdatter Hardesty, who the Rørvik group

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failed to get on the board at the last meeting. Haspro now has a 9.5% ownership interest in NTS, according to BørsXtra. Meanwhile, the NTS rebels have formally withdrawn their earlier offer of NOK 105 per share in the face of a higher bid from Mowi of NOK 110 a share. In an announcement made on 24 January to the Oslo Stock Exchange, Mowi said: “Mowi ASA is pleased to announce that it intends to launch an offer to acquire all of the shares of NTS ASA at NOK 110 per share, to be settled 50% in cash and 50% in shares issued in Mowi.” The offer price of NOK 13.8bn represents, Mowi said, a premium of 18.3% over the closing price of the shares on 14 January 2022. Mowi’s statement also had warm words for NTS’ achievements. It said: “Mowi has followed the NTS Group for several years and is impressed by how the employees, management team and owners have developed the NTS Group into one of the leading producers of Atlantic salmon in Norway and Iceland.” NTS beat SalMar in the race to acquire Norway Royal Salmon (NRS), and last month announced the merger of NRS with SalmoNor, where Helge Gåsø is also Chairman.

From the top: The NTS board meeting, 21 January; Helge Gåsø (left) and former Norwegian Fisheries Minister Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen; Odd Reidar Øie (Photo: Torkil Marsdal Hanssen)

FiiZK and Ecomerden announce merger TWO leading producers of semi-closed fish farming cages, FiiZK and Ecomerden, have merged. In a joint statement, FiiZK and Ecomerden said:“The integration of the companies has already begun to ensure a successful and efficient merger process with customers and suppliers. FiiZK and Ecomerden are leading players in the development and delivery of semiclosed cage systems, which some hope will enable fish farming at marine sites to continue while minimising the risk from threats such as sea lice and harmful algal blooms. The General Manager of FiiZK,Torstein Rønning, said:“By combining the companies’ knowledge and technologies, we will strengthen delivery capacity at the same time as we accelerate further development of design and functionality.” Jan Erik Kyrkjebø, General Manager of Ecomerden, said that he looked forward to bringing his employees and technology into a larger company to strengthen the opportunities this will provide for Ecomerden’s solutions. Based in Laksevåg, Norway, Ecomerden was founded in 2005 and distributes to Europe and North America. FiiZK, also based in Norway, can trace its industrial origins back 150 years.As well as closed/semi-closed cage systems, it provides lice skirts and lice treatment tarpaulins for marine fish farms, and infrastructure for land-based fish farms. The FiiZK group also includes subsidiaries specialising in software and digital integration solutions for the aquaculture sector. In January 2021, FiiZK acquired industrial fabric producer Norwegian Weather Protection.

Above: Torstein Rønning (L) & Jan Erik Kyrkjebø

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07/02/2022 15:19:42

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07/02/2022 09:48:25

European News

Iceland salmon output at record high

Above: Iceland

SAlmoN production in Iceland hit a record high in 2021.The latest official figures show that the country turned out 45,000 tonnes of salmon last year. This is 12,000 tonnes up on the previous year – an increase of 35% – making it the world’s fastest-growing fish farming country. Iceland remains a relatively modest player in fish farming, but investment, much of it from Norway, is growing at an impressive rate.The expectation is that the country will hit the 50,000 tonne mark for salmon by the end of 2022.The ultimate target by 2030 is around 120,000 tonnes. Iceland is also a major producer of another farmed species,

Arctic char, which is a big favourite with North American consumers. meanwhile, Statistics Iceland says preliminary figures show the export value of the country’s seafood products totalled ISK 293bn (almost £1.7bn) last year. In foreign currency terms this represents an increase of 11%. December 2021 proved to be a particularly good month. much of this was due to a good capelin fishing season, and there is news that experiments have now started on whether this species can be farmed commercially. Capelin roe is particularly valuable. The export value of fresh species such as salmon and cod was

also a record at ISK 86.6bn (£493m). Aquaculture companies enjoyed a particularly good year, accounting for ISK 36bn (£206m) of the fresh species total. Iceland’s has come in for criticism, however, over its planning regime for fish farms. The EFTA Surveillance Authority, which monitors compliance with European Economic Area rules, recently said that the Icelandic authorities had failed to allow for a proper environmental impact assessment in the country’s aquaculture planning process. The Icelandic Government said that it had addressed the issues raised.

Bluefront invests in marine inspection firm SEAFOOD investor Bluefront Equity has invested an undisclosed sum to buy a 50% stake in Akvasafe, an inspection and certification specialist focused on marine fish farming. Akvasafe, based in Bergen, Norway, is an accredited inspection body in areas such as construction certificates, mooring and site analysis and component certificates. It also offers product certification for ocean-based fish farming, including mooring components, float collars, barges, nets and service stations. Within land-based farming, the company offers product certification of vessels, pipes and hoses and delivery of technical reports. Akvasafe has also recently been accredited for provision of environmental services. Akvasafe’s subsidiary Sematek is also part of the transaction. Sematek is an independent testing and inspection company offering inspection, testing, verification and technical services for materials in plastic, steel, aluminium or concrete that are utilised in the seafood industry. Sematek’s product portfolio includes wave breakers that can protect ocean-based fish farms and ports against rough seas. Bluefront has not revealed the details of the transaction, which included a share issue as well as the purchase of shares from existing shareholders.

Norwegian Seafood Council appoints new UK director

Above: Victoria Braathen

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VICTORIA Braathen, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s envoy in China until last year, is to take up a similar post in the UK. She replaces Hans Frode Kielland Asmyhr, who has been the council’s British Director for the past four and a half years. He will leave in the summer. Victoria Braathen has held various international posts since 2016, but undoubtedly her most important and challenging was working in China, much of that time during the height of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Seafood Council has also appointed a new envoy for Portugal, one of Norway’s most important markets for salted fish. He is Trond Rismo, who has worked for the Council for the past six years in various positions.

Above: Sematek’s wave breaker

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SalMar appoints Gunnar Nielsen as CFO GUNNAR Nielsen, former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with the Faroese fish farmer Bakkafrost, has been appointed to a similar position at SalMar of Norway. Gunnar Nielsen (pictured), who takes up his new post on 1 April, has extensive experience through a number of management positions in the seafood, banking, industry and auditing sectors.

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He spent five years at Bakkafrost between 2014 and 2019, a period when the company grew strongly. As previously announced, SalMar’s current CFO, Trine Sæther Romuld, will transfer to a new position as the CFO at SalMar Aker Ocean, a joint venture with Aker set up to develop offshore farming. Above: Gunnar Nielsen

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BENCHMARK Genetics has announced two new hires for its core genetics team. Dr Grazyella Yoshida is joining as Senior Geneticist and Hans Ekvall as Junior Geneticist. Grazyella Yoshida earned her MSc in Animal Science from the University of Maringa, Brazil, in 2014, and her PhD in Genetics and Animal Breeding from Sao Paulo State University in 2018. She has worked as an associate with José Manuel Yáñez’ renowned research group at the University of Chile supporting the development and uptake of quantitative and genomic tools in R&D projects with numerous aquaculture species. Also, she has extensive experience in supporting applied breeding programmes for salmonids and tilapia in Chile and Brazil. Hans Ekvall recently completed his European Master in Animal Breeding and Genetics (EMABG) programme with combined studies at Georg August University in Germany and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). He has a degree in epigenetics in tilapia from the Nord University in Bodø and studied biomedicine at the University of Bergen. He also holds a BA in International Development from Middlesex University, London.

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07/02/2022 15:21:01

European News

Norway salmon exports off to January flyer

Above: Salmon fillet

NORWAY’S seafood exports got off to a record start last month, recording the best January yet. The total for January was NOK 10.3bn (£850m), a value rise of 26% on the same month last year. Once again, salmon was the main driver, accounting for 70% of the total export value.

The value of salmon increased by NOK 2.1bn, or 41%, to NOK 7.2bn (£600m) last month. Norwegian Seafood Council CEO Renate Larsen said the number of restaurant openings in markets such as Asia and North America were behind the growth in salmon exports, particularly

for the whole fresh variety. However, France is emerging as Norway’s largest growth market for the pink fish, increasing in value by NOK 262m (almost £22m). Trine Horne, the Seafood Council’s French envoy, said salmon was now being consumed

in increasing quantities both in homes and in restaurants. But Seafood Council analyst Paul T Aandahl said countries such as Poland and Lithuania, which process salmon into smoked products, had reduced their imports because of increasing prices. The US was the next largest growth market for salmon, increasing in value for 49% or NOK 192m (£16m) to NOK 563m (£47m) with the whole fresh variety leading the way. Anne-Kristine Øen, the Council’s US envoy, said the reopening of restaurants and improved air transport links were behind the rise. “We had expected January to be a good month, but these are fantastic numbers,” she added. Farmed trout export also performed well last month, rising in value by 57% to NOK 338m (£28m) and volumes up 16% to 4,400 tonnes. The main markets were the US and Thailand. Exports of fresh cod, including fillets, grew by 23% to 4,800 tonnes and were up by 44% in value to NOK 260m (£21.6m). Poor weather hampered shrimp (prawn) exports last month, but they rose slightly in both volume and value.

NRS signals big rise in production for 2023 NORWAY Royal Salmon (NRS) is raising its harvest forecast for next year to 50,000 tonnes, representing an increase of more than 40% on the predicted figure for the current year, the company has told the Oslo Stock Exchange. NRS expects to harvest 35,000 tonnes (gutted weight) of salmon this year. NRS said the higher expected output next year was down to three main factors:  phasing out triploid salmon and replacing them with conventional diploid fish, which come under a different licence regime;  implementation of interregional biomass limits in NRS’s three production areas, which will increase the total amount NRS is allowed to farm; and  access to more smolt from a new hatchery and an agreement entered into for the purchase of large smolt. NRS also owns Arctic Fish in Iceland, but

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the harvest from that source is likely to remain unchanged in 2023 at 13,000 tonnes. However, it should almost double to 24,000 tonnes by 2025, the company said. NRS is due to merge with SalmoNor, which is expecting a harvest volume of 34,750 tonnes

this year and 39,000 tonnes in 2023. Matters could be complicated, however, by Mowi’s bid for NTS ASA, the parent company of NRS (see page 12 of this issue). Below: A Norway Royal Salmon farm

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07/02/2022 15:22:23

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07/02/2022 09:49:20

European News

Insect protein producer gets funding to scale up DANISH insect protein business Enorm Biofactory has raised €50m (£42m) in a funding round that will enable it to scale up its production by 70 times. Enorm produces insect protein from black soldier fly larvae for animal and aquafeed. The company’s facility currently has an output of three tonnes per week, but the latest funding round opens the way for an expanded factory producing around 11,000 tonnes annually. Among new shareholders is DLG, one of Europe’s largest agribusiness companies. The financing round also includes loans from the Danish Green Investment Fund and Nykredit Bank.

Enorm’s CEO, Carsten Lind Pedersen, said: “With our current suppliers and cooperation partners, and DLG as a shareholder, we have a strong foundation to develop Enorm to

commercial scale.” The fly larvae feed on residual biomass from the food industry, concentrate nutrients and can be processed into ingredients rich in protein and fat as a

sustainable alternative to traditional sources of feed. The ingredients can be used as feed for pigs, poultry, fish and pets, and potentially even for humans. The company said feeding trials with Enorm insect meal at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Denmark had showed promising protein digestibility for trout and tilapia. Enorm Biofactory is planning to use products from the pilot plant to explore and validate the potential for further different applications for feed and food.

Above: Black soldier fly larvae

Mowi nearly trebles Q4 operating profit FISH farming giant Mowi almost trebled its operating profit (EBIT) on a lower global harvest during the final quarter of 2021, the company’s Q4 trading update reveals.

The group reported an EBIT of €146m euros against €49m for the same period in 2020. The total harvest was 115,000 tonnes against 127,000 tonnes 12 months earlier. The Mowi

Scotland harvest was 1,000 tonnes lower at 12,000 tonnes. Farming Norway produced 71,000 tonnes (Q4 2020: 8,500 tonnes); Farming Chile produced 16,500 tonnes (Q4 2020: 20,500

tonnes); Farming Canada 10,000 tonnes (Q4 2020: 12,500 tonnes); Farming Ireland 1,500 tonnes (Q4 2020: 1,000 tonnes) and Farming Faroes 4,000 tonnes (Q4 2020: 1,500 tonnes). Mowi said the blended farming cost per kilo harvested was €4.62, a slight increase on €4.59 in the third quarter. However, biological problems in eastern Canada are still taking a toll. Mowi said the operational EBIT was negatively impacted by €8m related to extraordinary mortalities in Canada East. This affected total margin in the quarter by 0.07 per EUR/kg. The operational EBIT in Consumer Products was €26m (Q4 2020: €35m) and for Feed it was €8m in Q4 2021 (Q4 2020: €14m).

Left: Andy Martin, Mowi Canada West

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07/02/2022 15:23:06

All the latest industry news from Europe

FARMERS need to be aware at all times of how their animals are faring, but with a marine fish farm this can be a challenge. A recent straw poll of fish farmers in frontline roles indicated that respondents spent nearly half (47%) of their time gathering data about the fish, such as welfare, weight and lice count. The survey was carried out by Optoscale, a

Above Sven Kolstø Top right: The BioScope OptoScale

Norwegian company that has automated the monitoring process using advanced underwater cameras. Optoscale’s system was developed to estimate fish weight and overall biomass, but additional modules can also be used to give a picture of welfare and sea lice count. Sven Kolstø, Chief Executive, Optoscale, estimates that if the time spent gathering data could be reduced to 5% through automation, the industry could save something like €1bn through automation. The data most required by the farmers was weight, followed by a range of factors such as growth, disease status, welfare and sea lice. Asked what they would expect to be doing less of in 10 years’ time, the overwhelming answer from the farmers in the

Photo: OptoScale

Burden of data gathering exposed

survey was “manual sampling”. Kolstø comments: “Manual sampling is time consuming and it also provides data that can’t necessarily be relied on. You are looking at, say, 50 fish in a day as opposed to 200,000 with our camera. “Also, a sample at the surface – typically attracted with feed – may not be representative. They may be the fitter fish, or alternatively conditions such as pancreatic disease can mean fish spend more time at the surface.”

Most Norway salmon escapes ‘down to single incident’ ONE major incident accounted for the majority of farmed salmon escapes in Norway last year, the country’s Directorate of Fisheries has reported. It also reveals most escape incidents occurred in connection with work operations. Preliminary figures show that approximately 61,000 salmon and approximately 7,700 rainbow trout escaped from farms during 2021. Øyvind Lie, Director of the Directorate’s Coastal and Aquaculture Department, said: “One single incident in Trøndelag accounted

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European News v2.indd 19

for almost 40,000 escaped salmon. This had a major impact on the statistics.” The escape was at a facility run by MidtNorsk Havbruk, now part of SalmoNor, in the Trondelag region. The Directorate said around 39,000 escaped salmon were reported at the site with the company recapturing about 13,000 fish. “There was a large spread of fish from this incident and the Directorate of Fisheries also received many tips about catches all the way north of Vefsn,” Lie added. The company was ordered to carry out both

extended recapture at sea and monitoring and removal of escaped fish in 17 watercourses. On the basis of tips and observations, the Directorate of Fisheries also implemented measures in more watercourses than those covered by the order. “We see that genetic interference in salmon stocks is at a high level, and unfortunately it is the case that new interference comes on top of interference that has occurred before,” says Lie. However, the Directorate stresses the number of escapes is relatively low compared with some previous years.

07/02/2022 15:23:37

World News

NEWS...

US victory for Cooke steelhead plans THE Washington State Supreme Court has unanimously rejected various damage claims by a group of environmental organisations and upheld a permit granted to Cooke Aquaculture Pacific by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for the farming of Pacific steelhead trout. The Wild Fish Conservancy, Centre for Food Safety, Centre for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth claimed that WDFW’s permitting process violated the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), as well as the Fish and Wildlife Code. The 9-0 decision paves the way for Cooke and the Jamestown S’kllalam tribe, a partner in the venture, to switch from Atlantic salmon to native steelhead trout.The court made the following points: • Farming of steelhead would not have significant adverse impacts on the environment while finding that WDFW’s comparison of steelhead farming to the possible impacts

of Atlantic salmon farming “was appropriate”. • The WDFW’s comparison of the impacts of steelhead farming to the current, existing condition of the environment of Puget Sound, where salmon farming had occurred for three decades, was not clearly erroneous and was consistent with SEPA’s requirements. • The court dismissed all of the Wild Fish Conservancy’s arguments regarding possible adverse environmental impacts, ruling that arguments about disease were

without merit. • It completely dismissed concerns regarding sea lice, ﬁnding that WDFW relied on “multiple studies” to support the conclusion that sea lice in Puget Sound waters is not a concern because of low salinities. • It found WFC’s arguments regarding by-catch to be without merit, noting that their allegations are “unsupported in the record” and that WDFW imposed numerous conditions to address such concerns. • The “net pen-facilities do not involve the type of unresolved

conflicts that would trigger” an environmental review process under SEPA that would require considerations of alternatives. W Ron Allen, Chairman of the tribe, said: “Aquaculture allows us to utilise best practices in protecting the environment while continuing our traditional industries growing and gathering marine-based resources.” Joel Richardson, Cooke Aquaculture Pacific’s Vice-President of Public Relations Aquaculture said: “This State Supreme Court opinion lays to rest the array of disinformation about marine aquaculture being irresponsibly circulated by activist groups.” He added: “The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2022 the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture for a reason – because fish farming and other forms of aquaculture are the most environmentally sustainable forms of protein production.”

Brazil signs huge offshore ﬁsh farm deal

FOREVER Oceans, a US-owned company, has signed a deal with the Brazilian Government to create the world’s largest offshore ﬁsh farm. The area being talked about is in the coastal state of Bahia in north east Brazil,and covers more than 160,000 acres (64,200 hectares), an area three and a half times the size of Washington DC. The ﬁsh to be farmed will be amberjack (Seriola Rivoliana), a species common to that part of

World News v2.indd 20

the world that is said to be rich in omega-3 and makes for excellent eating. It is known locally as “olho de boi” or remeiro. Agreement was reached when Bill Bien, the CEO of Forever Oceans, met with Jorge Self Jr, Brazil’s Aquaculture and Fisheries Secretary. An announcement said the deal put Brazil on track to be an emerging leader in sustainable seafood production. The initial 20-year agreement authorises Forever Oceans to raise ﬁsh in the ocean within automated enclosures in two zones located between four and nine miles off Bahia. It is thought to be the largest offshore concession ever given for sustainable marine aquaculture and is predicted to

create around 500 jobs over the next eight years. Self said: “With a coastline of more than 8,500km, Brazil is one of the main frontiers for ﬁsh production, generating employment and income in addition to healthy food. “This landmark agreement is historic for Brazil and will set the country on the path to the development of sustainable marine aquaculture.”

Above: Forever Oceans signing

Forever Oceans CEO Bill Bien said: “This agreement will help us to serve the growing demand for delicious, nutritious seafood, and gives us the space to scale and grow rapidly, and the opportunity to develop the largest offshore sustainable seafood capability in the world,” He added: “We will bring our different approach to the waters of Brazil, applying our expertise in aquaculture, conservation and innovation to raise delicious and protein-rich ﬁsh in deepocean waters in a highly environmentally friendly and sustainable way that’s good for people and the planet.” Forever Oceans operates in Hawaii, Virginia, Indonesia, Brazil and Panama.

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 15:57:09

All the latest industry news from around the world

AquaMaof agrees RAS contract with Kvidul Kvidul with AQUAMAOF, financing by an Israeli firm becoming providing a strategic recirculating co-owner of aquaculture Kvidul AS. system (RAS) AquaMaof technology, will deliver has struck a its RAS deal with the Above: The Kvidul facility technology aquaculture for an annual production of company Kvidul to build a food fish up to 20,000 tonnes 20,000-tonne salmon farm on whole fish equivalent on the west coast of Norway. Brennholmen – which will be This is the latest in a series built in two phases, each with of major overseas investment up to 10,000 tonnes annual projects for AquaMaof. production. Last summer, the company For the first phase, a plant landed two major RAS with an annual capacity contracts in Russia and Kazakhstan, and is also involved of 10 million smolts will in projects in France and Japan. also be delivered. Kvidul said AquaMaof has an The Kvidul facility will be uncomplicated tailored design located at Brennholmen in that provides significant Åfjord municipality. operational benefits. Kvidul said that it saw AquaMaof and Kvidul AquaMaof as a particularly have also signed up to a important partner. AquaMaof collaboration agreement. has also agreed to support

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BAP certiﬁcation scheme grew 8.9% in 2021

Above: Brian Perkins

THE Global Seafood Alliance has reported that its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification programme continued to grow even through difficult circumstances during 2021. Despite the continuing pandemic, the number of BAP-certified organisations grew by 8.6% to 3,169, across six continents and 39 countries. The programme also saw an improved retention rate of 93.6% in 2021, up from 91% percent in 2020. This represents the highest retention rate in five years. Of the 3,169 BAP-certified facilities, 1,876 are farms currently in

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World News v2.indd 21

operation, 335 are farms currently 20220107 HDFV 2022 FF 92x130.indd in fallow, 437 are processing plants, 47 are processing plants engaged in re-processing, 324 are hatcheries and 150 are feed mills. The 1,876 farms currently in operation report more than 3 million metric tonnes of annual production, a 19.7% increase from 2020 to 2021. Atlantic salmon is number one at 1.37 million metric tonnes of annual production, followed by shrimp at 695,607 metric tonnes, tilapia at 350,197 metric tonnes, pangasius at 126,138 metric tonnes, trout at 109,206 metric tonnes and mussels at 98,545 metric tonnes. GSA CEO Brian Perkins said: “Our retention rate really speaks to aquaculture producers’ commitment to the full spectrum of sustainability, whether it’s environmental and social responsibility, animal health and welfare, or food safety.They continue to be challenged by supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and inﬂation, yet despite these headaches they remain steadfast in their belief that their businesses can’t grow responsibly without the thirdparty assurances that certiﬁcation programmes like BAP provide.”

2022-01-07 10:41:09

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07/02/2022 15:12:57

World News

Cooke wins in Nova Scotia boundary review high standards. COOKE Aquaculture has won another important victory The board said the site was an optimum use of a over North American anti-fish-farming activists attempting small portion of the Annapolis Basin. Its report noted to limit the growth of net-pen aquaculture. that salmon farming converts feed to food much more The company has finally been granted approval to extend efficiently, and with a smaller carbon footprint, than, for the boundary lines of its fish farm near Digby, Nova Scotia. example, beef production. Now the newly created Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review The board also rejected the assertion that the Board (ARB) has ruled that Cooke, through its subsidiary presence of the farm represented a risk to wild salmonid Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd, can continue with a 20-cage populations and drew attention to the fact that salmon salmon farm that had been operating outside the original numbers in the nearby Bear River had dwindled to boundary for several years. virtually nothing long before the introduction of fish This was the first case for the Review Board, which had Above Digby, Nova Scotia farming in the region. been set up by the provincial government to provide more Kelly Cove Salmon said:“The ARB hearing process was thorough and transparency around industry issues. rigorous, and included input from multiple stakeholders.We are pleased Key findings by the board included: with the outcome of this application and look forward to engaging with this • All of the evidence was that Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd has been proactive, and process for the other applications we have before the ARB. has invested heavily, to follow international best practices. “Kelly Cove has operated on this lease since 2004 and the site has been • The board was satisfied that the lease boundary amendment will have no an active aquaculture operation since 1994. Our application was to bring all impact on the sustainability of wild Atlantic salmon. moorings and equipment within the lease boundary, with no changes in • The salmon farm was deemed to have made a genuine contribution to equipment, location or production increases. community and provincial economic development. “The board concluded that the boundary amendment would have no • Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd had, throughout its operations, fully complied negative impact on the factors that it was required to consider.” with the requirements of its farm management plan and had set its own

IFFO names new leadership team IFFO, the body representing the global marine ingredients sector, has named Gonzalo de Romaña as its next President. He is the CEO of Peruvian fishmeal and fish oil producer Tecnológica de Alimentos and he has been a member of the IFFO Board of Directors since 2018. The new Vice-President is Egil Magne Haugstad, CEO of Pelagia AS. Pelagia’s Head Office is in Norway with factories concentrated on North Atlantic. Pelagia is also the largest producer of Pelagic Seafood globally and high-quality omega-3 concentrates in Norway. Also joining the IFFO board are Adriana Giudice, Walter Martinez, Nick Sterrett, Mohammed Shawkath Showry, Johannes Palsson, Andrè du Preez and José Miguel Tirado.

Above: Gonzalo de Romaña (L) and Egil Magne Haugstad

Poseidon aeration compressor cuts Cermaq’s carbon footprint CERMAQ Canada cut CO2 emissions from its operations by more than 76,000kg in 2021 using a new aeration technology from Poseidon Ocean Systems. Cermaq has been trialling Poseidon’s Flowpressor™ aeration compressor systems at two of the salmon farmer’s sites in British Columbia.The trial took place at the Simmonds Point and Wehlis Bay farms from May through November 2021, and involved using Flowpressors to power Cermaq’s standard harmful algae bloom (HAB) systems instead of conventional diesel compressors. Brock Thomson, Cermaq Canada’s Innovation Director,

said: “The trial demonstrated the viability of the Flowpressor technology to power our existing conventional bloommitigation equipment, while producing 60% less greenhouse gas emissions. “The overall result is that we have slashed emissions and dramatically reduced our fuel costs while improving overall performance of the mitigation system.”

Atle Eide joins tilapia farmer’s board A leading ﬁgure in the world of salmon farming has joined the board of African tilapia producer Lake Harvest. Atle Eide has been named as Non-executive Chairman at the company. Lake Harvest is one of the largest integrated aquaculture companies in sub-Saharan Africa and was recently boosted by an investment package of US$7m from aquaculture innovation fund Aqua-Spark, Norfund and the African Century Group. The company has tilapia farming operations in Zimbabwe, Zambia (both on Lake Kariba) and Uganda (on Lake Victoria), as well as a distribution

World News v2.indd 22

network in East and Southern Africa. Eide was until recently Chairman of the Board at SalMar, one of the world’s biggest producers of salmon. He holds several positions in and outside of the seafood industry, such as board member for the Norwegian Seafood Federation, Benchmark Holding, Kontali and Chairman at Scale AQ and SalMar Aker Ocean. He said: “I believe in the purpose of Lake Harvest and am strongly motivated to contribute to the development of sustainable aquaculture in Africa.” Right Atle Eide

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07/02/2022 15:15:57

Obituary

A guru of innovation in technical textiles Colleagues remember Garware’s Sanjay Raut, who passed away last month

BY KANWAL MALIK AND NIKHIL GUNARI

If you are not failing enough, “ then you are not going to make a difference ”

attempt at Star knotless HDPE netting and didn’t expect it to go any further,” said Finlay Oman, director at Knox. “Sanjay then came back with a second improved version that we still didn’t think was great, but was much more promising. Sanjay always accepted critiques with grace and would gently say: ‘No, you see, I will improve on this further.’ And he did. “Who would ever have thought that you could have grown salmon in knotted HDPE? Again, after initial worries, Sanjay came back with a ‘single sided knot’ which was much smoother and more fish-friendly on one side of the sheet netting than the other. Garware adapted several of its netting looms to concentrate on production of the material that was also heat set on the square to provide stable knots and mesh geometry – a luxury not afforded to other suppliers, which were purchasing netting manufactured on looms set up for the production of trawl netting.” Oman recalls: “Sanjay and I had a shared interest in photography and one thing on his bucket list was to witness and hopefully photograph the Aurora Borealis. Despite his many trips to Northern Norway, he had never managed to see this phenomenon first hand. “Then, fortunately but unexpectedly, in February 2014 we had been in Orkney visiting our friends at Cooke Aquaculture and Scottish Sea Farms, when the receptionist in our hotel had made a passing comment about an appearance of the ‘Mirry Dancers’ as they are known in Orkney. We anjay Raut, President of new Business and R&D at Garware jumped in the car and headed out into the darkness to see if we could Technical Fibres Ltd, whose pioneering work on the introduction see any sign. Despite being absolutely frozen, Sanjay was absolutely of HDPE solutions for the salmon aquaculture industry propelled delighted to see them with his own eyes and capture some amazing him to the status of “Guru of Innovation” in the technical textile images.” industry, passed away last month. He was 68. Jim Traynor, also of W&J Knox, said: “Sanjay had an astounding breadth His ideas and innovations were completely outside the box, often result- and diversity of experience. In a time of specialisation this was very ing in disruptive products being introduced to the industry. remarkable. His innovative products such as Sapphire Seal Pro, Sapphire Ultracore “In textile terms he could switch with ease between the ‘dry’ processes and Star were the envy of many netting producers and their adoption of spinning , weaving/netting, knitting (including raschel) to the ‘wet’ topresulted in huge benefits for the salmon farming industry. Reduced seal ics of scouring and dyeing, and then to polymer chemistry and extrusion. attacks and fish escapes, environmental emissions and measurable oper“Sanjay was a genuine polymath in days when such people were a rare ational savings were the benefit for the users of his technology. commodity. I was a big fan and will miss him. It was my pleasure to know Raut was a prolific leader who nurtured young talent and often spent him, and to work and socialise with Sanjay.” long hours training and inspiring young scientists to innovate. He said Raut worked very closely with scientists to introduce mariculture in Innothing is more important than “the voice of the customer”. His favourite dia. He was honoured with an Innovation Award for his pioneering work line was “disruptive innovation and failure go hand in hand; if you are not in Indian mariculture. He was also very active in ensuring the highest failing enough, then you are not going to make a difference to the world level of education and global exposure to underprivileged children to give through your innovations”. them a platform to become future world leaders. Raut had shown the early prototypes of Star knotless netting to their Raut’s pioneering work earned him many friends from all corners of Scottish partners, W&J Knox Ltd, which didn’t rate it at all compared to the world. Warmth, wisdom and kindness came naturally to him, and knotless nylon. his passion for learning was always gladly and proudly shared with those “We offered some practical criticisms on the structure of the first who were lucky enough to get the chance to listen to him. FF

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Sanjay Raut obit v2.indd 23

07/02/2022 15:10:37

Processing News

Mowi set to close its processing plant in Surrey, BC Mowi Canada West has announced that it will permanently close its fish processing plant in Surrey, British Columbia, blaming the Canadian Government’s decision to shut down salmon farming in the Discovery Islands region.

Above: The Mowi processing plant in Surrey, British Columbia

MOWI is British Columbia’s largest salmon producer and its 23,000 sq ft processing plant, in the town of Surrey, currently employs around 80 people. The decision to cancel salmon farming licenses in the Discovery Islands was announced by former federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Bernadette Jordan on 17 December 2020.

Although Surrey is outside the region concerned, Mowi says the loss of 30% of its production in BC means the production plant is no longer viable. A recent economic report commissioned by the BC Salmon Farmers Association found that the companies operating within Surrey that are part of BC’s farm-raised salmon

supply chain generate more than $363m in revenues, and create jobs for 1,189 workers earning almost $65m in salaries. Dean Dobrinsky, spokesperson for Mowi Canada West said: “This is devasting news to the employees and families who have relied on this operation for their livelihood. It is clear that the decision of the

former Minister has lasting implications. Her decision is far reaching and continues to be incredibly damaging to the communities where we operate. It has been more than a year and we have yet to hear from either the former Minister or the new Minister, Joyce Murray.” A legal challenge over the Discovery Islands decision is currently being considered by Canada’s Federal Court. Rupinder Dadwan,

Above: Rupinder Dadwan

This is “ devastating news to the employees

”

Human Resources Manager at Mowi Canada West commented: “This is what happens when politics overrides science-based evidence. At the beginning of the pandemic we were deemed an essential service providing our country affordable and healthy food, and now we’re forced to close our doors. Our

Federal Government doesn’t have to do this - it can choose fairness and engagement over divisiveness and exclusion.” Anita Huberman, President of the Surrey Board of Trade said that she was “devastated” by the job losses. She also regretted that Canadian production jobs are being moved to the United States. Mowi said that “until business certainty is restored in British Columbia”, the company will supply its customers’ orders for value-added seafoods through its facilities located in the US. The Surrey plant is expected to close in late March 2022. Primary processing for all salmon grown by Mowi in BC will continue at its plant in Port Hardy, Canada.

Boston Seafood Expo set to go ahead SEAFOOD Expo and Processing North America, popularly known as the Boston Seafood Show, is to go ahead , the organisers have said. In early January, Peter Pan

Seafood of Alaska said it was pulling out because of fears over the spread of the Omicron version of coronavirus, sparking fears that others could soon follow. Cermaq also announced in

Above: Scottish stand at a previous Boston Seafood show

Processing News v2.indd 24

January that it would not be attending the Expo. But the show organisers have received several messages of support from several big companies and have reaffirmed that the 40th edition of what is officially called Seafood Expo North America/ Seafood Processing North America will take place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13-15 March. Last year’s show was cancelled because of the pandemic. The three-day event will highlight a comprehensive exhibit hall for business and networking opportunities, new products, food sampling, special events and education. “We are excited to be back in-person in Boston to reconvene seafood professionals looking to

do business in the North American market,” said Wynter Courmont, Event Director with Diversified Communications. “Year over year, industry suppliers and buyers have valued the business opportunities at the event, and this year will be no exception.” Rob O’Sullivan, Vice President Sales, Americas at Clearwater Seafoods, said: “After two long years of virtual meetings, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet with our customers, partners, colleagues and new clients in person and under the same roof. “Nothing replaces the importance of interacting face to face or the integral platform Seafood Expo North America provides to drive new business, reconnect with clients and partners, and get a pulse on the marketplace.”

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07/02/2022 15:06:49

Processing News

Young’s Seafood returns to profitability YOUNG’S Seafood has returned to strong profitability under its new ownership, figures for its most recent financial period show. The UK’s largest seafood supplier and a major buyer of farmed salmon, but probably best known for its Gastro and Fish Shop brands, has reported a pre-tax profit of £29.5m for the 53 week period ending 3 April 2021. This compares favourably with a loss of £13.7m for the 78 week period ended 28 March 2020. The latest accounts cover the first full year of the Covid-19 pandemic, when UK frozen and chilled seafood companies did brisk business as restaurants remained closed for long periods, allowing consumers to discover the benefit of keeping their freezers full. Sales were par�cularly robust, reaching £597.1m compared with £815.1m for the 78 week financial “year”, represen�ng an actual increase of more than £700,000 a week Profit a�er tax came to £21.3m against a loss of £10.1m for the previous financial period. The Companies House accounts show that Young’s spent frac�onally short of £400m (£399.9m) buying raw materials such as fish and other consumables. The figure for the 78 week period was £609.8m. Young’s has since changed ownership, becoming part of the Canadian based Sofina Food Group last April. CEO Simon Smith said the company con�nued to improve its opera�onal commercial performance during the period. He explained that it was con�nuing to develop long term partnerships with its customers by offering quality products and good service across mul�ple categories. He added: “Young’s is well placed to deal with the strong

compe��ve pressures that characterise the seafood industry and is preparing for signiﬁcant growth in the years to come. “Young’s is also con�nuing to invest in product innova�on and process development to deliver fair value to its customers and maintain a leading posi�on its key markets.” He said the seafood industry was highly compe��ve, but Young’s intended to develop new products to meet changes in consumer demands.

Above: Young’s Fish Fillets

ISI appoints new UK Managing Director Magazine Media/Publishing - Commercial Assistant B2B (Aquaculture) Above: Bjarni Ármannsson

GLEN Mathews, a senior executive with Hilton Seafood, has been appointed as Managing Director of Iceland Seafood UK, with effect from the end of February. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the seafood processing sector. Mathews was previously in the position of Production Director of Hilton Seafood (formerly Icelandic Seachill) for 20 years, managing three factories with over 1,400 employees. The move is part of a raft of changes being brought in for the Iceland Seafood International group’s UK operation. In November, ISI Group CEO Bjarni Armannsson (pictured) said a “combination of ramping up a renovated factory, dealing with challenging logistics from southeast Asia and merging two factories in a period of COVID-19 issues and Brexit” were creating difficulties for the UK division. He announced changes would be made to strengthen the local management team of IS UK “to address the business complexities, the increased retail exposure and harvest the upcoming growth of the business”. Reynir Jonsson, the Group CFO stepped in as an interim Managing Director and at the same time it was announced that Glen Mathews would be joining the business at end of February 2022. Iceland Seafood has now appointed Mathews as Managing Director of IS UK.

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Processing News v2.indd 25

SALARY DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE £21K- £24K Applicants should be capable of working well within a small team, have excellent grammar skills, telephone manner and an ability to identify commercial opportunities. General duties will be orientated around assisting both sales and editorial on a well established widely respected business to business print and online publication.  Research and support for sales and editorial  Contacting companies via email and phone  Identifying commercial leads  Expanding free circulation publication database via print and digital  Editorial assistance - including proofreading and writing  Website and social media administration. Please apply with CV to: jjohnston@fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 15:07:19

Comment

BY DR MARTIN JAFFA

Turning a blind eye The anti-farming lobby seem reluctant to engage with evidence that does not suit their narrative

S I write this commentary, Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) have just posted a news story from the Guardian newspaper about restoring Finland’s river ecosystems, although it doesn’t mention salmon. Earlier in January, FMS posted the news that the River Tay fishing season was to be opened by actors Robson Green and Jim Murray, and at the end of December they posted the story from New Scientist about the Norwegian research on introgression from farmed salmon. Despite their interest in farmed salmon – their response to the Wild Salmon Strategy included calls for a reformed regulatory system that protects wild fish from the impacts of fish farming – they did not post news from any of the press coverage of my new paper (see “Fall in wild salmon numbers ‘not down to fish farms’”, Fish Farmer, January 2022). This was no surprise. FMS, as well as the wild fish sector, are only interested in stories about salmon farming that support their inherent belief that salmon farming is damaging to wild salmon. They are certainly not interested in news stories that might undermine their long-held narrative about the negative impacts of salmon farming. They hope that if they ignore any such stories that they will simply disappear, and they can continue their campaign against the salmon farming industry. Certainly, the Atlantic Salmon Trust, which is currently running the west coast tracking project with Marine Scotland Science (MSS), have remained silent, as have Marine Scotland Science themselves. I will be

now pushing MSS to amend its “Summary of Sea Lice Science” accordingly, in line with the latest findings. These will also be important evidence in the current

Martin Jaffa v2.indd 26

Scottish Environment Protection Agency consultation on sea lice management. Whilst most of the wild fish sector seem to want to ignore my new paper, when asked by the local press, Andrew GrahamStewart of Salmon & Trout Conservation was keen to voice his opinion. Rather than address the paper’s findings, Mr GrahamStewart told the West Highland Free Press that I am essentially a spokesman and an apologist for the salmon farming industry. Both these are news to me for I have never been asked by anyone in the industry to speak for them and I certainly would argue that the salmon farming industry has nothing to apologise for. Mr Graham-Stewart adds that there are numerous studies showing wild stocks are severely impacted by salmon farming particularly due to sea lice. These studies have been written by experts and have real credibility, implying that I am neither an expert nor have any credibility. Of course, Mr Graham-Stewart has never been willing to tell me this in person. Actually, Mr Graham-Stewart is incorrect, for whilst there are plenty of studies based on mathematical modelling and predicted mortality, there is a dearth of studies that show the actual impact of salmon farming. Just two are quoted in MSS’s summary of the science dating back to 2008 and 2009 and the evidence from these is extremely weak. Sadly, Mr Graham-Stewart is unwilling to discuss these papers. Both these papers used rod-catch data to illustrate their claims. None of the industry critics have ever argued that the data, collected from river proprietors by the Scottish Government, is unreliable and thus the

Above: Rod caught salmon being released Left: A salmon fly

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 14:58:51

Turning a blind eye

research can be dismissed, no doubt because the papers appear to support their claims. The keyboard critics have quickly dismissed my paper for a range of reasons, however, including the unreliability of the data, the quality of the journal, the fact it is open access for which a fee must be paid and because I am associated with the salmon industry. Not one, including, Mr Graham-Stewart, has argued that the findings of the paper are incorrect. The reality is that the perceived decline in fish catches along the west coast has masked underlying changes in the two different components of the salmon stock: grilse and multi-sea winter salmon. Whilst numbers of the larger salmon caught have declined, catches of one-sea winter grilse have increased. For over 30 years, industry critics have argued that the lethal effects of sea lice have caused declines for the west coast salmon stock, yet if grilse catches have increased, they cannot have succumbed to this lethal sea lice infestation. As yet, no-one has explained why this inference is incorrect except to say it cannot be credible because I am an apologist for the industry. Sooner or later the wild fish sector will have to acknowledge that the claims they make about salmon farming cannot be substantiated, but such claims have become part of the accepted narrative and may take some time to renounce. Meanwhile, they cannot be selective, only promoting the parts of the science that support their claims, nor can

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Martin Jaffa v2.indd 27

“

There is a dearth of studies that show the actual impact of salmon farming

they dismiss the science they don’t like with claims that it was commissioned or written by people connected to the industry. In the case of this new paper, the research is not about salmon farming, but the changes that have occurred naturally in the population of wild fish; changes that can be traced back to 1740. In their haste to dismiss this research, critics are also dismissing the past research of their contemporaries. This just goes to show how much their view of salmon farming has blinkered their attitude to the wild salmon they claim to want to protect. See Fish Farmer’s report online at www. fishfarmermagazine.com/news/fall-in-wildsalmon-numbers-not-down-to-fish-farms FF

”

07/02/2022 14:59:18

Salmon Scotland

BY HAMISH MACDONELL

After the split Brexit blues are still afﬂicting the industry – in more than one way

T was one of my Salmon Scotland colleagues who put it best: “We have no greater access to Europe than a �lapia farmer from Zimbabwe. We are a third country now and we are being treated as such.” That shouldn’t come as a surprise. A�er all, we knew this was going to happen. We were told, before the Brexit vote, that we would lose all the export advantages we had with Europe. Yet there was s�ll a feeling that perhaps, because we have been trading with Europe for so long, that maybe they would look on us favourably and not enforce all the rules as stringently as they could. But no, now that the latest animal health regula�ons have come into force, it is clear that we really do have pre�y much the same status as African �lapia farmers when it comes to selling into the European Union. That is galling and frustra�ng. Each load of salmon, which would have passed through the border posts with hardly a glance 18 months ago, now has to be accompanied by enough paperwork to wrap a dozen fish suppers. Salmon producers have to declare if the fish is des�ned for human consump�on or further processing – regardless of whether the answer is both, neither or some of one and some of the other. If the fish is des�ned for further processing, each load has to be signed off by an official vet and all farms expor�ng to the con�nent have to be approved by a vet in advance. Then, when it gets to the border posts, almost every part of every

single load is checked by hand even though this is exactly the same product that was waved through with a smile a few months ago. There have been delays, confusion and frustra�ons. There are barely enough vets to process the cer�ficates and the system could buckle at any point, par�cularly if there is a Covid flare up that reduces staffing numbers at the cer�fica�on hubs. We had hoped the whole export health cer�ficate system would have been digi�sed and put online by this point, but that seems to be delayed too. It may seem odd, given all this, that when the 2021 export figures come out this month, they will show that Sco�sh salmon producers sent more fish to Europe in that year than ever before. Those figures will no doubt be seized on by pro-Brexit poli�cians to claim that the UK’s departure from the EU has been a success and that exports are thriving. Those figures, however, are evidence of a much more complex picture. The main reason Sco�sh salmon farmers exported more fish to Europe in 2021 was because there were s�ll serious transport issues with more distant markets, par�cularly China and the United States. Also, while volumes were up in 2021, values were down. Farmers were ge�ng less for the fish than they were before. So the real picture is of a difficult trading year with producers ba�ling valiantly against Covid

been delays, confusion “There have and frustra�ons ”

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07/02/2022 14:53:36

After the split

transport restric�ons and Brexit-induced bureaucracy. In fact, it is remarkable how much salmon they managed to get to their customers in Europe, given the head winds they faced.

Above: Salmon processing Left: Brexit

The staffing issue But there is another side-effect of Brexit, one that has crept up on our members more slowly, but that could have a more damaging effect in the long run. Anyone who visited a fish processing plant in Scotland before Brexit would have seen how much our sector relied on European workers. Signs and posters were o�en wri�en in Polish, Romanian or Bulgarian while the languages you could hear on the processing lines varied from one Eastern European tongue to the next. Some of these workers applied for leave to remain and have stayed, living and working in Scotland, but some have gone home, never to return. There used to be a throughput of European workers, but not anymore. That conveyor belt has stopped and there is no evidence it will ever get going again.

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Taken together with self-isola�on regula�ons, this Brexit-inspired labour force problem is now causing real problems. All the processing facili�es serving the Sco�sh salmon sector are short of workers, some by 15%-20%. The problem can be par�cularly acute on the islands, where the loss of half a dozen workers can place immense strain on those who remain, depressing their morale and making more staff shortages all but inevitable. There is simply not the pool of workers there used to be and they will have to come from somewhere if our sector is to thrive. Salmon Scotland has joined forces with the Sco�sh Seafood Associa�on and the Sco�sh Fishermen’s Federa�on to ask the UK Government to loosen the restric�ons on foreign labour for fish processing. We have asked for the same sorts of dispensa�ons given to the haulage and poultry sectors when they hit similar problems before Christmas. The UK Government does not want to keep adjus�ng the rules – for obvious reasons. If it did, it would undermine its own arguments that Brexit is a success that will provide more jobs for Bri�sh workers. This is, perhaps the crux of the issue: Brexit was an ideological move but it has created prac�cal problems. Only by accep�ng that real, concrete steps have to be taken to solve these problems will the Government ease the pains of Brexit. Yet, if it does it will effec�vely be admi�ng that Brexit is not the allsinging-all-dancing success it has consistently claimed it to be. Our hope is that prac�cal necessity will win out over ideology. If it doesn’t, then there will only be more pain ahead – something our members really do not deserve to endure any more. FF

07/02/2022 14:54:02

Shellfish

BY NICKI HOLMYARD

Flipping clever An idea from New Zealand has the potential to overturning the global oyster industry

EASONED oyster farmer Aaron Pannell, of Marlborough Oysters Ltd in New Zealand, has revolu�onised his business over the past few years. Now, he wants the world to know that oyster farming in the 21st century can be efficient, produc�ve and profitable. The solu�on, he says, is the FlipFarm. Pannell spoke to Fish Farmer about the highs and lows of a journey that has led to the roll-out of a product that could save the industry many thousands of hours. Pannell, who started the company with his wife, Debbie, in 2011, has more than 25 years’ experience in aquaculture and marine farming engineering. He also has a passion for innova�ve technology, which led him to analyse how things could be done be�er. Ini�ally the farm was based on a floa�ng plas�c mesh bag system secured between a double backbone headline. As demand grew, and Marlborough Oysters became one of the country’s largest producers, with 20 million shells in the water, Pannell hit a series of biological, meteorological and staffing crises. He recognised that he needed to overhaul the business. An oyster virus and a plague of flatworms destroyed more than half of the stock, biofouling became intense,and a major storm added to the Pannells’ woes, with overall losses es�mated at around A$1.5 million (£800,000).

Shellfish v2.indd 30

Equipment failure was an ongoing issue, with the webbing lanyards that a�ached the oyster bags to the longlines constantly chafing through. This led to a large maintenance bill and the loss of many bags. While trying out various containers and baskets to come up with a solu�on, Pannell bought another small local oyster company, which had some Hexcyl Pro Series rigid hexagonal oyster baskets lying around. A�er much experimenta�on with different clips and a�achments, he tried threading a rope through the middle of these baskets. His “eureka” moment came when he returned to li� the line to clean the oysters and no�ced that all the baskets automa�cally flipped over and that the animals were all in premium condi�on. “That moment not only changed my life, but also changed the oyster farming industry. I saw that the need to constantly turn bags could be eliminated; all that was needed was a reliable way to flip them,” Pannell says. Following some fine-tuning of machinery and proving of the system, he changed his opera�on from bags to baskets and found that the labour saving was considerable. Previously it took a whole week to turn 40,000 bags, but with the prototype FlipFarm, the job could be done in a ma�er of hours. According to Pannell, his system offers a “sleek and efficient solu�on to many of the issues that oyster farmers encounter with exis�ng growing methods,” not least the provision of a good environment for growth and condi�oning of oysters. He is delighted that the system has improved the

That “ moment

not only changed my life but also changed the oyster farming industry

”

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07/02/2022 14:51:07

Flipping clever

Opposite from top: Debbie and Aaron Pannell; FlipFarm mechanism Above: Aaron, with sons Joel and Luke, harves�ng oysters Below: The FlipFarm vessel

quality of the oysters, eradicated the flatworm problem and reduced the annual mortality rate by 66%. The beauty of FlipFarm is that it requires li�le in the way of human effort to flip the oyster cages in the water. That makes shellfish farming more a�rac�ve to people who might not have considered it as a career before. It is also a boon for oyster farmers who use tradi�onal bag and trestle systems and consequently spend much of their lives bent double. Imagine no more bad backs and fewer chiropractor bills! FlipFarm has been designed to use the Australian-made Hexcyl Pro Series oyster basket, with a blow-moulded 12-litre float a�ached to one side. Each 100-metre line of 300 baskets is a�ached permanently to a 24mm polypropylene rope backbone. Pannell explains that this makes the system almost bullet-proof as far

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as losses off the lines go. Also, the opportunity for damage and wear is considerably reduced and maintenance is minimal. The current system works on the sea surface, but Pannell is also developing submersible that which will enable lines to be sunk and raised in a ma�er of minutes to prevent storm, ice or freshwater damage to the valuable crop. Music to oyster farmers’ ears is that the labour required for grading or sor�ng is also significantly reduced, as the shells can easily be �pped into and out of the baskets without removing them from the lines. If the farm is in a sheltered loca�on, it might be possible to grade on site using a small pontoon or purpose-built vessel. Pannell explains that he has been able to reduce his grading team by 60%. A further advantage is that with the growing gear remaining permanently on the lines, there is no need for a large area onshore storage area. “Using rigid baskets instead of bags means that no oysters are trapped in corners, so they do not become mis-shaped, the oysters have a much more consistent shell shape and meat condi�on, and there is no wastage. Also, predators such as oystercatchers cannot easily reach the oysters to peck at them as they can in some systems,” he says. FlipFarm comes as a complete package or as components, and full consultancy is available if required. Since its official launch two years ago, FlipFarm has been taken up by more than 70 oyster farmers in 12 countries around the world and Pannell is proud that his innova�on is changing the dynamic of the industry. This modest couple has already won a string of awards, the most recent of which was the aquaculture innova�on award at the Global Seafood Alliance Awards 2021. Pannell said: “FlipFarm Systems was honoured to be awarded the Global Seafood Alliance Innova�on award for 2021. Considering the extremely high calibre of the finalists, we feel very privileged to have won this award on behalf of our hard-working team. “Debbie and I would like to recognise the many people who have been involved in developing and implemen�ng the FlipFarm system and look forward to con�nuing our mission to deliver world-class aquaculture solu�ons to the most sustainable and exci�ng industry in the world!” FF

07/02/2022 14:51:35

Genetics

Rewriting nature Will gene editing mean the creation of ‘Frankenfoods’ or a new era in productive aquaculture?

NE of the main arguments presented in favour of the UK’s exit from the European Union was that it would make it possible to diverge from EU regula�ons. A poten�ally far-reaching change is already under way in the field of gene�cs. The EU has been implacably opposed to any form of gene�c engineering in agriculture – in contrast to the US, where gene�cally modified organisms (GMOs) are commonplace in soya produc�on, for example. Now GMO technology is even being deployed in aquaculture, with AquaBounty Technologies’ GMO salmon about to enter full-scale commercial produc�on. The UK is not about to follow America’s lead and permit GMOs in agriculture, but there is interest in a different approach – gene edi�ng. Gene edi�ng involves inser�ng new DNA sequences, dele�ng exis�ng ones or modifying them in the genome of a living organism. Unlike GMOs, where a DNA from two completely different species could be combined, gene edi�ng does not result in any outcomes that could not be achieved through selec�ve breeding. It is, however, much quicker than selec�on and much more precise. For example, gene sequences with desirable traits from other individuals – such as fast growth rates or enhanced disease resistance – can be replicated. Alterna�vely, undesirable traits can be edited out. In early 2021, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

gene editing v2.indd 32

(Defra) issued a consulta�on document on gene edi�ng. A summary of the consulta�on and the Government’s response was published in September last year, including an indica�on that relaxa�on of the regula�ons would begin in the less controversial area of gene edi�ng for plants rather than animals. On 20 January, the Government conﬁrmed that legisla�on along these lines would be introduced. According to Jo Churchill, Minister for Agri-Innova�on and Climate Adapta�on: “New gene�c technologies could help us tackle some of the biggest challenges of our age – around food security, climate change and biodiversity loss. “Now we have the freedom and opportunity to foster innova�on, to improve the environment and help us grow plants that are stronger and more resilient to climate change. I am grateful to the

Above: Ross Houston Below: Gene edi�ng Opposite: Could the genes from Paciﬁc salmon species be used to protect their Atlan�c cousins?

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07/02/2022 14:48:47

Rewriting nature

farming and environmental groups that have helped us shape our approach, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve.” Scien�sts undertaking research with gene�c technologies will have to con�nue to no�fy Defra of any research trials. Gene-edited plants will s�ll be classified as GMOs and commercial cul�va�on of these plants, and any food products derived from them, will s�ll need to be authorised in accordance with exis�ng rules. GMO regula�on is a devolved ma�er and the administra�ons of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will need to decide whether to follow Westminster’s lead. The consulta�on last year indicated that there is strong resistance in some quarters to gene edi�ng – especially if it is to be extended to animals. For example, Jo Whi�ield, Chief Execu�ve of the Co-op supermarket chain, comments: “Scru�ny by independent scien�sts and officials, as well as engagement with civil society, is essen�al. We would expect government to clearly set out how it intends to regulate gene edi�ng, whilst providing clear condi�ons of use and any labelling requirements. “We have no current plans to change our policy on prohibi�ng gene�cally modified organisms, which includes organisms produced by gene edi�ng.” Animal welfare charity the RSPCA says: “We remain deeply concerned about gene edi�ng and its implica�ons for animals, and believe there are more ethical solu�ons.” A report from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics concluded: “In order safely to introduce a technology with the poten�al to accelerate breeding aims, we would need to have procedures in place to ensure that acceptable levels of welfare, and indeed jus�ce, were secured for the animals subject to such a technology.” Could gene edi�ng be applied to aquaculture in the UK? Professor Ross Houston is currently Chair of Aquaculture Gene�cs at The Roslin Ins�tute, University of Edinburgh – and soon to be Director of

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Innova�on with Benchmark Gene�cs. He says: “Gene edi�ng – for example, using CRISPR/Cas9 – has the poten�al to speed up this process to develop be�er performing, healthier and more robust strains for farmers. Gene-edi�ng technology also offers the possibility of harnessing desirable traits present in closely related species. “For example, there are two large ongoing projects focused on understanding the reasons why certain Pacific salmon species are resistant to sea lice while Atlan�c salmon are suscep�ble. The goal of these projects is then to edit the Atlan�c salmon genome at precise loca�ons to alter their response to mimic that of the resistant Pacific salmon. “This could be transforma�ve for the industry if successful, with the economic benefits alongside animal welfare improvements and reduced impact on the environment, including reducing or elimina�ng the need for chemical treatments.” Houston points out that the high fecundity and external fer�lisa�on of most aquaculture species could facilitate genome edi�ng for research and applica�on at a scale that is not possible in farmed terrestrial animals. He adds: “Most of the major salmon breeding companies are inves�ng in research and development of gene-edi�ng technologies, and this suggests to me that there is certainly a desire for judicious applica�on of the technology in produc�on in the future to improve health, welfare and produc�on of farmed stocks.” Houston recognises that there are concerns around gene edi�ng, including the risk that there could be unintended consequences arising from the edi�ng process, or inaccuracy in edi�ng. He argues, however: “If a targeted edit or change is made that confers a desirable trait (e.g. complete resistance to sea lice in salmon), then this would have to be the beginning of a process of assessment. In that process, it would be necessary to carefully conduct trials to confirm that resistance to sea lice was the only difference observed in the animal, and that there were no associated nega�ve impacts on health or welfare of the fish. “The concern about poten�al inaccuracy of the edi�ng technology is easier to address as the technology exists to rapidly assess any so-called ‘off-target’ effects on the genome – for example, using high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies. “Finally, there will be some concern about poten�al risk of interbreeding with wild species, and this could be mi�gated by ensuring that any produc�on animals carrying desirable edits are also sterile, such that any poten�al escapees could not reproduce.” The technology to apply gene-edi�ng techniques at a commercial level in aquaculture already exist today. Drawing up the ethical and regulatory framework to allow this to happen will, however, take �me. FF

could “beThistransforma�ve for the industry

”

07/02/2022 14:49:13

Nets and cages

A new approach

Chile-based company EcoSea says its nets are good for farmers, ﬁsh and the ocean

ECYCLABLE copper submersible nets, pioneered by a Chilean company to rear fish “where it was not thought possible” in deep, high seas, will soon be available in the UK following successful tests. EcoSea’’s UR30 copper-alloy cage system minimises the use of nylon mesh, which the company describes as “the main source of pollution in the seas”. It is 100% recyclable and can be operated continuously for a decade. Copper alloy is also stronger than nylon, so it helps against predators such as sea lions and seals. “Over the past 12 years, EcoSea has deployed more than 70 of these systems around the world, growing more than 10 million fish,” the company says. “In addition, three farming centres in Chile were recycled after a decade of useful life, resulting in a total of 420 tonnes of recycled and resalable material.” At the heart of the new technology is the element copper, which has antifouling, antimicrobial, and anti-corrosion properties. Copper curbs biofouling, such as adhesion of algae, sea moss, sea anemones, barnacles, and molluscs. When these materials accumulate, they can block the flow of water and reduce the oxygen level in the net pen, while increasing pathogens and parasites. Preventing their accumulation helps reduce fish mortality, and improves growth and feed conversion. By halting the growth of organic layers in the cages, the copper alloy meshes “minimise the risky hours of diving and use of boats for cleaning, maintenance and replacement of traditional nylon nets, generating significant reductions in operating costs”, EcoSea says. Nylon netting typically must be cleaned by divers on a monthly basis, but with copper-alloy netting, the frequency of cleaning can be significantly reduced. Even when cleaning is performed, removal is easy, as attachment is weaker. The copper-alloy cages use a high-density polyethylene flotation system, which is also fully recyclable. “The recycling process stopped the use of 160 tonnes of nylon, the waste of 8,000 tons of fouling, which would have been deposited in landfills or on the seabed, and 184 tons of chemicals such as anti-fouling paint,” the company says. “It is estimated that the release of 10,300 tonnes of CO2 into the environment has been avoided so far.” However, some environmentalists see copper as a toxic chemical – is this a potential problem? “Environmentalists would not be wrong about the impact that copper coating/paints have on the environment, which is traditionally used on ny-

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Our “ submersible technology allows ﬁsh farming in open ocean waters

”

lon or similar nets,” says EcoSea’s CEO Nicolás Castillo. “In our case, we do not utilise any coat or paint that flakes off over time and ends up in the bottom of the sea. Our technology utilises a copper-alloy mesh that does not flake off, and studies executed by independent labs have proven this does not affect the surrounding environment.” EcoSea says the copper alloy nets also show less volumetric deformation in high-energy, deeper water: “Under severe current and wave conditions, traditional fish cages experience substantial volume reduction due to deformation, generating overcrowding conditions, increasing the fish stress and mortality rate. Our technology maintains structural integrity and cage volume under adverse weather conditions.” The drawbacks of copper alloy are cost and weight. As for cost, the longer product life, reduced cleaning work, better fish health and end-of-life recycle value of copper tends to offset the initial cost, according to the company. The increased weight of copper means that flotation must be increased accordingly. However, in some situations, weight is a good thing as it keeps the net from losing its shape or tangling, especially in rough seas, the company says. Castillo says: “Our submersible technology allows fish farming in open ocean waters, where traditional cage technology doesn’t. By submerging the cages offshore, it is possible to avoid rough ocean conditions on the surface such as high waves and water temperature changes.” The antifouling characteristics of EcoSea’s cages material reduces the proliferation of pathogens and parasites within the fouling layer, while the ability to submerge provides an additional defence against sea lice, since they

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07/02/2022 14:46:21

A new approach

Opposite from top: EcoSea’s submersible 40m cage; Collec�ng the nets Top: The 40m submersible cage Above: The copper cage Above right: Net recycling

“When comparing the performance of the EcoSea submersible cages versus the traditional nylon cages, it was demonstrated that the salmon grow at a better rate, because although in both cases, similar-sized fish are largely present in the photic layer (the first were obtained, the prototype was stocked two months later and with 47.5% smaller salmon; it also had a 2% lower mortality rate and it is six metres). estimated that it avoided the emission of 27 tonnes of CO2.” Castillo adds: “EcoSea’s technology applies “The production cycle with the submersible cage raft showed rapid to any fish species production. Regarding the depth, the pen can be placed as deep as neces- growth development, low bacterial and parasite loads (Caligus), and sary depending on the ocean conditions of that zero losses due to sea lion attacks. From the operational point of view, the technology is very friendly, safe and efficient, with very low fouling particular site (for each installation a full site adhesion, thus validating a robust and reliable aquaculture system,” says assessment is needed, including bathymetric, Omar Cheuquepil, Head of Production at Invermar, which is also part oceanographic, and oxygen content informaof the project. tion). Specifically for salmon, it is possible to Castillo concludes: “This product is commercially available, currently supply air while the cages are submerged, or operating in Chile and Japan. Now we are working to deploy in China, surface the cages and let the fish to replenish Australia, New Zealand and the UK, as well. air in the swim bladder. It is basically an opera“Since the beginning in 2007, we have been focused on changing tional decision from the fish farmer.” aquaculture for the better, reducing its environmental impact and maxThe prototype test was completed at Inimising animal wellbeing, both goals inside and outside of our cages. It vermar’s Traiguén 2 farming centre, located in is for this reason that over more than 10 years we have proven our Achao, Chile. It involved a 40-metre-diameter technology in different locations in the world, under all kinds of condisubmersible cage, more than 12 metres deep, with a capacity of 18,400m3. In September 2019 tions and with different fish species. “Through that process, we have also proven the improvement of the it was stocked with 50,000 smolts of Atlantic fish farming process and its reduction of the carbon footprint. In addisalmon. tion to that, we have successfully proven the recyclability of our cages, “The main benefits were low fish stress (no predator attacks or escapes); high growth rates; which after 10-plus years of continuous operation (time in which no debris or nylon netting waste is produced) are repurposed to produce and an 18% drop in production costs,” EcoSea new cages.” FF says.

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07/02/2022 14:46:53

Economics

BY VINCE MCDONAGH

Proﬁts under

pressure Salmon farmers in Norway are being squeezed by falling prices and higher costs, a new study ﬁnds

ALMON farming is not the licence to print money some cri�cs seem to think, recent data from Norway’s Directorate of Fisheries shows. Although the industry generally remains in good financial health, it is facing the prospect of a double whammy from rising costs and declining revenues. And while the study focuses on Norwegian producers, there is every reason to believe that other regions will be facing the same pressures. And with the price of energy and feed expected to increase sharply this year, the worst may be yet to come. The Directorate has recently published its latest profitability survey on the salmon and trout sectors, and it offers a sober analysis. The period covered is up to the end of 2020 which also takes in the first full year of the pandemic and its impact on the industry. The Directorate has been carrying profitability surveys since 1982, making it one of the most experienced organisa�ons in this area. The survey includes informa�on from all types and size of businesses producing Atlan�c salmon and rainbow trout. Presented figures are arithme�c averages based on all surveyed companies in the sample They show that profits dropped by almost 40% in the 12 months between 2019 and 2020.

Rising Costs v2.indd 36

While lower salmon prices can be partly blamed on a drop in demand due to Covid, the real villain was higher costs which have li�le to do with the virus. The Directorate says they were star�ng to eat into profits three years before the pandemic struck. The data also shows that salmon and rainbow trout producers (in both hatchery and food fish produc�on) reported pre-tax profits had declined by 38.7% to NOK 14.1bn (£1.17bn) over the same period. “Further to our calcula�ons and if one adjusts for infla�on, the figures show that the overall ordinary profit has been declining over the past four years,” the report con�nues. The average sale price of salmon fell by 6.1% between 2019 and 2020 bo�oming out at NOK 47.21 per kilo at the end of 2020. The average price is currently around NOK 78 per kilo. At the same �me, the average total cost per kilo rose by 4.9% from NOK 38.26 in 2019 to NOK 40.15 per kilo at the end of 2020.

Overall “ordinary

proﬁt has been declining over the past four years

”

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07/02/2022 14:38:35

Profits under pressure

GROW OUT AND HATCHERY PRODUCTION In grow out produc�on, the Directorate says the average cost per kilo was at its lowest in 2005, but the ﬁgure has more or less been increasing since then. In the 12 months between 2019 and 2020 they rose by almost 5% to NOK 40.15 per kilo.

As always, feed remains the biggest item, but there were also increases in the cost of smolts, staff salaries, fish health treatments, wellboat services and the use of slaughterhouses. Some of the highlights from the survey include:  Salmon revenues totalled NOK 752bn (£63bn) in 2018, but had dropped to NOK 723bn (£60.5bn) by the end of 2020, partly as the result of the pandemic, says the Directorate.  Rainbow trout fared be�er with revenues rising from NOK 39bn (£3.25bn) in 2018 to NOK 48bn (£4bn).  Fish farming pre-tax profits (both salmon and trout) dropped by close to half during that period. In 2018, they totalled NOK 270.4bn (£22.5bn), but a year later they were down to NOK 193.6bn (£16bn) and by the end of 2020 they dropped again to NOK 145.6bn (£12bn).  The overall opera�ng margin in 2018 was 32.4% in 2018 and 27.6% in 2019, but came close to being cut by half 17.1% at the end of 2020.  The average opera�ng margin for grow-out producers was 17.1%, and 14.1% for hatcheries in 2020.  There was a decrease in the average opera�ng margin from 27.6%in 2019 to 17.1 % at the end of 2020 for the Atlan�c salmon and rainbow trout companies.

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Above and below: Norwegian ﬁsh farms Opposite from top: Aquafeed is more expensive; Juvenile salmon

The study says hatcheries have a significantly lower average opera�ng margin than those of grow out producers. However, calcula�ons also show a decrease in the average opera�ng margin from 15.6% in 2019 to 14.1% in 2020 for hatcheries companies. And the survey points the finger at a steady rise in costs. Total produc�on costs per kilo (including slaughter and freight costs) were NOK 33.88 (£2.85) in 2018, NOK 38.26 (£3.22) in 2019 and NOK 40.15 (£3.38) at the end of 2020. Total costs for the sector had shot up from NOK 563bn (£47bn) in 2018 to almost NOK 677bn (£56bn) by December 2020. Li�le wonder then that during the past couple of years most fish farming CEOs, in their annual reports, have been at pains to stress the importance of reducing their cost base. FF

The costs for feed is the largest item in the produc�on of Atlan�c salmon and rainbow trout, and represents 41.4 % of the total produc�on costs per kilo in 2020 (2019: 38.26%). Feed costs alone increased from NOK 15.63 (£1.32) per kg in 2019 to NOK 16.62 (£1.40) in 2020. For hatcheries, the trend in average produc�on costs per sold fry/smolt has increased in recent years. Average produc�on costs per sold fry/ smolt increased by 6.5% from 2019 to 2020. Average produc�on costs per sold fry/smolt were NOK 14.81 (£1.25) in 2020 (2019: NOK 13.90/£1.17).

07/02/2022 14:39:05

Sea bass and sea bream

Success story European production for sea bass and sea bream has doubled in two decades, representing genuine progress for the sector BY VINCE MCDONAGH

N a world dominated by Atlantic salmon, the development of other farmed fish is often overlooked. But a recent case study by EUMOFA, the European Marketing Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture, suggests that sea bass and sea bream are now among the fastest-growing cultivated finfish species. Sea bass, in particular, continues to be a big dinner-table favourite both in the UK and the rest of Europe. This is borne out by the most up-to-date figures currently available. EUMOFA says EU aquaculture production of sea bass has doubled from around 45,000 tonnes at the start of the millennium to approximately 90,000 tonnes in 2020. It is a broadly similar picture for gilthead sea bream where production has increased from roughly 60,000 tonnes 20 years ago to around 110,000 tonnes in 2020. European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) are both marine fish species of key economic and cultural importance in southern Europe, says the report. After mass production techniques were developed in the late 1960s, sea bass became the first non-salmonid marine species to be commercially cultured in Europe. Similarly, gilthead sea bream has been the subject of intensive farming since the 1970s. The study says the rearing of sea bream larvae is more complex than that of bass due to the very small size of the larvae at hatching. However, due to their high adaptability to intensive rearing conditions, both are considered to be innovation success stories in aquaculture.

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In 2020 the biggest EU producers of both species were Greece, Italy, Spain and Croatia (see table), but outside the trading group Turkey is clearly dominant. Despite rising production, the EU has a trade deficit for both varieties. In 2020, around 25,000 tonnes of whole European sea bass worth €105m (£88.4m) was imported into to the EU with Turkey

Top: Sea bass Above: Sea bass

and sea bream farm, Mediterranean Opposite: Sea bass recipe; Gilthead sea bream

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07/02/2022 14:34:27

Success story

SEA BASS AND BREAM European sea bass

“

2021 could mark a new record year for harvest volumes

”

providing 96% of that figure. In the same year, EU exports of sea bass to countries outside the bloc totalled 12,000 tonnes and were worth €70m (£58.9m) with Britain, Switzerland and Eastern Europe the principal markets, and sales to Israel and the US on the rise. Produc�on is not confined to southern Europe. Global aquaculture output of European sea bass and gilthead sea bream has steadily risen in the last 20 years from around 150,000 tonnes in 2000 to over 475,000 tonnes in 2020. EUMOFA believes the milestone figure of half a billion tonnes could be reached within a year or two. Currently, most farmed bass are grown in floa�ng cages in the sea, although there are a few land-based farms. The fish on marine farms are normally harvested a�er 16 to 24 months in size categories below 1kg. Gilthead sea bream is normally reared in cages, but some land-based systems are also used. The fish is normally harvested from about 16 months. The report finds: “EU produc�on shows an increasing trend over the past few years, and (when figures become available) 2021 could mark a new record year for harvest volumes.” Organic produc�on remains quite low. According to the annual report from the Federa�on of Greek Maricultures, annual home produc�on of organic sea bass and sea bream consists of around 800

SEA BASS AND SEA BREAM: THE BIGGEST EU PRODUCERS Greece (128,000 tonnes) Spain (30,000 tonnes ) Italy (17,000 tonnes) Croatia (14,000 tonnes)

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tonnes for both. Output is also marginal in Italy, reaching 125 tonnes in 2018. The report also reveals that due to the rela�vely low supply of wild-caught sea bass (fishing is banned or severely restricted around much of Britain, for example) and sea bream, there is a significant price difference between farmed and wild fish. At the Mercabarna wholesale market in Spain, the average wholesale price of wild-caught sea bass and sea bream was recently three to four �mes higher compared with that of farmed fish. The increase in global produc�on of both European sea bass and gilthead sea bream over the past five years has had a nega�ve impact on prices. The Mercabarna wholesale price for sea bass had slumped by 37% between 2016 and 2019. Whole, fresh, farmed sea bream followed a similar trend with a price drop of 32% over the same period. However, while the data for last year is s�ll incomplete, EUMOFA says the trend for sea bass is showing a posi�ve upward trend while it remains slightly nega�ve for sea bream. “Prices tend to fall entering the last quarter, and increase towards the summer, which is likely related to the increased demand on the market due to the high tourist season along the Mediterranean coast,” the study adds. Of the two species, sea bass is the fish of choice in most major markets, varying between 53% and 76% of consump�on. Gilthead sea bream is more popular only in Greece, making up more than 60% of total consump�on for the two species. The EUMOFA study paints a largely posi�ve picture for both varie�es and, while they will not overtake Atlan�c salmon, a cursory glance at the seafood shelves in Marks & Spencer or Sainsbury’s show they are becoming increasingly popular with the Bri�sh public. FF

European sea bass is a coastal marine ﬁsh that lives in shallow waters (from the North-eastern Atlan�c Ocean to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Because of it is euryhaline (able to adapt to a wide range of salini�es) and eurythermal (tolerant of large temperature changes) characteris�cs, the species is o�en found foraging in estuaries and lagoons from spring to autumn, especially at the juvenile stage. Some�mes they venture upstream into freshwater. There is only one breeding season per year, which takes place in winter in the Mediterranean popula�on and up to June in Atlan�c popula�ons.

Gilthead sea bream

Gilthead sea bream is common in the Mediterranean Sea, present along the Eastern Atlan�c coasts from Great Britain to Senegal, and rare in the Black Sea. Because of its euryhaline and eurythermal features, the species is found in both marine and brackish water environments such as coastal lagoons and estuarine areas par�cularly at the start of their life cycle.

07/02/2022 14:36:06

Processing

Situations vacant

Upskilling the UK workforce is a potential answer to staff shortages in the seafood sector

COMBINATION of Brexit and Covid-19 has caused an exodus of European employees from the seafood processing sector – and efforts to a�ract UK workers into those posts are failing. So says the trade body, Seafood Scotland, which es�mates that a quarter of posts in the industry are currently vacant. December saw the launching of two major ini�a�ves, one from the UK Government and one from the Sco�sh Government, both seeking to address staff and skill shortages in the sector. The UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced a Skills and Training Scheme to encourage new entrants into the industry. “Up to £10m will be used to encourage new entrants into the processing, catching and aquaculture sectors, alongside training and upskilling current

Skills in Processing v2 - Sandy.indd 40

workers,” DEFRA explained. “We will do this by offering an improved package of training to people joining the industry and making it easier for people from coastal communi�es to progress through their career.” Seafood businesses in Scotland are also being offered a set of training packages as part of a Business Improvement Programme launched by Seafood Scotland. Seafood Scotland has been awarded £100,000 from the Sco�sh Government’s Na�onal Transi�on Training Fund to support onshore ac�vi�es of seafood businesses across the country, upskilling and training employees to support company growth. The programme will provide bespoke training packages to companies to help support their objec�ves. Companies will have access to over 60 courses, ranging from fish frying, knife skills and monger training to customer and human resource services, as well as guidance on business planning and strategy. The programme will be delivered to current staff members over the age of 25 using flexible and hybrid methods, such as self-taught online modules and guided virtual sessions. The Na�onal Transi�on Training Fund was launched in 2020 by Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s na�onal skills body, following the rise in

This page from top: Fish processing facility; Donna Fordyce; Seafood counter Opposite: Seafood processing

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07/02/2022 14:32:01

Situations vacant unemployment due to Covid-19. “Given all the challenges the sector has been forced to face over the past two years due to the pandemic and other huge obstacles, everyone recognises the need for businesses to be as agile as possible,” said Gerry McBride, Strategic Rela�ons Manager – Food & Drink at Skills Development Scotland, on announcing the scheme. “The programme will enable businesses to retrain, upskill and adapt their workforce to meet the everchanging requirements of the marketplace and the economic landscape.” The training scheme is a response to increasing staff and skills shortages in the sector, explains Seafood Scotland’s CEO, Donna Fordyce: “Currently between 20% and 25% of vacancies are le� unfilled, predominantly in seafood processing and catching and fishing roles. Pre-Brexit, Eastern Europeans represented 52% of the Sco�sh seafood workforce and rural communi�es relied on imported labour, with up to 92% of the workforce coming from the EU. “The shortage is twofold. The seafood industry here in Scotland relies on the EU workers to fill posi�ons. Following Brexit and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, workers who would have taken these posi�ons have returned home and the number s�ll working here has declined.” Ini�a�ves such as “Sea A Bright Future” from the Sco�sh Seafood Associa�on have been set up to promote and a�ract Bri�sh workers to fill roles across the industry, as well as those in the EU. Despite efforts, there has been a decline in applicants, par�cularly from UK ci�zens. Fordyce says: “Skilled posi�ons are difficult to fill. That’s why plans and support to upskill and train workers will be paramount to filling the shortage of workers. We are working hard to have seafood processing added to the shortage occupa�on list to support workers to return to the UK and take up the posi�ons. By working together, government and industry can unlock the poten�al to fill these roles. “The con�nued effort from the industry to a�ract new talent to its roles should not go unrecognised. Many genera�ons have worked in businesses throughout the industry and new processes have been put in place to hold on to and transfer this invaluable knowledge through appren�ceships and training programmes to help fill these roles locally. “These types of ini�a�ves, coupled with the Government’s review of the shortage occupa�on list, will provide a boost to those recrui�ng for these roles. The seafood sector is a £1.6bn industry and has a huge range of diverse and rewarding roles available.” The window for applica�ons for this funding is open un�l March, and Fordyce strongly encourages any onshore seafood businesses to take the opportunity to upskill and train staff without the burden of addi�onal costs. Meanwhile Seafish, the public body that supports

requires a commitment “Thisonsimply the part of employers ”

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Skills in Processing v2 - Sandy.indd 41

the UK seafood industry, is op�mis�c the gaps can be filled as long as employers “invest in the skills development of their workers”. “While we are hearing anecdotally that many businesses are facing significant recruitment issues, this is not the case across the board as some other businesses are also telling us that they are s�ll managing to get the workforce that they need,” says Simon Po�en, Head of Training, Safety and Services at Seafish. He adds: “We are not aware of any significant skills shortages amongst existing seafood processing workers that cannot be resolved through exis�ng and planned training programmes and delivery. This simply requires a commitment on the part of employers to invest in the skills development of their workers.” Businesses across different areas of the UK have flagged different labour and recruitment challenges. Sco�sh seafood processing businesses were the most heavily dependent on EU labour, so they are facing more acute shortages than some other areas across the UK. This is affec�ng all sectors. Po�en says: “In the Grimsby/Humber region, there is a perceived shortage of low-skilled produc�on staff and knife-skilled fish filleters – this was more of a challenge when produc�on increased for the fes�ve period. “In South West England, the fishing fleet is con�nuing to restrict landings to align to limited processing capacity. Some processing facili�es appear to be priori�sing higher-value species with be�er margins due to unavailability of staff. In Northern Ireland there is more discussion of labour issues on boats (during busier parts of the fishing season) rather than in factories, which can recruit more easily from the local community than other processing hubs. “Reten�on of staff is also an ongoing issue generally. It is an employees’ market at the moment: people have choices and are exercising them. This is an issue that is not exclusive to the seafood sector.” Seafish is working with partners in the various na�onal and regional Seafood Training Networks (STNs) to address skills shortages. The Sco�sh STN has been leading the delivery of Scotland’s Seafood Skills Ac�on Plan to upskill workers and is currently delivering a Seafood Business Improvement Programme. The Yorkshire & Lincolnshire STN is suppor�ng delivery of the UK Food Valley (Seafood) project fund, while the Welsh STN is working with the Welsh Government to establish the need for a skills development programme. Po�en adds: “We have also been administering funding to provide training for seafood processing businesses and new entrants throughout the UK. We have recently transformed our delivery of training programmes to take advantage of new technology for remote online delivery; this has made training more accessible and cost-effec�ve pan-UK. “We have recently been suppor�ng a pilot ‘Sea a Bright Future’ campaign to promote job and career opportuni�es in the seafood processing sector in North East Scotland. “We’ll also be back out surveying the seafood industry about labour and recruitment later this year to keep on top of the issue.” These ini�a�ves will, the industry hopes, not only help local businesses but also ensure that there is seafood on all of our plates for the years to come. FF

07/02/2022 14:32:42

The Scottish Salmon Company - client content

Take a leap with a processing role at The Scottish Salmon Company

f working with Scotland’s biggest food export and producing healthy sustainable protein for a growing popula�on is right up your street, we’ll support you to make the leap. The Sco�sh Salmon Company (SSC) produces sea-fresh Sco�sh salmon across more than 60 sites situated on the West Coast and Hebrides, providing quality, year-round, well-paid jobs in idyllic parts of Scotland. SSC employs 600 people. Testament to the company culture and longterm career opportuni�es available, several genera�ons of the same families work with us, and our Long Service Awards are never short of winners. We offer reloca�on assistance, with an enhanced package for roles on the Isle of Lewis, including transport to the island, one month of accommoda�on, and up to one month’s gross salary to cover costs. Opportuni�es on the Isle of Lewis are ideal if you’re tempted by the island’s spectacular beaches, wildlife watching, Gaelic culture and good schools. We also offer transport to Arnish Harvest Sta�on for employees without vehicles, who live in Stornoway. Opportuni�es at Cairndow, on the edge of Loch Fyne, Argyll are ideal if you enjoy living in an idyllic se�ng, with the outdoors on your doorstep. Again we offer transport and have a fantas�c canteen facility. We guarantee 35 hours per week and offer part-�me opportuni�es, unsocial hours payment of £17.85 for nightshi�, a Friends & Family Introduc�on Scheme with a £500 payment, and we’ve recently boosted basic pay to £10.82 per hour. We offer full training, including Food Hygiene qualifica�ons, numerous Health and Safety courses including First Aid, Manual Handling and Fire Safety. We also offer Modern Appren�ceships in Level 2/3 Food & Drink Opera�ons. We currently have a number of opportuni�es available across our Harvest and Processing teams. We are par�cularly looking for Processing Opera�ves to join us at Cairndow, Argyll and Nightshi� Harvest Opera�ves to join our Arnish team on the Isle of Lewis. Lukasz Ratenski, Assistant Harvest Manager at the harves�ng facility in Arnish, Isle of Lewis, joined SSC 11 years ago. He also worked with us at our Portavadie and Lochinver sites, star�ng his career as a Harves�ng Opera�ve. He then relocated to Stornoway to further his career and was recently promoted to Assistant Harvest Manager. Lukasz says: “I saw an opportunity with SSC as it is so versa�le, you get to work outdoors and it brings many professionals together within aquaculture. “Farmed fish is one of the most environmentally sustainable protein sources available and the aquaculture industry is a sustainable global food system.

Scottish Salmon Company Ltd - PED.indd 42

“I’d encourage others to think about a career in aquaculture as you learn so many new transferable skills and there are plenty of opportuni�es offered for professional development.” Andrew Aitken, Department Manager at Cairndow Processing Facility, joined SSC more than 18 years ago. Ini�ally training as a sculptor and outdoor instructor, Andrew took a job locally in processing and finds it both rewarding and interes�ng. Andrew says: “My daily job involves managing the receipt and processing of the salmon, ensuring orders are met to SSC’s high standards for our customers around the world. “The Covid pandemic has highlighted the importance of food processing. Before the pandemic, most people appreciated the food on the shelves without thinking about how it gets there. “Processing requires a hands-on approach. Training and qualifica�ons are provided on the job. As a manager, I find helping people through coaching and training can bring out the best in them. I’ve received lots of training over the years including food hygiene, management development courses and IT skills. “Every day brings different challenges that give me job sa�sfac�on, especially knowing we deliver an interna�onally recognised premium product that is important to our country’s economy. “SSC cares about its employees, invests in people, and rewards their efforts.” Debra Nichol-Storie, HR Director at SSC says: “A�rac�ng the best talent con�nues to be a central aspect of our ambi�ous sustainable growth plans. We offer an enjoyable, safe working environment, with ample learning and development opportuni�es. “If you’re curious about our fast-growing industry, and fancy working in spectacular se�ngs, get in touch! We have a number of varied opportuni�es available across the business.” For more information on career opportunities at SCC visit our website, or email workwithus@ scottishsalmon.com FF

Above: Andrew Aitken Below left: Lukasz Ratenski

I saw an “ opportunity with SSC as it is so versa�le

”

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07/02/2022 09:50:45

Management monitoring and analysis

Early warning IT is enabling ﬁsh farmers to respond to potential hazards in good time

Cas�ng light on the ma�er Last year salmon farmer SalMar entered into an agreement to provide its Ocean Farm 1 aquaculture facility with a fibre op�c-based structural monitoring system. As an offshore installa�on in deep, open water, Ocean Farm 1 – which features six very large nets in a circular floa�ng structure – is subject to extreme stresses. Light Structures, the supplier delivering the system, installed a customised monitoring system using its SENSFIB technology in August 2021. Previously this system has been used effec�vely by the company to monitor ships at sea. The SENSFIB structural monitoring system is now installed and opera�onal on the Ocean Farming 1 facility and the documenta�on package for the system has been delivered to Salmar. The installa�on consisted of 16 sensors and took six days to complete in cold and icy condi�ons, with no interrup�on to opera�ons on Ocean Farming 1. As well as delivering data direct to Salmar engineers, the system is now also connected to the Veracity cloud pla�orm run by Ocean Farm 1 technology partner DNV. Ernad Sehic, Senior Interna�onal Sales Manager, Light Structures, says: “In terms of installa�on, configura�on, and customer sign-off, the project is now closed, but Light Structures, Salmar and DNV con�nue to work together on

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Photo: Light-Structures

wo contras�ng case studies show how technology is increasingly helping ﬁsh farmers to understand what is going on below the water’s surface. Last year marine technology business RS Aqua won an Innovate UK compe��on to develop a harmful algae bloom (HAB) warning system for the Sco�sh salmon farming industry, in collabora�on with Innovasea (Nova Sco�a, Canada) and Grieg Seafood Shetland (recently acquired by Sco�sh Sea Farms). Monitoring for harmful phytoplankton is typically done using regular water quality samples analysed by microscopy. This project will develop a warning system to no�fy farms of poten�al HABs before they reach the farms, enabling managers to respond ahead of �me and mi�gate harmful impacts. The system will consist of an oceanographic buoy posi�oned downstream of the test farm and carrying a suite of water quality sensors. The parameters being measured are dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, blue-green algae, chlorophyll, turbidity, and salinity. Meteorological data and current speed and direc�on will also be recorded. A similar suite of sensors will be deployed on the test farm, with data sent to the cloud where the results will be processed to build a HAB risk index, available through a smartphone app. The project kicked oﬀ in April 2021. To date the farm sensors have been deployed and the buoy system is built and wai�ng for a weather window to go in the water at the test site in Shetland. The collec�on of phytoplankton samples is also underway, and these will be collated on a daily basis with the recorded sensor data. All these data will be used over the next 18 months to build a database. Ryan Mowat PhD, Director of Fisheries & Research with RS Aqua, says: “We envisage this project having far-reaching impacts for salmon farming and HAB monitoring methods, and look forward to making it available to all Sco�sh salmon producers.”

addi�onal scope including the integra�on of data provided by OEM systems on Ocean Farming 1 within the same interface as the SENSFIB data. “At the �me of wri�ng, Ocean Farming 1 had been subject to nearly two weeks of storms and high seas. The data collected by the SENSFIB system has provided invaluable for decision support in such circumstances and will also contribute to the design of future oﬀshore, open, and exposed ﬁsh farms.” FF

Clockwise from top: Ocean Farm 1 sensor being installed; Innovasea Sensor; HAB Buoy from RS Aqua; Salmon farm; Ryan Mowat

We envisage this project having far“reaching impacts for salmon farming ”

07/02/2022 14:29:24

Sea lice

Simply

the pest Sea lice represent a health issue for the industry and a public relations problem – but there are solutions BY ROBERT OUTRAM

F all the fish health issues in salmon farming, the challenge of sea lice is probably the most conten�ous. Sea lice not only represent a problem for farmed fish, but also – although the extent of the threat is hotly contested – to their wild counterparts. That’s why the “risk-based spa�al framework” published for consulta�on by the Sco�sh Environment Protec�on Agency (SEPA) in December focuses on lice counts and the loca�on of farms away from wild salmon migratory routes. The issue of sea lice is also a key considera�on for Norway’s “traffic light” system. Controlling sea lice numbers is, therefore, a priority for salmon and trout farmers opera�ng marine sites. That’s why, late last year, the MV Coastal Server made the long journey from Norway through the Panama Canal to Bri�sh Columbia on Canada’s west coast. The Coastal Server, built by Moen Marin for Nidaros Shipping, has been fi�ed out as a specialist delicing vessel, equipped with the SkaMik 1.5 mechanical delicing system. It is the first �me this system has been deployed on the Canadian coast and the Coastal Server will be providing delicing treatment for Grieg Seafood. SkaMik’s 1.5 delicing system is an improved version of the company’s original SkaMik 1. In tests it has shown that it can remove up to 97% of sea lice at all stages of their development. Also ac�ve in this market is Smir – the name means “forge” – which supplies complete systems for gentle delousing, as well as semi-enclosed

sea lice v2.indd 44

pens. In addi�on, Smir offers customised products developed in house, such as water pumps and water filters. Smir’s Hydrolicer system is a mechanical, non-pharmaceu�cal method for removing sea lice from fish. The company operates its own vessels equipped with delousing equipment. Norwegian company Flatsetsund Engineering AS also offers a mechanical delousing system in the form of the FLS Caligus. The FLS Caligus 250 uses seawater under pressure to flush the lice away from the fish. The suc�on to li� the fish from the pen operates via a siphon and the whole system is set at a low level above the water in order to minimise the need for li�ing. The pumping ac�on is therefore much gentler and easier on the fish – leading, the company says, to much lower mortality rates. The Caligus 250 typically operates on a pento-pen basis – either transferring the fish from one pen to an adjacent pen, or back into the same pen. The delicing system is normally fi�ed on a service vessel – such as the MV Bakkanes, a converted oil industry service vessel

Above: Louse a�ached to salmon Opposite from top: The MV Coastal Server; The Smir Hydrolicer

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07/02/2022 14:24:44

Simply the pest

The “ pumping

ac�on is much gentler and easier on the ﬁsh

”

that is now being deployed at Sco�sh Salmon Company (SSC) sites by SSC’s parent company, Bakkafrost. As the company’s CEP, Lars Georg Backer, explains, Flatsetsund has now also developed a solu�on for wellboats. While the Caligus 250 uses a pipe with a diameter of 250mm, wellboats now typically use pipes with a 500mm diameter. This makes it more of a challenge to provide an effec�ve flushing ac�on using the low pressures on which the Caligus operates, but the company has come up with a solu�on in the form of a rectangular adaptor, which is just 250mm from top to bo�om, but wider – about 800mm. This means that the flow will be enough to flush sea lice away – as with the Caligus 250 – without

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sea lice v2.indd 45

applying the kind of pressure that might harm the fish. The adaptor is similar to that already used for Flatsetsund’s fish counter. Backer adds that a key advantage of the new system over exis�ng delicing systems is that it requires less space on the wellboat. A typical system, for example, needs four lines in order to provide enough capacity to manage a large volume. This takes up a lot of space on the deck, which is typically already full of equipment, while the FLS system uses two lines to process the same volume. The pilot model has a high capacity – 200 to 300 tonnes per hour. Saving space ma�ers because, as Backer comments: “I’ve never seen a wellboat with a lot of space on it!” The new FLS model is 6.6 metres x 2 metres, compared with a typical delicing system that could be seven or eight metres long and more than five metres wide. Fi�ng the delicer on a wellboat means that delousing can be carried out in the course of other opera�ons, such as moving the fish, meaning that they only have to be handled once. Backer says: “If you don’t need to handle the fish, then don’t!” The Flatsetsund design also minimises turns. As far as possible it is straight, again to maximise fish welfare. The pilot study is due to start shortly at FLS’ own site this month and the system will then be trialled with service provider Sølvtrans on one of its vessels. The new Caligus is expected to be commercially available in May, June or July this year. Mechanical delicing systems are facing new compe��on, in Norway at least, from Benchmark Animal Health’s CleanTreat system, which uses a chemical treatment, Ectosan (also known as BMK08, or generically as imidacloprid) to kill sea lice. This is combined with the CleanTreat filter system, which prevents the pes�cide from entering the marine environment. The use of imidacloprid, which is banned for most terrestrial agricultural purposes, has proved controversial. The system has, however, been approved by Norwegian and EU regulators, and has also been awarded the highest level of cer�fica�on for sustainability by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Of course, the need for any of these treatments can be significantly reduced if the fish can be be�er protected against sea lice in the first place. A variety of closed and semi-closed systems are being or have

07/02/2022 14:25:14

Sea lice

been developed – for example, the enclosed pens being proposed by Loch Long Salmon in the company applica�on for a new farm development on Scotland’s west coast. Farmers using conven�onal pens and cages are also using lice skirts to protect the fish. At Tom Morrow, based in Inverness, Scotland, directors Marcus Sanctuary, Gary Cunningham and their team have nearly 60 years’ experience between them in making lice skirts and treatment tarpaulins. Tom Morrow is seeing increased demand from the aquaculture industry for its products as producers con�nue their ever-evolving ba�le with sea lice. The company supplies many producers throughout the aquaculture industry in Scotland and is selling its products to more customers further afield as far away as Canada and Hawaii. The directors stress the importance of their product’s durability: “We say ‘sustainability is key’. Our products last many cycles, save on down �me and money, because of the way they are made. They don’t degrade and they last longer than the compe��on. “We can offer the customers what they need, and we are manufacturing these products with our own hands, ensuring integrity and quality is maintained.” The team at Tom Morrow is also now developing ways to minimise waste through repairing or recycling skirts and tarpaulins. In some cases, even if part of the kit is worn through, there may be other elements that can be reused rather than having to be disposed of. Meanwhile, Andrew Be�, CEO at Salar Pursuits, believes his business has a low-cost, highly effec�ve alterna�ve that can be retrofi�ed into

«Through dedication, experience and innovative thinking. W unbeatable @sealicehunter”

This page from top: The Caligus delicer; CleanTreat tanks from Benchmark; Smoltscreen lab tests; the SkaMik delicing

system Opposite from top: Tom Morrow Tarpaulins’ high-quality lice ﬁlter bags on board a vessel

sea lice v2.indd 46

exis�ng cages and pens. The SmoltscreenTM, Salar Pursuits’ lice barrier, is a full enclosure that can be fi�ed inside a pen, preven�ng sea lice from entering but s�ll allowing water – and crucially oxygen – to flow in. The key is Smoltscreen’s woven nylon mesh screen, which at a 150-micron weave is fine enough to prevent sea lice larvae – which are no smaller than 180 microns – from passing through even in their earliest stages. Andrew Be� is a former packaging industry execu�ve who has combined his knowledge of materials and filtra�on with his enthusiasm for wild salmon and his university studies in zoology to find a solu�on for the sea lice problem. The system has been tested under laboratory

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07/02/2022 14:26:03

Simply the pest

We are working on these “ products with our own hands ”

the cage underneath even a 15-metre lice skirt.” Be� also argues that lice skirts that do not enclose the whole pen do not provide full protec�on against one sea lice species, Caligus elongatus, which is a parasite feeding on ﬁsh species that swim at lower depths, such as saithe, cod and lumpﬁsh as well as salmonids, which largely stay

condi�ons at the University of S�rling, which demonstrated that the 150-micron weave was enough to keep out nauplius stage sea lice larvae. Just as importantly, the lab tests also showed that, with a simulated �dal flow of 0.58 metres/ second the water in the tank contained enough dissolved oxygen for fish thrive without supplementary oxygena�on. When condi�ons require it, however, the water and oxygen in the Smoltscreen system can be supplemented using two 50hp submersible pumps, Salar says, and they will be working with Sterner Aquatec on the 100 micron drum filters for the trial.. The system is now set for trials with smolts at sea in a small 50-metre enclosure at Cashel Bay, Connemara, Ireland, from April. Swan Net Gundry, Killybegs, Donegal will be making the Smoltscreen enclosure. The trial will be run by the Marine Ins�tute of Ireland. Be� hopes this will start this April, but the �ming will depend on supply chain issues. Be� explains: “It’s substan�ally different from a lice skirt – for example, Smoltscreen is a full enclosure, retrofi�ed inside exis�ng salmon cages and closed at the bo�om. Waste can’t be emi�ed and no lice can get in.” He adds: “The challenge for lice skirts is they compromise oxygen exchange into the salmon cage with every metre of depth. Lice skirts are not easy to clean, having no tensioning at the base, and the diurnal ver�cal movement of the copepod can allow the sea lice larvae to enter

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

sea lice v2.indd 47

07/02/2022 14:26:27

Sea lice

Above: Salmon farm with vessel; Checking the salmon for sea lice

sea lice v2.indd 48

closer to the surface. The waste – fish faeces and uneaten food – can be collected from the bo�om of the enclosure and Be� is working with UCO, the makers of the Foover, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) originally designed to collected morts from salmon cages. The mesh for Smoltscreen is manufactured by USbased producer Decotex, based in Minnesota and New York. Be� says: “It is a woven nylon, not twisted, so it cleans well and has good tensile strength.” Decotex have sufficient spare 150 micron mesh capacity for the produc�on of 50 x 150 m Smoltscreen enclosures per annum. Be� es�mates that by saving the cost of sea lice treatment, farmers using Smoltscreen could a saving of €0.20 per kilo. Be� is talking to commercial salmon farmers about larger-scale trials. He says: “Our projec�ons for the performance of the Smoltscreen at sea are projec�ons only, at this stage, and we will not be at a commercially proven level un�l peer-reviewed sea trials are completed, hopefully before the autumn of this year. We would welcome any collabora�on on this Marine Ins�tute 50-metre enclosure trial to fully test the concept ahead of salmon farm trials in full-size 150-metre enclosures.” He also hopes to be able to show that Smoltscreen can also protect against other parasites, hydrozoans (micro-jellyfish) and harmful algae. There is no doubt that the sea lice problem represents probably the most emo�ve weapon for those lobbying against the existence of marine fish farms. For example, Salmon & Trout Conserva�on – which campaigns ac�vely against fish farming – produces a weekly rundown of “sea lice hot spots” based on the reports required by the Sco�sh Government. Ac�vist Don Staniford of Scalmon Scotland – formerly known as Scot�sh Salmon Watch – recently published figures based on SEPA’s records to show that the use of licenced pes�cide treatments for sea lice doubled between 2018 and 2021. Since 2018, Staniford says, records show 1,735 doses of deltamethrin, azamethiphos and emamec�n benzoate. The producers’ organisa�on Salmon Scotland responded: “Sea lice management is highly complex and cannot be simplified by aggrega�ng figures on medicine use over a narrow �me frame. It’s important to look at the figures in their en�rety as longer term trends show that medicine

knows… “seaAsliceeveryone management is highly complex ”

use varies from year to year, depending on a complex range of factors. “Salmon farmers operate to strict regulatory controls regarding sea lice medicines. These regula�ons are in place to protect the environment and are adhered to across the sector. Informa�on on the use of medicines in salmon farming is publicly available going back to 2002.” And in Canada, the industry has also hit back at cri�cs who claimed that the effec�ve removal of salmon farms in the Discovery Islands region north of the Campbell River has led to a 95% reduc�on in reported sea lice among wild salmon. Not so, according to the BC Salmon Farmers Associa�on, which says independently verified data shows that the prevalence of sea lice in the region was low prior to the farms’ removal and has remained so. The report Sea Lice in the Discovery Islands (November 2021) reports the detailed figures since a study began in 2017. During the five years of sampling, the average prevalence of fish having any mo�le lice (mature lice able to move across the body of a fish) was less than 1%. There appeared also to be no increase in sea lice for migra�ng wild salmon a�er their route took them past ac�ve fish farms. It seems that the industry has a ba�le on two fronts – against the lice and against the claims made by its cri�cs. FF

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 14:27:24

BREAKING

NEWS

World premiere on

10.05.22 - Havexpo, Bergen (Norway) Cutting-edge technology for salmon delousing on wellboats. Welcome to delousing 2.0: • One-fifth the size of existing systems • The market’s most gentle delousing • Can be integrated with the vessel’s pipe system • Capacity of up to 300 tons per hour • Plug & Play: Easy and efficient installation

Get more information: www.fls.no/R500

FLS_Annonse_297x210 Farmer49 Feed.indd 1 Flatsetsund Engineering ASFish - FLS.indd

27.01.2022 11:20 07/02/2022 09:52:02

Smir - DPS - PED.indd 50

07/02/2022 09:57:07

- 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 - DPS - PED.indd 51

smir.no 07/02/2022 09:57:31

Look Out for the Green Vessels

The transition to a greener fleet with electric power propulsion is well underway to fish farming, according to Moen Marin, the world’s largest supplier of electric and hybrid work boats to the aquaculture industry. The Norwegian company ́s market forecast for 2022 predicts that close to 80% of the newbuilds they deliver this year will be vessels with either hybrid electric or fully electric propulsion systems.

industry. Moen Marin has calculated that its most popular aquaculture workboat NabCat 1480 can reduce CO2 emissions by 200 tonnes a year if powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels.

“The market has shifted very rapidly. Moen Marin sold its first vessel with hybrid electric propulsion in 2019, and just three years later, we see that the demand for these vessels is catching up with conventional vessels”, says General Manager Terje Andreassen.

Another advantage is better working conditions for the crew; less exhaust gas, noise and vibrations. Less noise is also good for fish welfare.

Moen Marin believes that sentiments among sea food consumers is one of the key drivers behind this market shift: “Consumers expect and demand more climate friendly food, as well as more sustainable and responsible food production. The fish farmers have obviously spotted this market trend, and now they want to adapt their business to it. All over the aquaculture industry, leaders are looking for every possible way to reduce emissions and run operations more sustainable”, says Terje Andreassen.

From 2022 all Moen Marin boats can be delivered with electric and hybrid operation. In addition, Moen Marin has introduced the mobile power banks eCont an eBox to improve the power charging infrastructure. The Norwegian Seafood Federation has announced that the country’s aquaculture industry should become fully electric within 2030. This can cut climate gas emissions by 360.000 tonnes annually, which is comparable to emissions from 180.000 cars. However, the green transition is not just a matter of reducing CO2 emissions. The Norwegian Seafood Federation is convinced that electrification also will help the businesses save money.

Mr Andreassen and Moen Marin also expect new laws and regulations from governments, consumer demands and requirements related to necessary certifications, will contribute to reduced emissions and enhance sustainability in the aquaculture

Moen Marin AS - DPS.indd 52

07/02/2022 09:58:51

Effective sea lice control the gentle way! Effectivesea sealice licecontrol controlthe thegentle gentleway! way! Effective

is in, ats ry.

thin

TheThe SkaMik mechanical delousing system provides SkaMik mechanical delousing system provides The SkaMik mechanical delousing system provides effective sea lice control while maintaining good fishfish effective sea lice control while maintaining good effective sea lice control while maintaining good fish welfare, a peer-reviewed article published in in welfare, a peer-reviewed article published welfare, a peer-reviewed article published in thethe Norwegian Veterinary Journal finds. Norwegian Veterinary Journal finds. the Norwegian Veterinary Journal finds. The The system removes salmon lice regardless of itsoflife stage, The The SkaMik 1.5 delousing system usesuses a combination of soft system removes salmon lice regardless its cycle life cycle stage, SkaMik 1.5 delousing system a combination of soft The system removes salmon lice regardless of its life cycle stage, The SkaMik 1.5 delousing system uses a combination of soft sea thereby reducing infection pressure on farmed and wild fish. rotating brushes and low-pressure water nozzles to remove thereby reducing infection pressure on farmed and wild fish. rotating brushes and low-pressure water nozzles to remove sea thereby reducing infection pressure on farmed and wild fish. rotating brushes and low-pressure water nozzles remove sea lice, lice, without use use of temperate water, chemicals or to medication. without of temperate water, chemicals or medication. lice, without use of temperate water, chemicals or medication. The The mechanical delousing system can can be used on fish of allofsizes. mechanical delousing system be used on fish all sizes. The mechanical delousing system can be used on fish of all sizes. system is scalable andand is customized to deliver the desired In the issue of the journal published by The system is scalable is customized to deliver the desired In latest the latest issue of peer-reviewed the peer-reviewed journal published by The The The The system is scalable and issystem customized to deliver the desired In the latest Veterinary issue of theAssociation peer-reviewed journal published by The pr hour. The The largest delivered so far, up to Norwegian researchers Aoife K. Maloney capacity pr hour. largest system delivered so treat far, treat up to Norwegian Veterinary Association researchers Aoife K. Maloney capacity capacity pr hour. The largest system delivered so far, treat up to Norwegian Veterinary Association researchers Aoife K. Maloney 600 metric tons pr hour. Each fish spends in average 1.5 seconds Westgaard, Silje Stroem Stensby, Fredrik Staven and Marianne 600 metric tons pr hour. Each fish spends in average 1.5 seconds Westgaard, Silje Stroem Stensby, Fredrik Staven and Marianne 600 metric tons pr hour. Each fish spends in average 1.5 seconds Westgaard, Siljeexamined Stroem Stensby, Fredrik Stavenand andeffect Marianne system. Kraugerud has fish fish welfare, behavior when in delousing the delousing system. Kraugerud has examined welfare, behavior and effect when in the in the delousing system. Kraugerud has examined fish welfare, behavior and effect when treating salmon withwith SkaMik1,5. treating salmon SkaMik1,5. treating salmon with SkaMik1,5. SkaMik 1.5 has an average effect on 95% on all lice stages, SkaMik 1.5 has an average effect on 95% onsea all sea lice stages, SkaMik 1.5 has an average effect onit95% on all seacollection lice stages, does not use or emit chemicals, and has a 100% andand Their findings document very low impact on fish stress levels , does not use or emit chemicals, and it has a 100% collection Their findings document very low impact on fish stress levels , does not userate or emit chemicals, and it has a 100% collection and Their findings document very low rate impact on fish stress levels , destruction for lice. no gill damage and low mortality for salmon treated with destruction rate for lice. no gill damage and low mortality rate for salmon treated with destruction rate for lice. no damage and low mortality rate for treated with thegill SkaMik 1.5 delousing system. The The fishsalmon commence feeding the SkaMik 1.5 delousing system. fish commence feeding the SkaMik 1.5 delousing system. The fish commence feeding In Norway the market demand for SkaMik ́s solutions soared in in immediately after delousing andand suffer minimal growth loss.loss. In Norway the market demand for SkaMik ́s solutions soared immediately after delousing suffer minimal growth In Norway theproducer, market demand for SkaMik ́s solutions soared in immediately after delousing and suffer minimal growth loss. 2021. For the Norwegian technology company SkaMik 2021. For the producer, Norwegian technology company SkaMik 2021. For increased the producer, company SkaMik AS, AS, sales by aNorwegian fourfold. Intechnology January 2022 the SkaMik WellWell documented teststests andand more thanthan 1 million tonnes of of sales increased by a fourfold. In January 2022 the SkaMik documented more 1 million tonnes AS, sales increased by a fourfold. In January 2022 the SkaMik Well documented tests and more than 1 million tonnes of delousing system alsoalso made its debut in Canada, for Grieg treated salmon, alsoalso shows thatthat SkaMik 1.5 is very effective. delousing system made its debut in Canada, for Grieg treated salmon, shows SkaMik 1.5 is very effective. delousing system also made its debut in Canada, for Grieg treated salmon, also shows that SkaMik 1.5 is very effective. Seafood BC Ltd. Seafood BC Ltd. Seafood BC Ltd.

moenmarin.com moenmarin.com moenmarin.com Moen Marin AS - DPS.indd 53

moenmarin.com

07/02/2022 16:14:46

Antifouling and net cleaning

Foul play Biofouling is a problem, but there are many alternative solutions

IOFOULING is a problem for ship operators, fish farmers and anyone else who relies on man-made structures in the sea. It can also lead to the spread of invasive species around the world, with harmful effects for the local ecosystem. An interna�onal ini�a�ve, the GloFouling Partnership Project, aims to build capacity in developing countries for implemen�ng the Interna�onal Mari�me Organisa�on Biofouling ini�a�ve and to help prevent invasive species hitching a ride on vessels. The project states: “Biofouling of cages and nets in finfish aquaculture is a significant opera�onal problem to the sector, resul�ng in the restric�on of water exchange that may adversely affect fish health by the reduc�on in dissolved oxygen and the accumula�on of metabolic ammonia. Biofouling is of further concern because it significantly decreases cage flota�on, increases structural fa�gue and cage deforma�on, and may act as a reservoir for pathogens.” Net cleaning is a regular chore for aquaculture businesses. Fortunately, there is a range of solu�ons on the market to help them deal with it. One example is the Yanmar net cleaner offered by Osterbo, which uses a high water flow with just six nozzles. Osterbo says the Yanmar robo�c cleaner is easy for farm staff to maintain and has good fuel economy. The AutoBoss, distributed by Trimara Services, is a “smart” machine that quickly covers the net surface using a flexible range of operator-set washing cycles. Situated in a compact, fully self-contained floa�ng pontoon, the machine runs close to the net surface using hydraulically driven thrusters, minimising the loss of high-pressure water

Anti-fouling and Net Cleaning v2.indd 54

while maximising cleaning power and efficiency. The StealthCleaner from Norwegian based Ocein AS was designed in collabora�on with remotely operated vehicle specialist Kystdesign. Ocein describes the electrically powered cleaner as “probably the most efficient and gentle net cleaner on the market, combining a large volume of water with low pressure to reduce wear and tear of the net.” Net cleaning equipment that uses water at high pressure requires a reliable pump. For example, NLB’s 225 and 325 series pump systems are designed for the kind of tough environments in which fish farmers typically operate, with durability and ease of maintenance a priority. And when it’s appropriate to clean nets by taking them out of the water – at the end of a produc�on cycle, for instance – then specialist business NetKem has a number of solu�ons, including the company’s giant universal netwasher, which operates on adjustable programmes and is available in sizes from 9m³ to 70m³. Of course, reducing fouling in the first place helps cut the �me and cost required for cleaning. Net and cage suppliers have been developing materials that resist biofouling, such as Garware’s V2 composite yarn, which is combined with extruded copper. Meanwhile, scien�sts at the University of New Hampshire have found that Ectopleura, a jellyfish-like genus or organisms, which are a menace to oyster farms in the state, are deterred from a�aching to structures where there is a surface texture and no biofilm – and they don’t like red light. FF

Net “ cleaning is

a regular chore for aquaculture businesses

”

From the top: The AutoBoss washing automa�cally; The AutoBoss being li�ed into a pen for washing; NetKem giant netwasher; The StealthCleaner from Ocein AS

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 14:21:36

DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH A FAILED PUMP ON THE JOB. Bring confidence to your net cleaning job, with the most reliable pump on the market.

NLB’s high-pressure water jet pumps are proven reliable for offshore and onshore net cleaning. Engineered specifically for the aquaculture market, they withstand the harsh conditions of open seas, foul weather, and salt corrosion, all while delivering the same performance and durability NLB has been recognized for since 1971. Our units also offer a compatible interface with the industry’s leading head cleaning systems. NLB will go the extra mile to make the switch easy for you. Contact us today to discuss your options!

WE’RE IN YOUR TERRITORY. NLBCORP.COM +48 600 659 910

NLB Corp.indd 55

NLB has international branch locations to ensure our pumps and support are readily available when you need them.

07/02/2022 10:06:15

Trimara – Client content

Net washing

revolution The AutoBoss is changing net cleaning for the better

he AutoBoss is an automatic net washing machine that is easy to use and easy to maintain. There are no video cameras, no ROV controls, no monitors, and no sensitive or complex electronics. Place the AutoBoss in the pen, select the cleaning mode and press start. The robot will then wash the net automatically. It is that simple. The AutoBoss operator’s role is not to wash nets but to maximise efﬁciency. The machine itself does the washing. This means that you get reliable results, every time. “At Trimara our approach has always been to deliver an effective net washing solution that does what we say,” said Jamie Clark, Product Support Engineer for Trimara Services. “Our goal is to ensure that every operator can work independently of Trimara. We want to support them through training and with technical expertise so that there is no requirement for expensive on-going on-site service. Because the AutoBoss is uncomplicated with a robust design it is inherently reliable. Trimara focuses on commissioning, training, and 24 hour technical support to ensure that the on-farm experience is productive.” Any competent diesel mechanic can be trained to maintain the AutoBoss. The machine itself is superbly engineered, but the post-sale support is also critical to effective deployment. Trimara provides a comprehensive wrap-around commissioning, training, and support package with every unit sold. This support enables operators to be independent of Trimara for ongoing routine servicing and machine management. There are now more than 40 AutoBoss units working in Scotland, Canada, the USA, Greece, Norway and New Zealand. The machines are working with Atlantic salmon, Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, sea bass and sea bream. Cleaner ﬁsh, which are used in some salmon nets, are not affected by the AutoBoss washing machine. For more info: www.trimaraservices.com Contact: stewart@trimaraservices.com +44 7445 280108. FF

AutoBoss: quick facts • Fuel Efﬁcient: 11 litres per hour • Fast and effective: 1.5hrs to wash side walls / 2.5hrs to wash the complete net (120m circle, 20m side wall, max depth 26m) • Fully self-contained – no vessel required once deployed in the pen • Automatic – lift it into the pen, select the washing mode, press start • Weight: 1.1 tonnes • Washing Depth: >50m • App and radio based remote control options.

Grieg Seafood BC – an AutoBoss revolution case history GRIEG Seafood started with the very first commercial AutoBoss machine in 2015 and now have a fleet of 11 AutoBoss cleaners. “The incorporation of the AutoBoss technology into our operating strategy cleared the way for adopting a more inclusive business model. Through our partnerships with local Nations and communities, we have been working together to find opportunities for First Nations businesses and communities. The AutoBoss technology is easily adaptable to existing vessels, making it easy to retrofit and providing a relatively quick start up. To date, we have two independent First Nation’s owned and operated companies carrying out our net cleaning services and we hope to expand that in the coming years,” says Orland Hansen, Reconciliation Director for Grieg Seafood. “Trimara has shown support to both us at Grieg and our First Nations partners. The AutoBoss is reliable, efficient, and effective, and we continue to be impressed with the results.”

Trimara Services UK - PED.indd 56

From the top: AutoBoss being deployed; Jamie Clark; AutoBoss passing under mort li�up; The AutoBoss washing automa�cally Left: Orland Hansen

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 10:07:28

V2 TECHNOLOGY Patented technology from Garware that has built-in anti fouling properties Unique HDPE netting with built-in antifouling technology and one of the first sustainable antifouling technologies. This is why fish farmers across the world are seeking V2 technology nets from Garware Technical Fibres.

V2 composite yarn is made through a highly specialised extrusion process using High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Metallic Copper (which is naturally found in the environment).

Reduced operational costs and improved fish health Up to 50%* reduction in cleaning costs. Reduced fouling lowers stress by providing a better environment for the fish.

X12 LICE SHIELD Innovative specialty fabric, preventing sea lice, allowing water flow, maintaining same dissolved oxygen inside and outside cage, high abrasion resistance, easy to clean, longer life. X12 fabric is available with V2 technology for delayed fouling.

GARWARE TECHNICAL FIBRES specialises in developing innovative, application focused solutions for aquaculture. Garware’s solutions not only aid sustainability, but also deliver enhanced value to aquaculture farmers globally.

+91-20-27990301 | +91-20-27990306 Garware Technical Fibres Ltd.indd 57

Our Partner in Scotland and Ireland

Tel.: +44 1505 682511 nets@wjknox.co.uk

sales@garwarefibres.com | www.garwarefibres.com 07/02/2022 10:08:26

Land-based farming and hatcheries

Tackling RAS

challenges

Investment in land-based farming systems must ensure a safe environment for the fish

celand’S largest fishing and seafood producer, Samherji, began construction work this month on a £9m expansion of its land-based Silfurstjörn fish farm. Diggers moved in to begin preparing the site at Öxarfjörður in the north east of Iceland, which will boost output to around 3,000 tonnes. Arnar Freyr Jónsson, operations manager at Fiskeldi Samherji in Öxarfjörður, said it was always a good feeling to get practical construction underway. He added: “The preparation naturally takes time, such as working on planning issues, permit applications and more. This is probably the largest project in the field of employment in this area since Silfurstjörn was built in 1998.” Samherji said five new pots would be built, which would be about half the size of the largest existing pots. Samherji’s aquaculture division intends to bring its salmon production up to 40,000 tonnes over the next few years and the expansion of its Öxarfjörður farm was related to those plans, the company has said. It is also being viewed as a precursor to a far larger project in Reykjanes, a few miles south of Reykjavik, where a £260m land farm powered by hot springs will be built. This is just one of many land-based fish farm projects under way around

landbased v2.indd 58

the world. In December, for example, we reported that salmon farmer SalmoTerra had commissioned Graintech to build an 8,000-tonne recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility at Øygarden, near Bergen in Norway. In the US, Aquaco has raised US$600,000 through crowdfunding to double the size of its RAS farm in Florida to a capacity of more than 85 tonnes. Aquaco farms pompano, otherwise known as sunfish. Even Spain is getting in on the act, with plans to build the country’s first RAS site for Atlantic salmon. The farm, in Ramales de la Victoria, represents an investment of around €32m by Mexican-owned Norcantabric. Investment in RAS farming is continuing at pace from Sweden to Singapore. Land-based farming avoids many of the problems associated with marine fish farms, from sea lice to storms at sea, but it is not without its own

Above: The Samherji construction team Opposite from top: Monitoring Blue Unit data online; Fish welfare is a priority for producers

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 14:18:39

Tackling RAS challenges

Above: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Technology takes centre stage Owners and operators in the recircula�ng aquaculture systems sector will be gathering on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, US, this March for RASTECH 2022. Taking place as an in-person event on 30–31 March, RASTECH includes speakers involved in current RAS projects such as Megan Sorby from the Kingﬁsh Company, Erik Heim from Nordic Aquafarms and Jus�n Henry from West Coast Salmon.

“

We have gained completely new knowledge on how things work

”

challenges. The fish are growing in an environment en�rely regulated by technology and it is crucial to be able to monitor that environment 24/7. Danish company Blue Unit has been helping Mowi to do just that. Blue Unit produces data and visualisa�on technology to improve water quality control. Mowi’s land-based fish farm Steinsvik in Norway acted as a test loca�on for Blue Unit Solu�ons, a centralised monitoring system for RAS farms. The specially designed sensors in the system collect 13 different water quality parameters from up to 12 loca�ons in the facility in real �me. The sensors measure parameters including CO2 levels, pH-value and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) contents. All are relevant factors for Mowi, but levels of H2S, are a key metric. H2S can be dangerous because heightened concentra�ons of it can quickly lead to disease and fish mortality. A swi� reac�on is cri�cal when such concentra�ons occur. Erik Salveson, COO of the Steinsvik farm, says: “The data we receive from Blue Unit is very instruc�ve to us. We have gained completely new knowledge on how things work, and it makes it possible for us to react and adjust so that we ensure op�mal condi�ons. “What Blue Unit Solu�ons specifically can do for us is supply us with knowledge and data so we can proac�vely prevent disasters. By always following the data, we can jump to ac�on immediately in case of fluctua�ons in, for example, H2S. By avoiding disasters, we can save a lot of money and prevent fish mortality.” The system also registers all collected data in a registry that clients can access. They can then anonymously compare benchmark values with similar farms around the globe and become more knowledgeable on specific data. Blue Unit uploads 2,700 datapoints daily to the cloud, which are accessible via external units. The system also incorporates an early-warning system and a built-in alarm system triggered at cri�cal levels. It is also crucial to ensure that RAS facili�es are effec�vely and safely disinfected. Evoqua Water Technologies is a water purifica�on specialist

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

landbased v2.indd 59

Delegates can learn about the latest RAS innova�ons from the Freshwater Ins�tute or drop into a technology session chaired by the President of the Aquaculture Engineering Society, Dr Maddi Badiola. For more informa�on on the conference, go online to: www.ras-tec.com

About Reed Mariculture Reed Mariculture is a specialist supplier producing microalgae and zooplankton for healthy, high-quality and economical produc�on at fish, bivalve and shrimp hatcheries. As well as developing products specifically with RAS facili�es in mind, Reed has first-hand knowledge of running RAS systems because it runs its own, producing live algae and zooplankton in a land-based facility.

07/02/2022 14:19:06

Land-based farming and hatcheries

fish are growing in an environment “Theentirely regulated by technology ”

operating across a range of sectors from civic water supplies to high-purity water systems for pharmaceutical production or electronics manufacturing. In aquaculture, Evoqua offers a range of solutions, but a key technique is to use ozone to remove impurities and kill bacteria without endangering the fish. Ideal Fish, the only US-based producer of branzino (also known as European sea bass), required a solution to keep its RAS free from farm water pollution. The team at Ideal Fish consulted the disinfection aquaculture experts at Evoqua to help find the most efficient and economical disinfection solution to help remove aquaculture pollution and create a better, more biologically efficient system for the fish to grow in. Evoqua’s solution was based on the company’s MNG Series ozone generators delivering ozone production at an industrial scale. The MNG Series ozone generators also feature Powertron technology, a novel power supply design that provides a new method of control power for

precision O3 output, using less energy. The Powertron also operates quietly, which helps to create a better environment for the fish. After some months, the team at Ideal Fish saw a definite increase in water clarity and fish performance, enabling them to further increase the growing and performance parameters with controlled and precise use of the ozone facility. The application of ozone can be precisely targeted depending on need in different parts of the system. Operations and alarm features are easy to operate and reliable, Evoqua says. As production grows and more ozone is needed, the smart module can adapt to the system’s needs at any time. Additional reporting by Vince McDonagh. FF

Above left: Norcantrabic’s site in northern Spain Left: Sea bass at Ideal Fish’s RAS site

Double protection UV and Ozone present sustainable opportunities for protection against disease in land-based hatcheries

quaculture accounts for approximately half of the ﬁsh consumed worldwide, and increasing demand is driving the growth of land-based hatcheries. But, to stay competitive in an evolving market, land-based hatcheries need to make use of technology to improve production and prevent disease. UV and ozone technology support land-based hatcheries by enhancing the water treatment process, for protection against disease and to help achieve greater yields. UV light works by penetrating the cell wall of micro-organisms.Without the need for chemicals or residue in the water, the UV energy permanently alters the DNA structure of the micro-organism, which inactivates it and renders it unable to reproduce or infect. For the prevention of disease, Evoqua Wafer™ UV systems comply with Norwegian Veterinary

landbased v2.indd 60

Institute (NVI) standards.Wafer UV models have been assessed for NVI validation using Aeromonas Salmonicida and Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) organisms. When used in conjunction with Ozone treatment, this gives landbased hatcheries a double-barrier against disease. Ozone is one of the most powerful commercially available oxidising and disinfecting agents. Ozone gas quickly dissolves in water and then decomposes back to oxygen in solution, leaving effectively no residuals in the treatment stream. Rather than competing, UV and Ozone are complementary technologies.The combination of both UV and ozone technology can provide plants with a double-barrier approach for the prevention of disease and greater yields. Learn more about Evoqua’s range of UV and ozone technologies for land-based hatcheries at www.evoqua.com/en-gb

 Performance limitations depend on feed conditions, overall installed system design, and operation and maintenance processes; please refer to Operations Manuals. For speciﬁc information on disinfection claims, please visit: https://www. evoqua.com/en-GB/articles/disinfection-performance-andvalidation/

Above: The Evoqua Wafer Unit Left: The Evoqua MG Series Ozone Generator

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 14:19:31

Products and services

What’s NEW

Monthly update on industry innovations and solutions from around the world Brimmond named as UK distributor for Heila cranes

BRIMMOND Group, the Aberdeenshire-based provider of hydraulic, lifting and mechanical equipment and services, is now the official UK and Ireland distributor for Heila Marine Cranes (Heila). Heila is a global leader in the manufacture of specialist heavy-duty cranes with over 700 customers worldwide. As part of the deal Stuart Gilligan, Heila’s previous UK distributor, will join Brimmond. Engineering Director for Brimmond, Tom Murdoch, said: “Heila is a strong strategic fit for us… we’re confident this will allow us to offer an even higher level of service to our customers.” Meanwhile, Brimmond has also become the UK and Ireland distributor and servicer, within the oil and gas, marine, aquaculture, and renewable sectors, for KAMAT, a global leader in specialist high pressure pump technology. www.brimmond-group.com

Cretel set to launch new generation of table top ﬁsh skinners

CRETEL, the Belgian machine manufacturer of food processing equipment will soon launch its new generation of table top fish skinners. The engineers are working intensively on re-engineering the existing machines with a focus on better hygiene, ergonomic design, user-friendliness, safety and easy maintenance. This year, at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Cretel will launch the F 360 M, the new generation of the popular manual table top fish skinner 365F, which will be available with the standard or star roller cleaning system that can be used to skin a wide variety of fish species. In addition, we also improved the infeed. This makes the F 360 M, the ultimate all-round manual table top fish skinner.

Hatcheries around the world rely on Reed Mariculture’s innovative feeds

REED MARICULTURE INC (RMI) is at the cutting edge of new product development to ensure the success of hatcheries. Founded in 1995, RMI feeds are used by over 500 hatcheries, universities, and marine ornamental operations in 90-plus countries. RMI’s unique Instant Algae® & Instant Zooplankton® are the most convenient and effective feeds for growth, enrichment, and greenwater productivity. New products include ARPods™ 500 (live copepod and artemia replacement), RotiGrow OneStep™ with Taurine (for maximum rotifer production with full enrichment), probiotics, Artemia, and other single species algae. Learn more at: www.ReedMariculture.com

Cretel by ATS, Langerbruggekaai 15, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Tel. +32 9 376 95 95 info@cretel.com www.cretel.com www.linkedin. com/company/ cretel-nv/

OXYFLOW® delivers oxygen efﬁciently

IN any RAS facility, continuous supply of dissolved oxygen to the fish is a critical part of the operation. There are many designs, including cones, LHOs (low head oxygenators), PPCs (pressurised packed columns), U-tubes and in-line diffusers. One design that has been gaining a serious following recently is the OXYFLOW®. Designed by Bohumil Sevic, a French engineer with decades of experience, it represents probably the most efficient way to dissolve oxygen into the water. Depending on its size, OXYFLOW® dissolves 1.0 to 60.0 kg oxygen/hour at >95% efficiency. In our experience, adopters of this technology become permanent converts once they see the impact to their bottom line. www.aquacare.com

www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk

What's New - Feb 22.indd 61

07/02/2022 11:08:51

Industry Diary

Industry DIARY The latest aquaculture events, conferences and courses MAY 22

FEBRUARY 22 AQUACULTURE 2022

San Diego, California, USA February 28-March 4, 2022

AQUACULTURE UK 2022

https://seagriculture.eu/

Bremerhaven, Germany June 29-30, 2022

AUGUST 22

MARCH 22

WAS NORTH AMERICA & AQUACULTURE CANADA

2022 SEAFOOD EXPO NORTH AMERICA/ SEAFOOD PROCESSING

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

Boston, Massachusetts, USA March 13-15, 2022

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.

AQUAFUTURE SPAIN

SEAGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

Aviemore, United Kingdom May 3-5, 2022

Recinto FIG-Silleda, Spain March 23-25, 2022

SEPTEMBER 22 SEAGRICULTURE CONFERENCE https://seagriculture-usa.com/

Portland ME, USA September 7-8, 2022

AQUACULTURE EUROPE 2022

AQUACULTURE AFRICA 2021

Rimini, Italy September 27-30, 2022

Alexandria, Egypt March 25-28, 2022

RASTECH CONFERENCE

RAStech 2022 is the venue for learning, networking and knowledge sharing on RAS technologies, design and implementation across the world.

Hilton Head Island, SC, USA March 30-31, 2022

WORLD AQUACULTURE 2021 Merida, Mexico May 24-27, 2022

JUNE 22 SEAWORK 2022

NOVEMBER 22 LACQUA22

Panama City, Panama November 14-17, 2022

WORLD AQUACULTURE 2022 APRIL 22 SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL /SEAFOOD PROCESSING GLOBAL

www.seafoodexpo.com/global

Fira, Barcelona, Spain April 26-28, 2022

Industry Diary.indd 62

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

www.fishfarmermagazine.com

07/02/2022 11:14:08

Looking to

recruit?

Coming in the next issue... MARCH ISSUE

• Boats and Barges • Cages, Pens, Nets and Moorings • Regional Focus - Faroe Islands 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

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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 25 February

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14/07/2014 14:54:15 Aqua Source Directory - Feb.indd 64

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Aqua Source Directory - Feb.indd 65

07/02/2022 10:16:41

Opinion – Inside track

Passing it on

BY NICK JOY

SN’T it wonderful when someone fully deserving finally gets the recognition they deserve? Many people do things that deserve praise, but many are never recognised for it. In an industry such as ours, with its endless bad press, few have broken the boundaries and achieved general praise. I am, of course, speaking of Bob Kindness, who I worked with many years ago. He is a good man with a great passion who, even when salmon farming, went salmon fishing at the mouth of the Findhorn every year. Achieving accolades in this publication is great, but I also opened a copy of a gamekeeping magazine and there he was in all his glory. Bob has always had a huge passion and drive.You would have to, to have achieved what he has. I’m just so glad that he is being recognised for his achievements. There is also someone else who has fought very hard – I would say on our behalf, but he would say for the truth to be recognised. Dr Martin Jaffa is not a man who fits into any category I know. Who else would be willing to take so much flak on behalf of an industry that doesn’t really recognise him? Yet on he fights to get people to see what I have always believed: the decline in wild salmonids has nothing to do with salmon farming. Or if there is an effect, it is very, very small. He has produced a peer-reviewed paper to show that the decline is not connected (see Fish Farmer, January 2022, p6, and Dr Jaffa’s column on p26 of this issue). Of course, it will be ignored. There are none so blind as those who will not see. However, registering this in the public domain will have an effect in time, especially if we use his work judiciously. So my congratulations to him. Martin’s paper supports what a lot of people have been saying for a long time. Graeme Dear, when he was Managing Director of Marine Harvest, showed mirror declines in west and east coast fisheries, only to face hoots of derision from the wild salmonid lobby.

“areThere none

so blind as those who will not see

”

On the decline in spring run salmon, he suggested that this was evolutionary. From his own experience he noted that the runs had changed their timing and their proportions since he was young. He deduced that this stopped the predators from being able to programme their own behaviour and cycles to match. He believed that spring runs will come back, but that the cycle is a long one. Darwinian evolution suggests that species develop characteristics that gives the animal concerned an advantage – for example, the ability to thrive in both fresh and salt water. So a salmon became anadromous in one river: but how did it move to another river? It could only be by mistake as otherwise the species would only occur in one river. This rather challenges the doctrine that every salmon goes back unerringly to its natal river. If they don’t, then over time runs will return as long as there is plenty of salmon about to make a few mistakes. I could go on with challenges to the perceived logic about wild and farmed salmonids, but I will desist. I will leave you with the thought that I have known many people in my life and have been lucky enough for them to tell me their stories. I believe I should always pass on the good sense passed on to me, and so I shall continue. FF

Lessons from evolution One of the great influences on my career in this area was Johnnie Stansfeld MBE, of Joseph Johnstone and Sons, a company operating wild salmon netting as well as farming. Johnnie worked with wild salmon all of his life and he learned from the people he worked with, old and young, in this field. Those who knew Johnnie will remember a rather deaf, academic-looking man with bottle-bottom-thick glasses.Yet his appearance seriously belied his true character. In his youth, I was told, he blew up obstacles in the North Esk, went out late at night and removed key stones from weirs causing them to collapse. He tickled trout and salmon and knew exactly where the fish lay in any pool on the North and South Esks. By the way, all of the above allegedly happened a long time ago. His view on sea lice was that it would be a highly unsuccessful evolutionary strategy for any species to hang about where the predation risk is highest. For salmon that area for smolt and returning fish is the estuary and thus their strategy, as a very long surviving species, must be to avoid these areas. It makes sense, he believed, that if sea lice were so critical then, every year there was a drought, all of the salmon would die before they entered the rivers. I myself have seen netted wild salmon from the North Esk estuary with hundreds of gravid lice on their backs, so bad that the blood was running from the wounds.

Nick Joy OPINION v2.indd 66

www.fishfarmermagazine.co.uk

07/02/2022 14:06:14

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Fish Farmer February 2022

Articles inside

Nick Joy

Monthly update on industry innovations and solutions

Dealing with a perennial problem

The latest innovations in aquaculture on land

Keeping tabs on fish welfare and structural integrity

The latest fronts on the battle against parasites

Sandy Neil

Sandy Neil

Vince McDonagh

Nicki Holmyard

Vince McDonagh

Update from the processing sector

Martin Jaffa

UK Government paves the way for new technology

Hamish Macdonell