The Aquaculturists: November 2017

Thursday, November 30, 2017

01/12/2017: Aquabotix appoints business leader David Batista as chief executive officer

UUV Aquabotix Ltd has announced the appointment of David Batista as chief executive officer, the company’s current CEO and founder, Durval Tavares, will assume the role of chief technology officer

David Batista
Image credit: Aquabotix

“The underwater drone market is growing rapidly and, thanks to Durval’s leadership, Aquabotix has emerged as a formidable competitor,” said Batista, an experienced business leader in the small-cap listed space. “I look forward to working closely with Durval to continue expanding Aquabotix’s technology and capabilities and positioning Aquabotix as an unsurpassed leader in underwater robotics.”

In his new role as Chief Technology Officer, Mr Tavares will lead development of the company’s underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle) and Hybrid AUV/ROV (autonomous underwater vehicle/remotely operated vehicle) technology, with a particular focus on application in high-demand verticals such as military, security and law enforcement, aquaculture and marine construction and maintenance.

“When I founded Aquabotix six years ago, my goal was to develop and build leading-class technology designed to change how we view the underwater world,” said Mr Tavares. “This remains my goal to this day. I look forward to devoting my time to leading the development of our new technologies and working with David to bring several new innovations to market in the near future. David’s market expertise makes him the perfect choice to help make the company scalable for growth.”

Mr Batista is the former Senior Managing Director of independent financial services firm Viriathus Holdings LLC. He has more than 20 years of experience working with small-cap listed companies, both in the US and Australia. While at Viriathus Holdings, Mr Batista closed more than 40 investment and M&A transactions for domestic and international clients, in addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the firm.

Mr Batista previously held roles with HPC Capital Management Corp., SoundView Technology Group and Lehman Brothers Inc.

A graduate of C.W. Post College, Mr Batista also has several post-graduate qualifications from The New York Institute of Finance.

For more information, visit the Aquabotix website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the
magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd

For additional daily news from aquaculture around the world: aquaculture-news

01/12/2017: AB Vista expands technical service team with new feed applications engineer

AB Vista’s Technical Services Team has recently been expanded, as part of the company’s strategy to strengthen feed mill support to customers in the Americas

Joel McAtee
Image credit: AB Vista

Joel McAtee has joined AB Vista as Feed Applications Engineer for the Americas, having spent several years working in Operation and Regulatory roles in commercial feed facilities and premix plants.

Dieter Suida, AB Vista’s Americas Director, says a key part of Joel’s role will be providing feed engineering support and advice to customers in the Americas region.

“With his broad experience across feed mill equipment and processing, Mr McAtee will play a key role in supporting AB Vista customers in the Americas with feed mill equipment design, operation and effectiveness including enzyme dosing technology and pelleting equipment.”

Mr McAtee graduated from Kansas State University in Feed Science and Management and subsequently managed the KSU Research feed mill, helping build and commission the new feed mill for animal science research.

For more information visit the AB Vista website, HERE.

FAMSUN company profile

Muyang Co, Ltd recently announced changing its brand name from Muyang to FAMSUN starting May 2014. This move is prompted by the idea of better illustrating the company’s business and the farm-to-table industry chain it serves. It is consistent with Muyang’s global strategy and its aim of becoming an integrated solution provider in the agro-industry.

FAMSUN originates from “famous, farm, family, sun and union”; it implies Muyang Co, Ltd’s development concept and vision, which is to build a green and healthy supply chain from farm to table together with its customers and to convert traditional agriculture into a modern, profitable and sustainable business with its integrated solutions in feed manufacturing, grain milling, grain handling and storage, food processing, as well as industrial automation.

The creative design of the FAMSUN logo features a beveled letter “F”, a curvy letter “A”, a stretching letter “S” and a friendly letter “U”. It will be the only signage representing Muyang’s business, products, service and solutions. Meanwhile, the company will continue to operate in its current structure, provide follow-up service based on relevant agreement, and its business contacts will remain unchanged.

Visit the website HERE.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

30/11/2017: Cermaq applies for 13 development licenses for FlexiFarm – closed containment systems with water treatment against infections

Cermaq aims to be leading in technology development that contributes to sustainable food production. FlexiFarm is a floating closed containment system based on flow-through technology.

FlexiFarm strengthens the competitive advantages of fish farming in coastal areas and addresses the concerns raised by politicians, authorities, NGOs, Cermaq’s customers, and not at least by the industry itself.

FlexiFarm is a floating closed containment system based on flow-through technology that advances closed containments to a new level. FlexiFarm treats inflow of water for all infections before entering the containment.

The goal for FlexiFarm is to reduce losses in sea production, protect the environment against undesired impacts, increase productivity, and at the same time reduce production costs.

“In cermaq we focus on innovations that improve sustainable farming on existing locations in coastal areas. This approach characterises this concept as well as the iFarm concept for individualised farming. Cermaq has leading expertise in farming technology and fish health, and has excellent prerequisites for succeeding in these ambitious innovations”, says Knut Ellekjær, Managing Director of Cermaq Norway.

“When developed, FlexiFarm can be used at more than 80 percent of the existing sites in Norway, according to the maximum wave heights. Hence, FlexiFarm can strengthen the competitiveness in existing operations and secure future value creation in the coastal areas. It is a major goal for the development of FlexiFarm that investment and operation cost will remain low, and that the anticipated effect will ensure that production cost per kg salmon is reduced”, says Magnus Stendal, general manager at Botngaard System AS.

Reducing losses in farming
In FlexiFarm, the inflow of water will first be filtered and then treated by UV-light to prevent intake of lice, algae, bacteria, and virus.

“The most severe challenge for Norwegian salmon farming is the losses during production in the sea, which is mainly due to pathogens and treatments against sea lice. By treating the inflow of water for all pathogens and lice we will be able to dramatically reduce the losses of fish. We have succeeded designing a solution which addresses both the biological and environmental challenges in the industry, and which on top will be profitable to implement”, says Harald Takle, R&D Technology Manager in Cermaq Group

Prevents escape and lice
FlexiFarm surpasses the level from semi-closed to closed containment. Hence, there will be no lice or infections within the containment and no lice or infections let out from the containment. The wall of tarp will be made of flexible composite which is escape safe and does not need maintenance during the production cycle.

New treatment of discharge
FlexiFarm will have a system to grind and spreadthe sludge to avoid point loads underneath the farming sites. The discharge of organic material can be adapted to the capacity of the area. By grinding the sludge no entire feed pellets will be discharged from the containment. FlexiFarm will also have the possibility to collect the sludge. The discharge will then pass through a filter where the sludge will be collected and transported to shore for further processing. FlexiFarm has been developed by Cermaq together with Botngaard System, Xylem and Serge Ferrari as technology Suppliers.

For more information visit the Cermaq website, HERE.

Biomin company profile

BIOMIN are dedicated to finding innovative, trend-setting solutions that empower their customers to master existing and future challenges in animal nutrition– the natural way. The application of their scientific know-how and expertise, based on an in-depth understanding of their customer’s needs and concerns, enables them to deliver solutions that support animal health, optimise performance and production efficiency.

Research and development is one of the cornerstones of BIOMIN. Their strong in-house research and development, and global cooperation with leading institutions and organisations form the basis by which innovative solutions are developed for their customers.

Through joint projects with renowned universities and research institutes, BIOMIN is constantly in touch with the latest scientific know-how, from which novel feed additives are developed and produced. Their global network of collaborating institutions has grown to over 100.

One of the cornerstones of BIOMIN’s success is the ongoing improvement of their inhouse quality standards. In 1997, BIOMIN introduced the international ISO 9001 standard. The HACCP system, introduced subsequently at BIOMIN’s production sites, provides the quality assurance our customers seek from them. In addition, the feed quality standards QS and GMP+ guarantee the utmost degree of control and quality for their products – from raw material inputs right through to the final product.

Concerns over climate change and the role of greenhouse gases continue to rise. In September 2011, BIOMIN was internationally recognised through the award of ISO 14040 ‘Life Cycle Assessment’ certification. By optimising feed use and improving animal performance, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock operations.Through innovative production technologies and advanced, scientific know-how, BIOMIN has pioneered several trend-setting solutions for a range of animal nutrition products, all of which utilise fully natural processes and ingredients.

An in-depth understanding of what the customer’s needs and concerns are has enabled BIOMIN to create and deliver solutions in-line with performance and efficiency goals.

Visit the BIOMIN website, HERE.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

29/11/2017: DNREC to accept applications for Inland Bays shellfish aquaculture leases on a first-come, first-served basis, USA

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Division of Fish & Wildlife will begin accepting more Inland Bays shellfish aquaculture lease applications postmarked after midnight Tuesday, December 5th on a first-come, first-served basis

Image credit: Kai Scheiber on Flickr
(CC BY-SA 2.0)

Initial applications were made after a lottery was held in May to determine the order of selection. Now that all of the lottery participants have selected their potential lease locations, applications are being accepted by DNREC for the remainder of the available acreage.

Beginning after midnight on December 5^th, applications and a required $300 application fee can be sent via certified mail to the Division of Fish & Wildlife, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. No in-person or electronically-delivered applications will be accepted. The order of the applications for selecting lease locations will be determined by their postmarked dates.

Available acres within the state-approved Shellfish Aquaculture Development Areas (SADA) are indicated on the interactive shellfish map, and the SADA application is on the DNREC Shellfish Aquaculture Program webpage.

For more information on Inland Bays’ shellfish aquaculture, or on the first-come, first-served application submission process, visit the DNREC’s Shellfish Aquaculture webpage, HERE.

Tyson company profile

Tyson Animal Nutrition Group is a leading producer of 100 percent chicken-based protein meals, chicken fats and wet pet ingredients.

Their experience, knowledge, commitment to quality and strong customer relationships have made them one of the most respected names in animal nutrition.

Tyson's vertically-integrated structure gives them control over all stages of the life cycle of their chickens, from hatching-egg production to distributing the finished product.

And because all of their raw materials come from USDA-inspected processing plants, their ingredients are consistent, traceable and to your specifications.

Their sales and support Team Members welcome the opportunity to partner with you and meet your needs for high-quality ingredients.

Learn more about our products or speak to one of our sales managers today.

Visit the website HERE.

28/11/2017: EU leads international efforts to restore sustainable tuna stocks

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas, has concluded its Annual Meeting in Marrakesh on 14 – 21 November

The meeting was dominated by discussions surrounding Bluefin tuna, in particular for the Eastern and Mediterranean stock. Based on scientific advice, ICCAT agreed to a gradual increase in the total allowed catches (TAC) reaching a maximum of 36,000 ton in 2020 (28,200t in 2018 and 32,240t in 2019). This increase reflects a widely recognised improvement in the overall situation for Atlantic tuna stocks, compared to a decade ago.

Image credit: Tchaml on Flickr
(CC BY-SA 2.0)

Whilst the proposal for the increase was not tabled by the EU, the general improvement of the stock reflects the outcome of action led by the European Union and the sustained efforts by fishermen and the fishing industry, in the last decade.

Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said, "Our experience of recent years is that concerted efforts by all parties can secure rapid progress towards more sustainable fisheries. We now need to continue our work towards a long-term management regime for Eastern Bluefin tuna as proposed by the European Commission."

Against this background, the EU had proposed to replace the existing rebuilding plan with a management plan for Eastern Bluefin tuna, acknowledging the success of the recovery measures implemented since 2007.

However, it was decided to delay the discussions to next year’s ICCAT meeting. ICCAT also continued its work on other commercially important species, in particular on Northern albacore. Based on an EU-proposal, for the first time in ICCAT history, Harvest Control Rules were adopted and TAC increased by 20 percent.

Harvest Control Rules are the latest generation of science-based approaches to effective fisheries management and provide guidelines on how much fishing can take place according to the state of the stock.

Moreover, ICCAT adopted measures to freeze the fishing effort on the stock of Mediterranean albacore, adopting a precautionary approach until better information becomes available on this stock.

Finally, ICCAT adopted Recommendations reducing the TACs for Northern and Southern Atlantic swordfish tabled by the EU, also with the objective of adopting a precautionary approach encouraged by the scientific Committee.

In terms of Tropical tunas, ICCAT did not adopt specific measures this year but decided to implement a pro-rata reduction of the TACs for Bigeye tuna and Yellowfin tuna, for which overfishing took place in 2016.

It is also planned that an extensive review of the existing management measures should take place in 2018.

Regarding sharks, ICCAT was able to adopt measures aimed at protecting sharks in the North Atlantic. The measures adopted for Northern shortfin mako aim to reduce the current fishing mortality and to lay the ground for the adoption of more ambitious measures in 2019.

Despite an increase in the number of Parties supporting the proposal to introduce a fins-attached policy, it was regrettably not possible to secure its adoption.

Visit the ICCAT website, HERE.

Monday, November 27, 2017

PTN company profile

PTN’s (Pallet Technology Netherlands) mission is to produce and develop high-quality, reliable machines.

PTN strives to provide its customers with the following benefits through its products: higher yields lower energy consumption low maintenance requirements access to state-of-the-art technology.

As a globally operating, specialist manufacturer of pelletisers and related machinery it is their ambition to expand to become the most respected professional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).

According to the PTN website, “Our strategy for achieving this ambition is to: expand and consolidate the global network of professional sales and service points create a virtual and real image of professionalism, quality and innovation as well as a high level of standardisation and digital accessibility for strategic partners transform technology, know-how and competences into technical and commercial added value generate stable growth in sales and profit.”

PTN develops and manufactures all its products under its own management at two production sites in Schijndel. This means that PTN is able to build both standard products and products to meet customer specifications.

After the machines have been manufactured and installed at the customer’s site, their service department commissions the machines. In addition, the service department is also available should there be any problems or if the customer’s own technical department needs support.

Visit the PTN website, HERE.

27/11/2017: Aquaculture Taiwan 2018, a new platform for exploring the Asian market

Event organisers, UBM Asia Ltd., Taiwan Branch, and co-organisers, Council of Agriculture, Taiwan Government have announced the 2018 edition of Aquaculture Taiwan following a successful debut this year

The 1st edition of AAT welcomed 12,089 visitors from 37 Countries and hosted 300 booths of 194 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions. Over 60 percent of exhibitors rebooked onsite.

Organisers have estimated that there will be more than 450 companies exhibiting 700 booths at the 2018 Expo.

2017 Facts & Figures
- the first and no. 1 aquaculture b2b trade show in Taiwan.
- jointly organised by the two leading parties, UBM and COA, council of agriculture, the leader of Taiwan agriculture industry
- being held concurrently with livestock Taiwan and Asia Agri-tech expo
- supported by 10 trade associations and trade offices.
- 194 exhibitors from 16 countries, displaying m 292 booths.
- 12,089 visitors from 37 countries, which include delegation groups from mainland China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore….
- over 40 Taiwan’s association delegation groups.
- over 40 professional technical conferences.

2018 Projection
- 10 pavilions
- Over 700 booths
- 450 exhibitors from 25 countries & regions
- 20,000+ visitors from 40 countries & regions exhibit profiles
- aquaculture technology & equipment
- breeding & hatchery equipment
- cold chain equipment
- disease & health management
- export inspection & quarantine service
- feed & feeding equipment
- feed additives
- fishing equipment
- food safety, hygiene & traceability solutions
- fresh & frozen seafood
- industry associations
- inspection & certification
- logistic service
- media & trade publications
- packaging equipment
- recirculation systems

For more information visit the Aquaculture Taiwan website, HERE.

Sunday, November 26, 2017

27/11/2017: Precision farming technology for aquaculture project announced, New Zealand

According to a recent news release from New Zealand’s Cawthron Institute, scientists are set to research the application of transformational tech for the aquaculture industry, following funding approval for the two-year Precision Farming Technology for Aquaculture project

The project announced today focuses on developing technologies that give farmers the ability to manage their farm and stock remotely.

Cawthron Institute Coastal and Freshwater Group Manager, Dr Chris Cornelisen will lead the project and is looking forward to bringing together a multi-disciplinary science team.

Image credit: Wendy Schotsmans on Flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

"The Precision Farming for Aquaculture project will combine cutting-edge research in sensing technologies, lasers, and artificial intelligence with practical, applied research to provide solutions to the aquaculture industry," said Dr Cornelisen.

Research into efficient and cost-effective underwater communications also aims to unlock the future potential of untethered sensors, drones and robotics.

There are unique challenges to farming in the ocean. Farms must be physically accessed by boat, with stock health and condition manually recorded. High costs and delicate equipment are barriers to implementing new technology; this project will innovate to reduce these obstacles.

"We’ll be developing new chemical sensors that can identify the amount of food and nutrients in the water, and imaging sensors that use artificial intelligence to let farmers "see" their farm and stock condition in real time from a computer or mobile device. The aquaculture industry aims to reach $1 billion in sales by 2025. Technology that promotes sustainability, efficiency, and the ability to farm further offshore will play a significant role in achieving this target," said Dr Cornelisen.

Part of the National Science Challenges, this is a $2m ‘Spearhead’ project, funded by the Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) National Science Challenge Board.

The project brings together a collaborative team of researchers from Cawthron Institute, University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, and the NZ Product Accelerator. An Industry Advisory Group will provide an invaluable contribution.

The long-term vision is to establish New Zealand as a leader in hi-tech, aquaculture automation and remote farm intelligence.

The innovations unlocked through the project are likely to have applications beyond aquaculture; for example may aid biosecurity and environmental surveillance in ports and harbours.

Read the original news release on the Cawthron Institute website, HERE.

Jefo company profile

Jefo is a world leader in the field of non-medicated performance feed additives for the poultry, swine, ruminant and aquaculture sectors. Founded in Canada in 1982, today Jefo has offices on 5 continents, and specialises in the design, manufacturing, warehousing and JIT-distribution of an array of animal nutrition specialty products.

Jefo is a pioneer in the green revolution taking place in animal nutrition.

According to their website: "Our commitment is to providing effective alternatives for optimal performances in animal nutrition".

The Europe / Africa division of Jefo was created in 1998 and is headquartered in Nantes, France. We market a line of original products including vitamins, enzymes, organic acids and essential oils.

Visit the website HERE.

Thursday, November 23, 2017

24/11/2017: Salmon and trout producers unite against key barrier to sector growth

Scotland’s leading salmon and trout producers have united in a bid to extend the usage and efficacy of the two most environmentally-friendly sea lice treatments

Currently, two possible ways of treating farmed Atlantic salmon against sea lice – a key barrier to sector growth – are to bathe the fish either in freshwater or hydrogen peroxide which quickly breaks down into water and oxygen.

Image credit: Marine Harvest Scotland

Now, in a project being co-funded by the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), Marine Harvest Scotland and Dawnfresh Seafoods have teamed up with Solvay Interox, Aqua Pharma and academics at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture to determine what happens when freshwater and hydrogen peroxide-based treatment Paramove® are combined.

Richard Hopewell, Fish Health Manager for Dawnfresh Seafoods and lead industry partner said, “This is early stage, investigative work being conducted within controlled tanks at the Marine Environmental Research Laboratory, part of the University of Stirling's Institute of Aquaculture, based at Machrihanish. There, we hope to confirm the efficacy of using freshwater and Paramove® in conjunction with one another, and, in doing so, contribute to the ongoing efforts of the industry in sea lice control.”

The anticipated benefits of the 12-month, £242,985 project include even better control of sea lice, reduced use of medicines and shorter treatment times – all of which will further enhance fish health and welfare, and help deliver higher production volumes.

SAIC CEO Heather Jones commented, “This project has the potential to be particularly ground-breaking. Not only does it see salmon and trout producers unite against a key challenge, but if it succeeds in delivering a more effective sea lice control using available, environmentally-friendly resources then the entire sector stands to make huge commercial gains in the drive to grow Scotland’s market share.”

It’s thought that the applied research project could lead to further collaboration between salmon and trout producers to establish the therapeutic value of other approved sea lice treatments at low salinities.

Visit the SAIC website, HERE.

24/11/2017: A bright future for New Zealand aquaculture

by Peter Parker, International Aquafeed magazine

The 2017 New Zealand Aquaculture Conference was held September 20-21, at the Rutherford Hotel in sunny Nelson, a city on the northern coast of New Zealand’s South Island

The two-day event is held annually and brings together the nation’s aquaculture industry as well as exhibitors and international delegates. Featuring the Cargill EWOS sponsored technical day on the Wednesday, and the New Zealand Aquaculture conference on the Thursday, this event was the perfect opportunity for the industry to network and share ideas towards building a strong and sustainable aquaculture industry for the future. Throughout the event participants were discussing the excellent Sanford sponsored cocktail function which certainly lived up to the hype on the closing hours of the event.

According to Aquaculture New Zealand, the conference’s inspiring speakers, amazing seafood and unparalleled networking opportunities, has it “widely celebrated as New Zealand’s best primary sector conference.”

Nelson
It is most fitting that Nelson is the scene for this conference, aside from being a beautiful place with great facilities for catering to visitors, it is also one of New Zealand’s key aquacultural hubs with a number of the key aquaculture support organisations being based there; such as Aquaculture New Zealand, the Cawthrone institute, and the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

The Aquaculture New Zealand organisation was formed in 2007 to be the single voice for the New Zealand aquaculture sector. Where previously, the New Zealand industry was made up of three independent species bodies in the New Zealand Mussel Industry Council, the New Zealand Salmon Famers Association and the New Zealand Oyster Industry Association. Aquaculture New Zealand aims to bring together these memberships.

According to the Aquaculture New Zealand website they are primarily funded through an industry levy, and their chief role is the implementation of the industry strategy which aims to grow the sector to earn NZD$1 billion annually by 2025. A value which was frequently mentioned throughout the conference with passion and optimism.

While in Nelson I was fortunate enough to be taken on a tour through the Cawthrone Institute’s aquaculture park by Dr Leo Zamora an aquaculture scientist currently conducting research on geoduck, a large edible clam with potential to be farmed in New Zealand. This was one of many species being studied at the 20 hectare aquaculture park that is equipped with purpose built wet laboratories, intensive algae culture facilities, dry laboratories, and more. The park which was formally opened in February 2011 is protected by Nelson’s boulder bank and is the ideal location for aquaculture research, development and commercialisation.

Cargill EWOS Technical day
Day one saw attendees receive a welcome from Aquaculture New Zealand’s Technical Director Colin Johnston. This was followed by a full on day of 20 presentations across two halls, the majority of which divided into the salmon stream and the diversification & resilience stream.

The presentations covered a wide ranging scope, with an opening plenary featuring Global Aquaculture Alliance’s President Dr George Chamberlain discussing aquaculture’s number one issue globally – biosecurity, sharing with the audience his experiences internationally with biosecurity.

The second plenary speaker was Associate Professor Christopher Burt on strategies to improve employee safety, highlighting the ever present problem across industries that is new employees’ safety and how to address this.

Topics were discussed throughout the day by University professors, research institute scientists, and industry representatives, ranging from ocean acidification, the potential of seaweed, right through to anti-microbial coating and surface additive solutions for the processing stage.

Attendees I spoke to said they had especially enjoyed a block dedicated to research and development, a topic especially relevant to the relatively young industry of aquaculture where innovation is both commonplace and necessary.

David Koedyk of Baldwins Law Limited gave a presentation and answered the audiences in detail on the intricacies of intellectual property law and the processes businesses should aim for. This was followed by presentations on the supply chain, the importance of pre-competitive R&D, and a panel discussion.

The day was closed with the New Zealand Salmon Farmers Association meeting for members and invited guests.

Read the entire show report, HERE.

Visit the Aquaculture NZ website, HERE.

Wynveen International company profile

Wynveen International B.V. is a leading Dutch company, specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of complete mills for the animal feed industry.

With a knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic team, the company focuses on the development and construction of high-quality innovative equipment and installations for animal feed, aqua feed and pet food manufacture.

In addition to turnkey projects, their core products are hammer mills, ribbon and paddle mixers, double-shaft paddle mixers, rotary sifters and coaters for liquids (vacuum and atmospheric).

Approximately 80 percent of their products are exported. In order to guarantee its high quality standards, Wynveen assembles and tests all its key equipment in-house.

Wynveen always aims to fully understand customer requirements, working in partnership with customers and using all their accumulated knowledge and experience to deliver the optimum, often highly innovative, technological solution.

That’s why their company motto is: ‘Versatility in feed processing’.

Visit the company website, HERE.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

23/11/2017: The grand opening ceremony of the first Olmix factory in Asia

The Grand Opening Ceremony of the first Olmix factory in Asia was held on 10th October 2017 at Song Than 2 Industrial Zone, Binh Duong province, Vietnam

The ceremony had the participation of the representatives of the Department of Livestock Production, the France Embassy, the Authority of Binh Duong Province, General Consulate of France, communication agencies and other departments.

www.olmix.com

The act was attended by several French experts and around 300 customers of Olmix–Viphavet from different Asian countries and important livestock producers in Vietnam.

The first Olmix factory in Asia located in Binh Duong province, Vietnam, will be providing approximately 15,000 tons of animal feed additives and nutraceuticals for feed mills and farms per year.

The opening of this new production facilities is a milestone on the Olmix Group’s road towards a prosperous growth in Asia.

It also represents the Olmix Group’s commitment to further strengthening the presence and activities in Vietnam and throughout Asia.

Capitalising on the expertise of Olmix Asialand and Viphavet potential, like the GMP– which certified the pharmaceutical production factory–, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, VIPHALAB, Vaccination Technology Services (VTS) and the construction of the state–of–art feed additives factory, Olmix Asialand is establishing itself as one of the top three operators in the field of animal nutrition and animal health in Vietnam.

Starting its production from 1st November 2017, the factory will be focused on producing new feed additives to be provided to the Asian market, such as mShell (shell and bones quality enhancer) and ASEAD (range of innovative acidifiers).

The productions will use innovative ingredients or nucleus produced in France with OLMIX unique patented technologies (algae biorefinery, clays and algae associations…).

All along the industrial feed processes, Olmix Group will follow HACCP procedures.

Quality systems enforced in the different sites of the Group ensure maintenance and continuous improvement of the high-quality level of our products for Olmix’s strategy and mission ‘A healthy food chain, Thanks to Algae!’.

Visit the Olmix website, HERE.

23/11/2017: Secretary Perdue announces Soybean Board appointments

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of 19 members and three alternate members to serve on the United Soybean Board

The producers appointed to serve three year terms include:
• Annie Dee, Aliceville, Ala.
• Robert Stobaugh, Atkins, Ark.
• Gary Berg, Saint Elmo, Ill.
• Tom Griffiths, Kendallville, Ind.
• Thomas E. Oswald, Cleghorn, Iowa
• Larry K. Marek, Riverside, Iowa
• Dennis Gruenbacher, Andale, Kan.
• Keith N. Tapp, Sebree, Ky.
• Belinda Burrier, Union Bridge, Md.
• Herb Miller, Niles, Mich.
• Lawrence Sukalski, Fairmont, Minn.
• Philip Good, Macon, Miss.
• Lewis Rone, Pontageville, Mo.
• Mike Korth, Randolph, Neb.
• Dave Dotterer, Rittman, Ohio
• Ellie W. Green, Jr., Lynchburg, S.C.
• Marc V. Reiner, Tripp, S.D.
• David Nichols, Ridgely, Tenn.
• Andrew W. Scott, Jr., Monte Alto, Texas
• Colt Clemmons, Killen, Ala. Alternate
• Fitzhugh Bethea, Dillon, S.C. Alternate
• Daniel C. Berglund, Wharton, Texas Alternate

"I truly appreciate the time and expertise that these individuals have agreed to provide, and know U.S. soybean producers will be well served by these men and women,” said Perdue.

The board is composed of 73 members representing 29 states and Eastern and Western regions. To become a member, you must be a soybean producer and be nominated by a qualified state soybean board.

The board is authorised by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Information Act. It became effective July 9, 1991, when the Soybean Promotion and Research Order was implemented.

Since 1966, Congress has authorised the establishment of 22 industry-funded research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity for participating stakeholders.

A list of United Soybean Board members and more information about research and promotion programs is available on the Soybean Research and Promotion Program page on the AMS website, HERE.

Visit the United Soybean Board’s website, HERE.

23/11/2017: Operating freshwater salmon RAS

by Ben Green, MA (Cantab), CEO, The Supreme Salmon Co., UK

Operating a RAS is quite a daunting task; the salmon are like astronauts of life support

I haven’t had a disaster for over a decade thanks to robust design, backup systems and a good alarm, but I still can never be quite sure what I will find in the morning. In this, the last of my three articles, I’ll describe how to run a RAS in the best way possible.

Ben's partner Carol with a RAS 22kg salmon
Image credit: The Surpreme Salmon Co. UK

A lot of effort goes into the design and building of the unit but that’s just the start, there’s the smooth running of the system with a proper maintenance schedule and crucially, the care of the stock.

I can’t say I’ve read a huge amount about fish rearing but I can’t ever recall seeing an article devoted to the wellbeing and behaviour of the fish reared and how crucially important it is to for the smooth running of a RAS unit. Carp are very tolerant of bad environments and are easily domesticated but salmon are like racehorses and will take every opportunity to die that is offered.

Operation
I would imagine most people know about pH, ammonia, nitrites etc. levels so I won’t dwell on this for very long assuming the system is up to the job. I don’t monitor these anymore unless there might be a problem, my systems have a large cushioning water volume and I keep the bio-filter alive between crops.

A bio-filter should be coping with ammonia after a day or two; the nitrites can take up to a month to stabilise and in three months the filter is fully mature. A RAS is home to two animals, the fish and the filter, if one dies then the other dies with it.

For this reason it’s very dangerous to have anything around that might accidentally kill either, chemicals like Chloramine T destroy filters instantly and the fish will die soon after if there isn’t enough fresh water to call on. The filter can grow with the fish if a batch policy is operated, a continuously harvested system has a stable biomass but is probably always running near its maximum capacity like fully laden truck going top speed all the time, good for efficiency but more likely to crash.

I use a batch process with discreet units and harvest over a period of time; this gives my static filters a rundown phase in which to clean themselves. Once the RAS is running it settles down to a life of its own, the operator will get used to the flow rates of the water and the sounds of the machinery.

These things can be noticed from day to day. A single operator will notice any slight changes that are a precursor to an equipment failure such as a noisy bearing on a pump, which can then be replaced in good time.

I look after my RAS 365 days a year (which is probably a bit sad!) but I have sole responsibility and no one else to blame if warning signs are not heeded, I can’t see how this can work so well with multiple personnel. A tip here, don’t change anything on the RAS then leave it!

It’s after an equipment change that something can fail, for example a pipe might not have been properly secured after a pump change, and will come off a few minutes later. There will still be some natural variation of water parameters over time; temperature varies with the seasons and with it an evolution of the filter flora and fauna causing changes in water clarity or oxygen levels.

This doesn’t seem to bother the fish but it can have implications for the smooth running of the system. For example if the water goes cloudy, the mortalities can’t be seen to be removed if they are normally visually speared or scoop netted, a rotting dead salmon in an RAS will cause chronic health problems in the rest of the stock.

It’s not always the case that addition of fresh water will help the system, I find I have the urge to add more borehole water ‘because it must do some good’ but this isn’t necessarily the case.

If the temperature is right and the fish are happy changing the water conditions will actually disturb them, spring or borehole water might look wonderfully clean to us but it’s often not a very good environment for fish in its raw form.

Read the full article, HERE.

22/11/2017: AgraME and Aqua Nor enter international partnership

A recent partnership has been signed between AgraME and AquaNor, Norway’s largest exhibition dedicated to the burgeoning Aquaculture industry which takes place annually in Trondheim

The aim of the partnership is to work in close collaboration towards cross promoting the development of the aquaculture and fishing industry in both markets, as well as offering visitors to AgraME a more rounded offering of international suppliers from within these industries.

“It was a fantastic experience making the trip over to Aqua Nor to meet with the team and finalise this partnership. As Norway is a driving force behind the growth of important aspects of aquaculture such as food security, our partnership with Aqua Nor will bring that expertise to both our show and the wider local market” said Samantha Bleasby, Exhibition Director of AgraME.

“We expect an increased number of exhibiting companies from Norway, who will no doubt be bringing the latest products and technologies with them to aid in the advancement of local and regional food security”, she added.

Another key benefit of the partnership is knowledge sharing.

With the support of Aqua Nor, AgraME is in a perfect position to ensure the latest trends in aquaculture are covered at the upcoming edition’s free-to-attend conference agenda.

Still in its conception phase, likely topics to be covered will include sustainability within aquaculture, the investment landscape and solutions for food shortages across the region.

“We hope that this partnership can help us get a better foothold in the Middle East aquaculture industry”, Exhibition Director of Aqua Nor, Mr Ola Eriksen, commented; “Our objective is of course to promote Norwegian aquaculture technology, and we believe this can be done by participating in shows like AgraME, and be having a presence in the region. First and foremost, we want to attract more visitors from the Middle East, because we see a very promising potential for aquaculture development here, and we believe that some of the companies that we work with at Aqua Nor can make important contributions to this development”.

For more information on the partnership or to get involved with AgraME 2018 please contact Samantha Bleasby at samantha.bleasby@informa.com

Visit the AgraME website, HERE.

Visit the Aqua Nor website, HERE.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

22/11/2017: Steinsvik Group and Aqualine join forces

According to a recent post on SalmonBusiness, investment companies Kverva Technology and Frøyaringen, which own fish farming suppliers Steinsvik Group and Aqualine, have jointly established a new company that will own 100 percent of both Steinsvik Group and Aqualine

The new company has an expected turnover of over €150m and 700 employees. Kverva Technology owns 90.1 percent of the company, while Frøyaringen owns the remaining shares. Both Steinsvik Group and Aqualine will consist of own companies after the transaction, with the continuation of today’s locations and businesses.

Image credit: ::ErWin on Flickr
(CC BY-ND 2.0)

The establishment will strengthen the companies’ investment in developing future solutions for the aquaculture industry, which has been the main driving force behind the establishment of the new company. Furthermore, companies will complement each other in terms of product and service offerings, as well as geographical presence, Kverva writes in a press release Tuesday evening.

It is expected that the establishment will take place as soon as necessary competition law approvals and remaining due dilligence processes are completed.

“It has been crucial for us that the companies have a coherent value base where competence and innovation are highly valued. Steinsvik is driven by a strong desire to improve today’s farming technology, and we find the same creativity in Aqualine. This gives us great faith that together we will help breeders to become even more cost-effective and productive”, said Terje Eidesmo, CEO of Kverva Technology.

“We have great ambitions and are confident that the cooperation will contribute positively to the development of the industry. In various areas Aqualine and Steinsvik have become the leading technology company in the aquaculture industry, and we see that we complement each other and stand stronger together than each one for us. This provides the basis for investing even more in research and development, focusing on comprehensive and complete solutions”, said Trond Lysklætt, CEO of Aqualine.

Steinsvik Group has its head office at Haugesund and branches along the Norwegian coast, and in Scotland, Chile, Oceania, Canada, Vietnam, Spain and Turkey. Revenues in 2016 was nearly €100m and have increased further in 2017.

The company has approx. 600 employees. Aqualine is an FOU-based system supplier and manufacturer of float collars, mooring systems, marine engineering, nets and service.

Aqualine has its headquarters in Trondheim, Norway, and a subsidiary in Australia. The company had a turnover of €46m in 2016 and expects a significant increase in 2017.

Investment tool Kverva is controlled owned by SalMar’s founder Gustav Witzøe.

Read the original article on SalmonBusiness, HERE.

22/11/2017: Solving disease and pollution issues: The potential for aquaculture in Australia

by John Knights, Business Manager, Asia, Calix

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector in the world*

However, irresponsible aquaculture can negatively impact the environment. Chemicals can pollute the water and disease can spread rapidly, threatening entire species.

www.calix.com.au

Therefore, the industry’s key challenge is finding innovative and sustainable aquaculture solutions that contribute to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and economic growth, according to Calix.

Australians are demanding to know where their food is sourced, and are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on country of origin. It is time Australia stepped up when it comes to aquaculture.

Our farmers are knowledgeable and we have one of the cleanest industries in the world. Australia could become one of the world’s leading providers of seafood. Currently we import most of the prawns we eat, for example, from Asia.

But there is plenty of potential for Australian prawn farms to lead the world. There are many places ripe for creating sustainable prawn farms including northern New South Wales, Townsville, and Darwin.

With the right approach to prawn farming and other types of aquaculture, not only could we provide our own produce, we could also export much more to many Asian countries such as Japan and Korea, who pay top price for quality produce, as well as Europe and the USA.

These countries are looking for reputable, clean sources of food. One of the most important ways to help Australian aquaculture businesses succeed is to make it easy for them to farm sustainably and cleanly.

Calix has developed a safe, environmentally friendly water conditioner that directly addresses problems associated with intense aquaculture such as disease and pollution, and delivers improved feed performance and yield. Calix has developed AQUA-Cal+™ from its core technology, mineral honeycomb.

Results from testing on both Pacific White Shrimp and Tiger Prawn farms show that AQUA-Cal+™ has a superior performance and economic benefit to the farmer compared to other methods such as administering probiotics.

Reference

* http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/footprint/agriculture/aquaculture.cfm

Read the full article, HERE.

Visit the Calix website, HERE.

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