Syndel’s Syncaine® approved in the UK

On March 22, 2022, Syndel's tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) fish anesthetic Syncaine® received a Marketing Authorization from the United Kingdom's Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). 

Syncaine®, formally known as Tricaine-S and Aqualife TMS, is manufactured at Syndel's new US production facility.  Since its initial US FDA approval in 1997, Syndel's Tricaine has become a recognized and highly regarded fish anesthetic that is widely used in the global aquaculture industry. 
 

Image credit: Flickr
(CC BY-SA 2.0)

Founded in 1972, Syndel is dedicated to delivering fish health solutions for the aquaculture Industry. From Syndel's head office located in Ferndale, Washington USA, Syndel manufactures and markets a portfolio of products that are specifically dedicated to fish health, nutrition, reproduction, and biosecurity. 

For more information, visit the Syndel website, HERE.

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Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the world's biggest seafood trade fair, will bring together exhibitors from 76 countries for its launch in Barcelona

This morning in Barcelona, Diversified Communications, organiser of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, reported on the 28th Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the largest trade fair for seafood in the world.

The event will bring together more than 1,527 exhibiting companies from 76 countries and will have 59 country and regional pavilions to date, on its launch in the city from 26-28 April at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via exhibition grounds.

For three days, the city will become the largest international platform in the industry and reinforce the event's strategic positioning at the global level. Countries such as the Czech Republic, the Falklands, Lebanon and French island Réunion, that were not represented in 2019 in Brussels, have confirmed their attendance. Other countries such as Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, India, Ireland, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, United States and Vietnam will also be at the gathering in Barcelona.

A month from the opening of the event, Diversified Communications' Group Vice President, Liz Plizga, announced that the 2022 event currently features over 39,545 m2 of net exhibit space, a number that is still growing, and represents 97 percent of the size of the 2019 event, which was the largest edition of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global. After three years without an in-person event, the Barcelona edition will mark the return to face-to-face business in the global seafood industry and will welcome thousands of seafood suppliers and buyers from around the globe.

High expectations for the first Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global in Barcelona
The global event will have an estimated economic impact of up to €100 million for Barcelona. 'The exhibition will have a very positive impact on the local economy and will bring together industry players, seafood buyers and sellers for three days of networking, building business relationships, finding new products, and sharing discussions about emerging trends in the seafood sector. All in one place,' notes Ms Plizga.

After 27 editions held in Brussels, Diversified Communications is celebrating Barcelona as the new home of the event. 'We are expecting our first fair in this fantastic city to be a success. We chose Barcelona for its size and expertise in hosting international trade events, the variety of hotel options and its eminent position within maritime industry,' says Ms Plizga. 'Our new venue partner, Fira de Barcelona, offers a modern and innovative space with extensive experience in working with large-scale events. These are the tools we need to hold a successful event and plan for long-term growth.'

For his part, Managing Director of Fira de Barcelona Constantí Serrallonga, says, "We are very excited to host the first edition in Barcelona of the largest event for the seafood industry, which further strengthens Barcelona and Fira as world hubs for international events." In this sense, he comments that the addition of Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global to Fira's portfolio "confirms our institution as an epicenter for the food industry as it joins other major events in the sector, such as Alimentaria&Hostelco, Barcelona Wine Week and the Gastronomic Forum.'

The largest trade fair in the world for the seafood industry
Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global will occupy halls 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the Galleria between halls 4 and 5 at the Gran Via exhibition grounds. The trade fair is currently tracking to bring more than 1,527 exhibiting companies who will showcase the latest developments in seafood products, materials and equipment, processing equipment and services. The 2022 event will see some leading businesses in the industry attending for the first time, such as Balfego & Balfego, S.L., Crusta C, Profand Group, S.L., Hofseth International AS, Maresmar S.L.U., Mascato, S.A., Mercamadrid, S.A., G. Mondini SpA, Grasselli SpA, Mediterranean Shipping Company España S.L.U. and Optimar A.S.

Other participating key players include AquaChile, CONFREMAR, Congelados y Frescos del Mar S.A., Denholm Seafoods Ltd, Frime, S.A.U., Iberconsa (Grupo Ibérica de Congelados), S.A.U., Iceland Seafood International, Krustagroup S.A.U., Sjor A.S., Mowi A.S.A., Nordic Seafood A/S, Baader, Cocci Luciano S.R.L., Craemer GmbH, FoodTech Belgium, Marel, Palinox Ingeniería y Proyectos S.L., and Ulma Packaging, among others.

Attending buyers, which include supermarkets, hypermarkets, restaurants, traders, importers, distributors, wholesalers and representatives of the hospitality industry, will be involved in three intense days of business, when they will be able to network, find new products and learn about the latest market trends.

Seafood Expo Global will bring together suppliers from all round the world who will display the latest in seafood: fresh, frozen, canned, value-added, processed and packaged. Seafood Processing Global will offer visitors with every aspect of seafood processing including packaging materials and equipment, refrigeration and freezing supplies, primary and secondary processing equipment and hygiene control and sanitation and quality assurance services, among others.

New features of the 28th event: a conference program and new developments in the industry
The 28th edition of the global event will be a great opportunity to discover and learn about the latest applied innovations in the seafood industry. Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global aspires to be a space for communication where experts and buyers across the supply chain and from around the globe can present their latest innovations to adapt to a continually changing market. The fair will also present its prestigious annual Seafood Excellence Global Awards, which recognises the best seafood products of the year shown at the fair.

The Expo will feature a comprehensive conference program with more than 20 educational sessions that will address the principal challenges faced by the seafood industry. More than 65 leading international experts from the industry will come together in the city to offer practical and theoretical insights on the most current topics, including aquaculture, seafood business and leadership, the latest in seafood sustainability projects, and initiatives to tackle climate change and its effects on the maritime ecosystem.

Experts such as Megan Greene, global economist, Financial Times columnist and lead researcher at the Harvard Kennedy School, will take part in those days of reflection. She will be joined by Amy Novogratz, co-founder and Managing Partner of Aqua-Spark; Audun Lem, Deputy Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of the FAO; Javier Garat, President of Europêche and the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA); and Christophe Vande Weyer, Policy Officer in the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission, among many other industry leaders.

For more information about the event visit the website, HERE.

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New study reveals krill meal’s high potential for developing sustainable shrimp feed formulations

A new study, conducted by India's Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR) and Aker BioMarine, concluded that krill meal is a beneficial functional ingredient for Whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) dietary feed. The eight-week feeding trial revealed that inclusion of four to six percent krill meal in the diet can lead to higher body weight and greater survival among the shrimp.

'The shrimp industry is in pursuit of more sustainable and beneficial dietary feeds, and it is important to understand how functional ingredients, such as krill meal, can lead to better outcomes. This recent shrimp study out of India indicates that krill meal inclusion, at levels between four to six percent can have a positive effect on shrimp survival, body weight and fatty acid concentration in the body,' says Lena Burri, Director R&D, Animal Nutrition and Health, Aker BioMarine.

Setting up the experiment
Run from the ICAR facility in India, this feeding trial analysed the impact of krill meal on shrimp diets with moderate (12%) and low (6%) fishmeal concentrations. Varying amounts of krill, between zero to six percent, were added to these diets, which the shrimp received thrice daily throughout the experiment.

Key findings:

• Shrimp fed 6% krill meal in the diet had the highest body weight at the end of the study.
• Shrimp survival was significantly increased in the groups fed 4% and 6% krill meal in the diet.
• When 6% krill meal was included in the diet, the shrimp showed a higher content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• 2% krill meal in a diet containing 12% fishmeal significantly increased the expression of six immune-related genes in the hepatopancreas of the shrimp.

'The results of this experiment show that krill meal, when supplemented in amounts between four and six percent is a beneficial functional ingredient for both moderate and low fishmeal diets. This finding is based on the increased growth performance in the groups consuming krill meal and overall improved survival rates, leading us to our conclusion that krill meal can be a viable supplement to fishmeal in shrimp feeds,' says, Dr. Ambasankar, ICAR.

The role of krill meal in India's shrimp industry
India is considered one of the world's largest markets for shrimp, earning it the title of 'shrimp garden of the world'. In 2020-21, the country exported nearly 11.5 million tons of seafood, with frozen shrimp comprising the majority. Shrimp farmers in India continue to seek ways to improve profitability and productivity, with higher survival rates and larger-sized shrimp serving as key opportunities.

'India is a major exporter of shrimp to the U.S., European and Asian markets, and its position in the shrimp industry will depend on its ability to remain competitive, run sustainably and meet higher productivity targets – through bigger and healthier shrimp. The dietary feed plays a major role in helping shrimp producers achieve these goals, which is why it is essential to uncover the functional ingredients, such as krill meal, that can help them achieve optimal results,' says Atul Barman, Director & General Manager, Aker BioMarine India.

More information
The article about the shrimp study in India, titled 'Growth, fatty acid composition, immune-related gene expression, histology and haematology indices of Penaeus vannamei fed graded levels of Antarctic krill meal at two different fishmeal concentrations', was authored by K.Ambasankar, J. Syama Dayal, K.P. Kumaraguru Vasagam, T. Sivaramakrishnan, K.P. Sandeep, A. Panigrahi, R. Ananda Raja, Lena Burri, and K.K. Vijayan. It is available upon request from Aker BioMarine. More information about Aker BioMarine's krill meal product (QRILL™ Aqua) used in the study is available here.

For more information visit the Aker Biomarine website, HERE.

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AquaFuture Spain will return in 2023 after the success of its first edition

The International Exhibition of the Aquaculture Industry, AquaFuture Spain, closed its doors yesterday after a first edition that has achieved great success at all levels.

The contest already had to be extended four times to accommodate 152 companies and entities from 23 countries in its exhibition area, the public has also supported the show during its three days of celebration. Thus, from last Wednesday until yesterday, more than 2,000 visitors have passed through the Feira Internacional de Galicia ABANCA venue, a remarkable figure considering that it is a totally professional audience from a very specific sector, in addition to being the first call for the fair. These attendees have travelled from different parts of Spain, but also from other countries, including Africans, such as Cameroon, whose producers' association has attended the show due to its interest in aquaculture technology.

As for the exhibitors, the vast majority have valued the fair very positively, highlighting that the profile of the visitors has led to interesting business meetings and confirming that they will be present again at the next appointment. As well as this, there have been many companies in the sector that have visited the fair and have been interested in participating in the next edition, currently ascending to 24 these companies that have facilitated their contact to the organisation to be able to be present at the next AquaFuture Spain.

The next edition will be in 2023 due to these results and because both the exhibitors already present and these companies that have expressed their intention to be so in the future have demanded it. The objective of this celebration next year is for the event to grow significantly, due to these good expectations, and to consolidate itself, allowing Galicia and Spain to have an aquaculture fair that is known throughout the world.

Objectives for 2023
Among the objectives for this new edition, the organisation proposes that the event have in its exhibition area practically all of the most important companies in the sector, as well as a greater institutional presence and associations from both different Communities and other countries. In addition, networking spaces will be created to also enable commercial work already scheduled in advance.

A proposal of great interest
AquaFuture Spain'22, which was inaugurated last Wednesday by the Conselleira do Mar de la Xunta de Galicia, Rosa Quintana, showed the latest in the aquaculture sector, with the presence of industrial supply companies, food, processing, professional equipment, hatcheries, technology and development, software and computerisation, producers, associations, public institutions, publications or training.

Added to this was an interesting program of activities. The round tables held in the Carmen Sarasquete Conference Room stood out, which addressed "Internationalisation and financing and investment tools in Aquaculture", "Clusterisation as an instrument for the competitive and sustainable development of aquaculture", "Towards aquaculture 4.0', 'Optimising the care of aquaculture species: functional and sustainable nutrition as a guarantee of health and well-being', 'Perspectives in mollusc production' and 'New trends and innovations for safe and sustainable aquaculture production'.

Also in the Sala Abanca and the Sala Xacobeo, a total of twenty-four presentations by firms from the sector were held, such as those held under the titles "Success stories of science and innovation for the benefit of a sustainable and more competitive aquaculture sector", 'ELOXIRAS®: electrochemical technology for the treatment and reuse of marine and saline water in RAS', "Anching engineering in aquaculture", "Environmental compliance in the aquaculture industry" or 'Improving larval feeding is the key to reducing costs'.

This ambitious program was completed with a culinary space in which, through different showcookings, the application of aquaculture products in traditional and modern cuisine was shown, such as Mexillón de Galicia, Clams from OPP-89 Parquistas de Carril and trout.

For more information visit the AquaFuture website, HERE.

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Uniprotein® - a promising protein source in farmed trout diet

Unibio, the sustainable protein company, is testing its Uniprotein® product as a replacement protein source for animal and fish feed mixes. Unibio's most recent trial with farmed trout shows that Uniprotein® can easily be added to a feed mixture at an inclusion rate of up to 15 percent without a reduction in protein digestibility or growth rates. 

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

With a growing global population there is an urgent need for new and more sustainable protein sources. Uniprotein® is produced through the natural microbial fermentation of natural gas, including biogas, with very low land and water use. Uniprotein® is a high-quality protein that can easily replace other high-quality proteins (e.g. fishmeal).

About the Trial
Unibio today announced the results of a trial it has been conducting with BioMar, a world leader in high-performance diets for more than 45 different aquacultured species, and DTU Aqua, the National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Denmark. The project, which is part of a larger GUDP project looking into the development of sustainable protein ingredient for animal feed, tested Unibio's Uniprotein® product in trout, a key salmonid species, to scale up into the aquafeed business.

The trial was very successful, with a high feed intake and enthusiastic adoption by the fish. Following a standardised methodology the trial demonstrated that Uniprotein® can be included in trout diets up to 15 percent with the same high protein digestibility as seen for fishmeal.

David Henstrom, Chief Executive Officer of Unibio, says, 'If we are to feed the world and meet the feed demands of the ever-growing population, we need to find more sustainable ways of farming fish. Uniprotein® can play an important role in reducing the current reliance and pressure on wild fish with a very efficient use of land and water and a lower carbon footprint in the future. This trial has not only shown that Uniprotein was highly digestible, but also that the fish in the trial seemed to enjoy the taste of Uniprotein®.'

Fernando Norambuena, Sourcing Innovation Specialist from BioMar, says, 'These are very promising results in terms of digestibility which would bode well for the adoption of Uniprotein® in trout feed. We have seen good acceptance by the fish, and we look forward to the results on growth performance from current trials to better understand the potential of this raw material on commercial formulations. Including Uniprotein® in commercial diets as a new alternative ingredient in aquafeed will definitely help reduce pressure on wild ecosystems and move towards achieving our 2030 sustainability goal.'

Unibio uses innovative, continuous-flow, natural, microbial fermentation to produce Uniprotein®, a high-quality alternative protein, which can replace products such as fish meal, soy protein concentrates and other high-end protein ingredients in feed for fish and other animals. Uniprotein® is a close substitute to high-quality fishmeal, an issue of growing importance as the production of fishmeal is putting stress on marine ecosystems with Peru alone processing 4-7 million tonnes of fish per year, equivalent to between 160 and 280 billion anchoveta. Unibio's technology enables production of more sustainable protein in very large and scalable volumes to help meet the world's growing protein needs.

For more information about Unibio visit the website, HERE.

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870 fishing vessel owners sign up to scheme to adjust their businesses post-Brexit

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has reported strong take-up of a new support scheme to help fishing boat owners adjust their businesses in a post-Brexit market.

Under the scheme, depending on the size of their boat, grant aid of between €2,700 and €4,000 is available for fishing vessel owners on completion of a tailored training programme. This includes a variety on online business and marketing modules.

The new scheme is based on recommendations contained in the final report of the Seafood Taskforce, established last year by Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue. It is being administered by BIM as recommended in the report.

Ireland's inshore fishing sector comprises about 1,800 vessels, which catch a range of fish and shellfish species and usually operate in waters close to the coast. The sector had exported up to 90 percent of its catch. However, the effect of Brexit and associated new fishing agreements, has had an impact on export trends because accessing or transiting through the UK market is now more complex.

BIM's chief executive officer Jim O'Toole, who are the main Skipper Expo sponsors, says he warmly welcomes the strong sign-up of a large amount of inshore fishing vessel owners to the new scheme.

'We are delighted to see such significant support and interest in the scheme. These numbers have been growing exponentially in recent days, so we urge everyone to register on the BIM website before next Thursday's deadline of March 31st.

'The training modules to be undertaken ahead of receiving the grants include digital skills, sourcing alternative market opportunities and developing new business ideas and plans. We believe they will better equip this sector to face and deal with the challenges they are encountering. I would like to commend how resilient the sector has been in the last two years, and despite the many obstacles ahead, they are determined to overcome them. Supports like this are currently crucial.'

Minister McConalogue who also attended the Expo – being held as a live event for the first time since 2019 – says that the Seafood Taskforce's associated recommendations and supports were key to Government support for this important industry, which is valued at over €1bn to the Irish economy.

'The world we are living in is a very different one from that several years ago, and the fishing industry are feeling that keenly, along with many other industries. Just as society here fully reopens after a two-year pandemic – which is still very much 'live' – Russia's invasion of Ukraine is driving inflation and spikes in energy and food prices.

'I, and my government colleagues, are committed to doing as much as we can to assuage the impact of Brexit, Covid-19, and this new conflict, on both the fishing industry and wider society. I am hugely pleased to see this scheme, provided for under the Seafood Taskforce, garnering such widespread take-up so that vessels owners can adjust their businesses.'

To register for the Inshore Support Scheme or see further information visit the website, HERE.

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First smolt release from RAS facility

Salmon Evolution has just announced its first smolt release from its land-based salmon facility at Indre Harøy, the construction of which began two years ago. The company aims for the facility to have a capacity of 36,000 tonnes as of 2028, when it has completed its third phase.

"Since we started construction back in May 2020, this is the moment that we all have been waiting for. I am extremely proud of our organisation and the fact that we have been able to adhere to our ambitious timeline, even with the challenges faced us during the pandemic," says Håkon André Berg, CEO of Salmon Evolution.

Approximately 100,000 smolt was released from the facility with an average weight of 300 grams. The smolt came from Kraft Laks, Salmon Evolution's in-house smolt facility which was acquired in August 2021 with a great track record of providing good quality smolt to Norwegian salmon farmers.

Image credit: Salmon Evolution

Smolt transportation from Kraft Laks to Indre Harøy took place with a live fish carrier, then pumping the fish into the first fish tank. During the process the fish health and wellbeing were monitored, with no negative health indicators showing up.

This marks a major milestone in the testing and commissioning phase of Salmon Evolution's project, which began in December of last year. In the coming months the company will be increasing production at the facility and plan to release the next smolt in May of this year. Steady smolt release volumes are anticipated to happen from the last quarter of 2022.

"This is just the beginning. As we now move forward, our number one priority is the biology in our farm. Good biology will improve fish quality and translate into strong growth, which finally will be reflected in the financial performance. With our organization now totalling more than 40 highly skilled employees, I am more confident than ever in our mission – extending the ocean potential," concludes Berg.

For more information on Salmon Evolution visit their website, HERE.

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Strategic collaboration to supporting growing popularity of RAS

Recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology supplier Clewer Aquaculture Oy is entering into a global strategic collaboration agreement with Iris Energy LLC's Aquatech Division as of this month. The aim of the collaboration is to focus on the growing business of building land-based fish farms globally using RAS technology, to ensure sustainable sourcing of fish.

Iris Energy's Aquatech Division is involved with setting up production facilities of fresh and saltwater fish species, utilising recirculation systems while its mother company, Iris Energy LLC, is a design and product development company focused on utilising advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, robotics and machine vision.

Riitta Myyra, Managing Director of Clewer Aquaculture says of the collaboration, "We will be happy and honoured to combine our biological water treatment systems and over 40 years of experience in aquaculture to modern high-tech solutions developed by Iris Energy. This will tick all the boxes expected by societies in future around the world – environmentally friendly and sustainable food production with small to negligible carbon footprints, without hormones, and maximum water reuse."

Image credit: Stephane Mignon on Flickr

Being that global demand for animal protein continues to grow, the issue of sustainably producing fish is one that needs to be addressed and is one that is currently being tackled by Iris Aquatech Division as it is in talks with interested parties about setting up RAS facilities in Europe, Africa and Asia. Of the projects, Iris Energy explains that "some will be self-financed and others will have local financial partners participating."

Deepak Chandran, President of Iris, says, "This collaboration will facilitate Iris Energy integrating its high technology capabilities in speciality sensors, agtech, traceability, and IoT 5.0 solutions with the RAS technologies of Clewer Aquaculture, to create state of the art and future proof fish farms, to produce high quality best in class fish protein for consumers."

For more information on Clewer Aquaculture OY visit their website, HERE.

For more information on Iris Energy LLC visit their website, HERE.

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VIV Feed Series Webinar: Technology's role in lifting European aquaculture production

Join VIV Europe and International Aquafeed magazine for a one-hour Webinar on Aquaculture titled: 'Global Expertise – Technology's role in lifting European Aquaculture Potential' – on Thursday March 31, 2022 and look at how European aquaculture might provide consumers with a wider choice of high-quality, and sustainable aquaculture food products.

Limited spaces are still available - enrol HERE now!

The assembled expert panel will present and then debate the issues the industry faces from their various perspectives. There will be time for your comments and questions to be addressed by the panel.

Program

Duration: 1 hour 

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 CET

Introduction by the moderator Mr Roger Gilbert, CEO & Publisher, Perendale Publishers Ltd.

Speakers:
Dr Karthik Masagounder, Evonik
Dr Benedict Standen, DSM
Mr Erik Hempel, The Nor-Fishing Foundation
Dr Bernhard Eckel, Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition GmbH & Co. KG

To find out more and to register, follow this LINK.

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Sparos announces two new hatchery feeds

Portugal-based company Sparos has announced the launch of two new hatchery feeds in a press release dated today. Sparos offers contract-research services related to aquafeeds and produces their own range of aquafeeds for hatcheries and zebrafish used in biomedical research.

The two new feeds are aimed at marine fish hatcheries and are named ENRico and WIN Wrasse. They will be supporting optimal larvae performance in hatcheries, as producing some of the most demanding species has become a main focus of Sparos' in their R&D.

ENRico is formulated with a balanced nutritional content for optimal larvae development, for Artemia and Rotifers. The formula is rich in DHA and taurine, with a high protein content as well as enhanced levels of vitamins and minerals. The feed is aimed at species such as Senegalese sole, Turbot, Halibut, Ballan wrasse, and others.

Image credit: Marine Scotland on Flickr

WIN Wrasse is a weaning microdiet tailor made for Ballan wrasse larvae. It contains premium ingredients produced by low-shear extrusion and microencapsulates water-soluble nutrients. Feeding it to the Ballan wrasse larvae will ensure good growth and survival, whilst keeping the feed digestible, palatable, with a low impact on water quality.

'We are pleased to launch these two new products as a result of Sparos' R&D efforts," explains Luis Conceição, co-founder and R&D director of Sparos, "To provide innovative nutritional solutions that will ultimately support the production of high quality juveniles at marine fish hatcheries and help our customers strive."

For more information on Sparos visit their website, HERE.

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Hydroniq Coolers chosen to supply cooling equipment for trawler

Westcon Ølen has ordered seawater coolers from Hydroniq Coolers for a newbuild trawler they are constructing for Norwegian seafood company Bluewild.

The vessel will be built with Ulstein Design & Solutions' well known X-Bow design, whilst Hydroniq will be responsible for supplying three of their Pleat seawater coolers to the vessel. Two of these coolers will be utilised for cooling of the main engine room, while the third will be cooling other auxiliary systems.

Pleat coolers differ from standard plate heat exchangers, as they consist of sex elements per cooler, with one cooling element being equivalent to 15 plates in a conventional heat exchanger. The crew can easily open and clean the elements, reducing maintenance cost and time.

"There is limited space on board most fishing vessels. Our Pleat has been designed with this in mind. Low energy consumption, long service intervals and easy to maintain," says Magnar Kvalheim, sales manager at Hydroniq Coolers.

Image credit: Bluewild

The vessel is capable of accommodating a crew of 30, with a delivery date planned in 2023. It will be built as a freezer trawler with a live fish factor and on-board fillet and boiled shrimp processing and will be running on diesel-electric hybrid power and a large battery pack. Surplus energy from the winches will be stored in the battery pack whilst excess heat generated from the engines will be recovered and used where necessary on board.

The vessel is due to be delivered to Bluewild, a Norwegian seafood company also based in Ålesund.

"It is fantastic that an Ålesund-based shipowner orders seawater coolers from another Ålesund-based company. That being said, the energy efficiency and maintenance-friendliness of our Pleat system is much more important to Bluewild than our location," Magnar Kvalheim adds.

 The equipment will be manufactured and assembled by Hydroniq at company headquarters in Ålesund and deliver it to Westcon this year.

For more information on Hydroniq Coolers visit their website, HERE.

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Shortlist for Aquaculture Awards 2022 released

The shortlist for the Aquaculture Awards has just been published, and displays a range of talent within the aquaculture sector, "from finfish to shellfish farming, from enterprise to innovation," it was explained in a press release dated today.

The awards will be announced at a gala dinner hosted at Aquaculture UK, which is due to be held in Aviemore, Scotland, from May 3-5. The awards will cover 14 categories, to encompass all aspects of aquaculture.

Handing out the awards will recognise individuals and businesses who have gone the "extra mile," as well as provide the sector with the opportunity to celebrate its achievements after in-person events were put on hold due to Covid-19.

Image credit: Caroline Legg on Flickr

Shortlisted for the Animal Welfare award, companies Benchmark Animal Health, University of Stirling and Ace Aquatec, and the Scottish Salmon Company have all been nominated. Other awards on offer include the Rising Star award, Environmental Impact award, and others.

Not yet published are those who have been shortlisted for the Best Aquaculture Company award and Special Recognition award, both of which will be announced on the night.

Cheri Arvonio, the event director at show organiser Diversified Communications, says, "As the Aquaculture Awards return to Aviemore this spring, we want to acknowledge the incredible dedication of the people driving the industry forward. We are looking forward to reuniting the sector in Scotland and paying tribute to the projects, companies and people making an exceptional contribution to global aquaculture."

For more information on Aquaculture UK visit their website, HERE.

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Sustainable prawn diets receive industry accolades

More than a decade of research and significant investment has paid off for Ridley with their world's first fish-free tiger prawn commercial feed lauded as a step-change by industry.

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

In 2021, Ridley - Australia's largest commercial provider of high-performance animal nutrition - partnered with Mackay based Australian Prawn Farms to successfully complete a commercial-scale trial of a breakthrough prawn diet that includes no marine resources.

Capitalising on this experience, Ridley has launched the Propel range of tiger prawn diets this season, which is low in marine resources creating the most sustainable and high performing diets in the Australian market today. At present, 100 percent of tiger prawn farmers have introduced Propel range to their production systems.

In recognition of this achievement, Ridley won the Environmental award at the Queensland Seafood Industry Council 2022 Awards held in Brisbane last night.

Ridley's Dr Richard Smullen thanked the Council and APFA for acknowledgement of Ridley's investment.

'Innovation like our Propel diets that supports sustainable production takes time, as well as significant input from our research and industry partners.

'We are proud of the fact that we've developed a high-performing product that reduces the need for marine resources in prawn feed, and allows for a significant reduction in protein levels resulting in a level of nitrogen released to the environment that is sustainable and certifiable by independent certifying bodies,' Dr Smullen said.

Propel feeds are made from plant and animal raw materials and include two key ingredients - a unique microbial biomass ingredient called Novacq™ which was developed by CSIRO and licensed exclusively to Ridley in Australia, and a highly digestible land -based animal protein source manufactured by Ridley.

Kim Hooper, Executive Officer, Australian Prawn Farmers Association says sustainable production is a high priority for the sector, and this technology is a significant break though.

'By the rapid uptake by farmers, you can see how important it is to our industry. This technology allows Australian prawn farmers to meet the standards for sustainable aquaculture set by Best Aquaculture Practices and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. It's a world first and really puts prawn farmers a step ahead in sustainable aquaculture,' Ms Hooper says.

For more information about Ridley visit the website, HERE.

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Two new appointments for the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre

The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has appointed Lisa Collins and Grant Stentiford to its board, bringing extensive scientific knowledge and networks, as well as combined experience of global sustainable food systems to support the innovation centre's contribution to UK aquaculture as a key source of highly nutritionally valuable protein.

Professors Collins and Stentiford will also join SAIC's Independent Scientific Panel (SISP), providing guidance on future funding decisions and contributing to the centre's work on attracting external investment into cutting-edge Scottish research.

Head of the school of biology and professor of animal science at the University of Leeds, Ms Collins has 15 years of experience within the agriculture sector.

As N8 Agrifood chair in agricultural systems and academic director of the National Pig Centre, Ms Collins has worked on numerous projects involving big data and emerging technology. Her current research focuses on developing smart agricultural systems including technology development, systems modelling, and data analytics, driving more sustainable, efficient, and effective food production.

Mr Stentiford has more than 20 years' expertise in both the Government and academic fields of international aquaculture, with a strong track record of delivering scientific research and development programmes in the sector, combining a focus on animal, human and planetary health and wellbeing.

Since 2016, Mr Stentiford has been co-director of the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures at the University of Exeter. He is also currently head of the OIE Collaborating Centre for Emerging Aquatic Animal Diseases and principal aquatic animal pathologist at Cefas, among other positions.

Ms Collins says, 'I am excited to join the SAIC board and independent scientific panel. I look forward to working with the SAIC team, applying my experience in terrestrial animal science to aquaculture: cross-sector knowledge exchange and collaboration are crucial tools for the continuous improvement of animal health and environmentally responsible food production.'

Mr Stentiford says, 'SAIC plays a key role in forging partnerships between academia and businesses in aquaculture, driving innovation to help the sector grow sustainably. Having worked in aquatic animal health and wellbeing for more than two decades now, I'm eager to contribute to the important work of SAIC and the SISP.'

David Gregory, chairman SAIC, says, 'With their excellent scientific credentials and extensive experience working at the interface of Government, industry and academia, Lisa and Grant are extremely valuable additions to SAIC's board and scientific panel. We challenge ourselves to fund and support the highest quality scientific research, and their national and global expertise will help us drive that forward in conjunction with the sector. SAIC's ambition is to use cutting-edge science, new technology and data-led innovation to boost sustainability, as we continue to minimise the environmental footprint and increase the economic impact of UK aquaculture.'

For more information about SAIC visit the website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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Research trials demonstrate low doses of UV are effective and keep cost down

Recent research conducted by Nofima partaking in the CrtlAQUA project, have shown that there are several benefits from adapting the ultraviolet light (UV) dose to the pathogen being dealt with. 

By disinfecting water with UV, the lamps involved in this process emit light of a certain wavelength, and of low or medium pressure. The light waves are capable of interfering with the DNA found in harmful microorganisms. The harder a pathogen is to kill, the higher the UV dose is required.

Utilising UV light is costly and requires further examination of applying high doses on harmful pathogens.

Master students Kari Justad from the Arctic University of Norway and Miguel Guerreiro from the University of Algarve, Portugal, conducted research at Nofima's Tromso laboratories. In collaboration with Nofima technicians and researchers they used two UV Collimated Beam Apparatus to investigate six different pathogens.

Two different UVC technologies of distinct wavelength lengths were used: low pressure and medium pressure, and seawater for the trials was collected at varying depths at two different sites. One was near to a salmon farm, while the other wasn't nearby to fish farmers.

Results showed that in all trials, 99 percent of pathogens were eliminated by using a lower dose and therefore low cost than required.

"The IPNV is the only one of the five virus and bacteria we have tested that required a very high dose, luckily there is a vaccine against it. All the other pathogens were eliminated using UV doses typically below 10 mj/cm2," says Nofima scientist Vasco Mota.

"These results may indicate that there is a need to assess the UV doses that are required to disinfect the intake water of aquaculture facilities, which could potentially reduce energy costs regarding UV disinfection," explains Mota. "The exception in our trials was the IPN virus which required a high UV dose, but the existence of a vaccine for this virus reduces the need to eliminate it. All the other pathogens were eliminated using much lower doses."

Water disinfection utilising UV technology has applications in land-based farms, including both flow-through systems and RAS, as well as semi-closed containment facilities at sea.

"Facilities at sea pose a challenge because of the enormous volumes of water that are used," says Mota. "It is not possible to use low pressure UV when working with these amounts of water."

With medium pressure UV being best placed to scale up as aquaculture facilities increase in size, Mota explains the benefits of it:

"Medium pressure UV also attacks the proteins and enzymes, the machinery that the harmful microorganisms use to repair cell damage. As a result, UV disinfection efficiency is further strengthened."

New trials will be carried out at four commercial fish farms this year. UV disinfection will be tested using clear seawater, which happens during summer and winter, and more murky sweater, which occurs as a consequence of algae growth during spring and autumn.

"We will not be adding pathogens in these trials. Instead, we will treat what is naturally found in the water," Mota concludes.

For more information on Nofima visit their website, HERE.

For more information on the CtrlAQUA project visit their website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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The first ever Global Shrimp Forum is set to take place this September

The first ever Global Shrimp Forum will take place September 6-8 2022 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, it has been announced. The Forum is the warm water shrimp industry's first dedicated annual conference and business meeting, aiming to drive the shrimp industry towards a resilient and sustainable future.

The global warm water shrimp production doubled over the last 10 years, and over the next 30 years, demand for seafood is expected to increase further. Global trade of farmed shrimp will continue to expand connecting the producing countries with consumers in many markets around the globe. But this USD 20 billion per year industry doesn't have its own meeting place where all different businesses and stakeholders can connect.

The Global Shrimp Forum will cover relevant and urgent business topics such as:

• Production and market outlooks
• Innovation and technologies that transform shrimp production, supply chains and markets
• Legal and regulatory challenges
• New and upcoming producers and niche products
• Finance and investment

But first and foremost, the Global Shrimp Forum will become the largest unique top-executive meeting place for the shrimp industry, bringing together more than 400 leading players across the entire supply chain.

The Global Shrimp Forum is initiated by an independent non-for-profit foundation set up by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Shrimp Insights, and Contango. The purpose of the Global Shrimp Forum Foundation (GSFF) is to establish a global platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and industry value-chain collaboration for driving a sustainable future for the industry. Besides ASC, Shrimp Insights and Contango, Johan Brouwer - former executive at Mowi and Seafood Connection and today working for Veramaris – also has a seat on the Global Shrimp Forum Foundation board.

Willem van der Pijl, owner of Shrimp Insights, and founder, board member and Managing Director of Global Shrimp Forum, says, 'The shrimp industry is fragmented. It consists of hundreds of thousands of farmers, thousands of importers and exporters, and many more companies that support the industry with ingredients, technologies, services and finance and investment.

'This high level of fragmentation makes it difficult to convene a meeting where all these players feel represented, which is why the Global Shrimp Forum is such an important initiative.

'Establishing a dedicated platform for everyone who wants to be part of a dialogue on not only the challenges confronting the shrimp industry but also the potential solutions is greatly needed. I view it as my personal mission to make this initiative successful.'

The three co-founders are supported by a wide range of global industry leaders from the entire warm water shrimp value chain who have come on board as founding sponsors and conference partners.

The founding sponsors are: Santa Priscila, Omarsa, Devi Seafoods, AZ Gems and Sandhya Aqua; Unima; Labeyrie Fine Foods, Lyons Seafoods and Delpierre; Seafood Connection, Maruha Nichiro and Inlet SeaFish; Klaas Puul and Sykes; Primstar and Gambastar; Skretting; Grobest; JAPFA and Suri Tani Pemuka; Protix; Hendrix Genetics and Kona Bay; Xpertsea; eFishery; Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch; Aqua-Spark; Heiploeg; MSD Animal Health and IdentiGEN; Seajoy by Cooke; and Thai Union and Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods.

Thanks to the early support of these founding sponsors, representing diverse sectors in the shrimp value chain, the Forum can make a flying start in achieving its ambitions.

Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, and Chair of GSFF says, 'Only through collaboration can impactful change be delivered. ASC's commitment to this Forum reflects our dedication to collaborating with all those committed to recognising and rewarding responsible aquaculture and to those actively looking to support the sector to make broadscale improvements.'

'The warm water shrimp industry deserves its own independent global platform where all facets of the industry – from exporters to importers, from feed companies to tech companies, retailers and brands but also financial institutions and NGOs, researchers and policy makers - can meet, share expertise and collaborate.'

Brahmanandam Potru, Chairman and Managing Director of Devi Seafoods says, 'Devi Sea Foods has been in the industry for nearly three decades and has a presence in all sections of the shrimp supply chain. As one of the large shrimp producers from India, Devi Sea Foods has been working towards responsible sourcing by participating in improvement programs for sustainability and traceability.

'The Global Shrimp Forum would be an ideal platform for industry participants with diverse experiences and perspectives to share their learning and build better solutions for the global shrimp industry.'

Amy Novogratz, Managing Partner of AquaSpark says, 'We are grateful for the opportunity to participate as founding partners of GSF. As a fund invested in multiple shrimp solutions across the value chain, including alternative feed ingredients, disease battling, Digital Aquatech, and data powered marketplaces, we see the shrimp industry radically changing for the better. Bringing these solutions together with farmers, industry and other stakeholders to foster cooperation and an aligned vision of the future of shrimp is an imperative and exciting next step.'

The Forum will meet on an annual basis over a 3-day period in early September in Utrecht, the Netherlands. This location is at the heart of the European markets, and functions as a hub for tech companies and investors. The conference will be relevant for producers and exporters, importers, feed companies, ingredient suppliers, technology companies, finance and investment agencies, governments, and civil society organisations.

Hassan Skøien, Global Marketing & Innovation Director Shrimp of Skretting, says, 'The Global Seafood Forum is an excellent initiative to gather all relevant stakeholders of one of the fastest growing seafood sectors, the shrimp industry. A platform representing the whole supply chain from East to West will help find solutions for the most urgent challenges we are facing.'

Estelle Brennan, Head of Sustainability of Labeyrie Fine Foods UK, says, 'Labeyrie Fine Foods is proud to be a founding sponsor of the Global Shrimp Forum, supporting the ASC and the Global Shrimp Forum team bringing together leading players of all facets of the shrimp value chains. Labeyrie firmly believes that such collaborative forums are essential to bolster collective actions and drive improvements.'

Jørgen J. Lund, CEO of Contango AS, Oslo, and one of the three founders of the Global Shrimp Forum, says, 'As the founder of the world's largest seafood conference in Norway in 2005, NASF, I am proud to team up with the ASC and Shrimp Insights to form this unique global top-executive venue, similar in format to NASF, solely for the warm-water shrimp industry.

This will be a unique commercial platform for the entire shrimp industry worldwide to congregate and meet on a venue created for the industry and by the industry!'

Registration for the event is now open on the Global Shrimp Forum website. Register now to get the best value Early Bird Registrations, available until May 1. In addition, sponsorship packages are available for those looking to support this important collaboration while enhancing their visibility at the Forum and within the industry.

For more information about the conference visit the website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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