The FEAP holds its 2024 Annual General Meeting

May 30, 2024 - The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) held its 2024 Annual General Meeting in Istanbul (Türkiye) on May 23-24.

FEAP members – Annual General Meeting, Istanbul (Türkyie) – 23 & 24 May 2024

This yearly landmark event for FEAP's member associations was co-organised this time with the Turkish organisations Aegean Exporters' Union, Mediterranean Export' Union, Mediterranean Export' Union, and Istanbul Exporters' Association. It was a renewed opportunity to strengthen our network, bringing together over 50 delegates representing 18 countries, 20 national aquaculture associations and organisations, as well as invited experts from other networks and projects such as EATIP, EUMEPS or CTAQUA.

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Over these two days, no stone was left unturned to analyse and exchange knowledge, challenges and trends across FEAP's different species commissions, EU policy works and other FEAP missions such as continuously promoting the good work and promising future of fish farming in Europe.

With addresses by FEAP President Lara Barazi Geroulanou, as well as Director General of Fisheries and Aquaculture at Turkish Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock Turgay Turkyilmaz, they also addressed the many challenges and difficulties faced by aquaculture and the fish farming sector. Challenges threatening a sector on which rely so many hopes for a qualitative, sustainable and job creating food industry that will increasingly play a critical role in Europe's food security.

Following the FEAP General Assembly the 2024 FEAP Award was delivered. The FEAP Award represents the recognition by the federation of the exceptional contribution, by an individual, to the development of fish farming in Europe. The person selected to receive this acknowledgement is decided by the previous recipients of the award following the proposals received from national fish farming associations throughout Europe.

The recipient of the FEAP 2024 Award has been Paul Birger Torgnes, who has been involved in aquaculture since the early 80's.

His various business activities have mainly been concentrated on salmon farming, in Norway as well as Chile, UK and other countries.

He is still active in his family-owned company, producing salmon in Norway, and has also been involved in farming of other species, such as Sea bass and Sea bream in Turkey.

With a broad experience and involvement in commercial activities in many European countries, he dedicated sincere interest to promoting and securing the interests for aquaculture in the Norwegian, European and Global aquaculture businesses for many years.

An active member in national and pan-European organisations, his career as aquaculture organisations representative brought him to take several key positions such as:

• General Secretary in The Norwegian Fish Farmers Association for 8 years
• Vice President and other positions in FEAP for approx 15 years
• President and Vice President in The International Salmon Farmers Association (ISFA) for 6 years
• Chairman/Mayor in The Norwegian Seafood Federation for approx 20 years
• President for The Norwegian Seafood Federation for 2 years

He has undoubtedly delivered a huge endeavour on behalf of FEAP's members and the European aquaculture activities. FEAP as an organisation and the European aquaculture businesses have indeed seen the value of his efforts for many years, which are well worth to be honoured in this edition of the FEAP Excellence Awards.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Ignacio Onate joins Aquabyte as Senior Sales Manager

May 29, 2024 - On May 15, Ignacio Onate joined Aquabyte as Senior Sales Manager. This new role was established to meet the rising demand and growth Aquabyte is experiencing in the crucial Chilean market.

Ignacio Onate

"We are seeing a growing demand for our data-driven dish farming technology in the Chilean market. We are thrilled to welcome Ignacio Onate to our team, as his addition will further strengthen our local presence in one of the most vital regions for fish farming," says Thomas Fekete Rønningen, Aquabyte's Sales and Marketing Director.

With Ignacio Onate on board, Aquabyte's resources in Chile include sales, customer insight and customer success. Ignacio and the rest of the Chilean team will report to Aquabyte's headquarters in Bergen, Norway.

"I am excited to join Aquabyte, and I am confident that my previous experiences, including aquaculture, will enable me to effectively serve our existing Chilean customers and assist new clients in transitioning to digitally driven aquaculture. Aquabyte's unique technology significantly impacts fish farming by enhancing welfare, sustainability and efficiency. I am eager to be a part of this journey," says Ignacio Onate, the new Senior Sales Manager for Aquabyte in Chile

For more information, visit HERE.

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The first 100 percent recycled ropes that reduces the carbon footprint by 50 percent

May 28, 2024 - Sustainability is on the agenda and we see that trade associations and salmon producing companies are on the path to calculating and publishing their carbon footprints. To support this salmon farming process, Garware Technical Fibres has created Renew Ropes: the first rope made from 100 percent recycled materials, the use of which leads to a 50 percent reduction in the carbon footprint.

Garware develops Renew Ropes: the first 100% recycled rope that reduces the carbon footprint by 50%; which meets the need to be more sustainable, maintaining its quality standard.

"The introduction of 100 percent recycled ends shows our commitment to the Clean Production Agreement (CPA), circularity and the reduction of plastic waste, contributing to sustainability throughout the life cycle of the products. In addition, it has exhaustive quality control of its raw materials: 100 percent reprocessed copolymers so that it meets the required quality," comments Marcos Jofré, Business Associate Garware Technical Fibres Chile.

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The company recently developed this 100 percent recycled product, which meets the need to be more sustainable, while maintaining its quality standard. The properties it equates are: useful life, density, weight, resistance to traction, fatigue and abrasion. Its use is wide: maritime, sports, fishing and aquaculture; available in three and eight strands.

Plastic waste takes thousands of years to decompose, "by manufacturing Renew Ropes with 100 percent recycled material, we ensure that the waste is used in a final application, along with reducing the need to produce new material, and this rope can also be used again. The Norwegian market is already being supplied with a good reception and we hope that Chile follows this trend," says Jofré

X2 Aqua Neo: high-performance ropes that is ideal for exposed centres

For its part, X2 Aqua Neo has high resistance at a smaller diameter, low elongation, and is lighter. "The quality of the fiber is such that with smaller diameters, it manages to deliver higher resistance than other anchor ropes. It also presents great resistance to cyclic loading stress, with a very good result, measured under the OCIMF standard (of the international marine forum of oil companies), with an excellent fatigue life over tension. Our tensile fatigue test (TCLL) is higher fatigue than common ropes. In addition, it is quick to handle, with lower installation costs and also in anchoring items, easy to splice, it reduces the load on the anchoring system, due to its lower drag and weight," says Jofré

Both have Norwegian Standard 9415 (NS9415) certifications, which confirms that it works technically and OCIMF standard. Since aquaculture centres use a large volume of ropes - for all types of applications - these occupy an important place on the agenda. "Now offering a rope made of recycled raw materials, such as renew ropes, which reduce the carbon footprint by 50 percent, is a contribution to the clients' sustainability strategy," emphasises Jofré.

It should be noted that Prodalam is the one that distributes ropes for the aquaculture industry in Chile, through a strategic alliance for a decade. "We support the development of this Garware line, with large and small ropes at good costs and with a large stock availability for salmon production regions," says Alberto Pino, aquaculture manager at Prodalam.

For more information, visit HERE.

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BiOceanOr: revolutionising aquaculture with AI and BlueInvest

May 28, 2024 - Leveraging expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and marine biology, BiOceanOr, a French start-up, is using AI technologies to help manage water quality and promote sustainable practices. They have developed AquaREAL, a unique service predicting water quality. Their mission is to deliver bio-guided services that optimise fish welfare and growth, while supporting sustainable aquaculture practices.

BiOceanOr’s team of 20, from data scientists and biologists to fish farmers and software engineers.

"I am delighted by the invaluable support from BlueInvest for our fundraising efforts, which has substantially enhanced our brand visibility." said Samuel Dupont, CEO and co-founder.

Thanks to BlueInvest support, the start-up successfully raised its first round of funding in June 2023, amounting to €2.5 million.

The journey towards aquaculture innovation

Starting from its roots in oyster farming, BiOceanOr's has expanded their sales range to diverse aquaculture products, including salmon, seabags, bream, tilapia, shrimp and algae. However, as they secured contracts with major French water companies like VEOLIA, concerns arouse regarding the environmental impact of their operations.

Driven to minimise their ecological footprint and mitigate potential repercussions for both downstream and fellow aquaculture enterprises, BiOceanOr set their sights on developing a tool that would ensure safe, environmental-friendly and efficient operations at farm level.

To address the data gap, BiOceanOr embarked on creating a digital solution to advance aquaculture. Going beyond simple monitoring, their innovation aimed to offer real-time insights and AI-powered analytics. This empowers aquaculture producers to foresee environmental shifts and proactively manage risks.

Real-time data from an underwater weather station

BiOceanOr's AquaREAL water quality assistant provides real-time data for farmers and customers. The tool predicts crucial water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen levels and assesses their impact on production and the marine environment.

Their innovation can work with different types of sensors and monitoring devices. It benefits aquaculture by enhancing downstream applications, boosting fish growth and ensuring fish welfare. Furthermore, it aids water utilities in managing wastewater discharge and optimising operations in the watershed.

BiOceanOr’s solution AquaReal gives real-time data about the water quality parameters.

BlueInvest in action

BlueInvest has played an important role in BiOceanOr's journey. The programme provided them with valuable guidance and connected them with partners across Europe. Through pitching and coaching sessions, they were able to gain insights from experienced members of the BlueInvest community. In particular, the programme's support and visibility have been crucial for BiOceanOr in attracting new investors, clients and partners.

Samuel Dupont, CEO and co-founder, acknowledges the value of BlueInvest support in fostering financial partnerships. The investment raised during its first round of funding (€2.5 million) will fuel the expansion of the company's activities in the salmon farming industry, particularly focusing on water quality prediction to mitigate risks and delivering actionable insights for production optimisation.

Furthermore, BiOceanOr has recently announced its collaboration with ScaleAQ Software, a major player in the tech-aquaculture industry. Together, they aim to improve fish farming by offering fish farmers unrivalled digital services through reference integration platforms.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Cooke celebrates 10 years of business in the United Kingdom

May 24, 2024 - Cooke Aquaculture Scotland was established in 2014 as part of the global company's strategy to achieve success through acquisitions and organic growth to meet an increasing market demand for healthy, fresh seafood.

"Ten years this month, the Cooke family acquired the successful seawater and freshwater assets in Orkney, Shetland and UK mainland before building on its Scottish operations," said Colin Blair, Managing Director at Cooke Scotland.

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"I take great pride in what we have accomplished as one of the leading producers of world-renowned Scottish salmon and the largest producer of organic Scottish salmon.

In the past decade, Cooke Scotland has tripled its organic production and increased general production and supply to its loyal customers. The company has harvested and shipped over 52 million fresh farmed salmon to more than 16 different countries worldwide and continues to grow responsibly and sustainably by maintaining consistently high standards.

As one of the largest employers in the Scottish Northern Isles, and with 380 staff who dedicate the time, care and resources to rearing the finest Scottish salmon, the company works hard to generate shared prosperity by playing an intrinsic part of the communities in which its employees live and work. Since 2018, Cooke Scotland has donated over £700,000 through the Cooke Community Benefit Fund to a variety of local-led events, activities, groups and community projects throughout Scotland and the Northern Isles, and in the north of England.

Cooke's local investment has had particularly positive real-life impacts in the Northern Isles including supporting local businesses and jobs, maintaining local populations, sustaining the uptake of local schools, ferries and shops; and created ongoing operational spending with local businesses.

A key milestone was the establishment of Northeast Nutrition Scotland in Invergordon to locally produce feed in-house for Cooke's UK operations. Cooke Scotland has also bolstered its workforce recruitment and is having great success with staff training and development - including effective results in the areas of husbandry and fish welfare.

"I wish to thank all those who have accompanied us on our journey over the past decade, including our incredibly dedicated and talented staff, our longstanding customers and the communities in which we will continue to support for years to come," continued Mr Blair. "To mark this milestone, we are proud to unveil our refreshed brand identity, Cooke Scotland. As Cooke continues to grow and evolve as a global seafood leader, we have embarked on a global branding initiative. This new brand is a major step towards creating a more cohesive and compelling brand identity globally, whilst unifying our companies under one name, as one team, with one purpose."

For more information, visit HERE.

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Seagriculture EU 2024 Conference in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands: Delve deep into the global landscape of seaweed cultivation, harvesting, and innovation

May 24, 2024 - The Seagriculture EU 2024 conference, the leading conference for the seaweed industry, will be taking place in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands from June 18-20, 2024. Under the theme 'Bridging Continents' Seagriculture EU 2024 transcends geographical boundaries to unite stakeholders from diverse corners of the world. Participants can learn from the unique experiences and perspectives of experts and enthusiasts from various countries and continents.

The journey begins on June 18 with an exclusive site visit to Ocean Rainforest, offering attendees a firsthand glimpse into their operations with expert guides by their side. They will get an up-close look at their production and hatchery and enjoy the view of the cultivation sites of Ocean Rainforest from land. Moreover, attendees will have the chance to embark on a breathtaking boat journey to explore the cultivation site more closely and witness seaweed harvest in operation.

"We are excited to welcome all seaweed enthusiasts to the Faroe Islands and show them our work during the site visit of Seagriculture EU 2024. It is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to see our operations," said Ólavur Gregersen, CEO of the Exclusive Event Sponsor Ocean Rainforest. "If you are working with seaweeds, Seagriculture EU 2024 is an event that you should not miss. Boasting a comprehensive conference agenda and prime networking opportunities, it's an essential gathering for professionals in the field."

From June 19-20, the conference program unfolds with five plenary sessions, two panel discussions, and the newly introduced Seaweed Elevator Pitches, offering attendees an extensive overview of industry advancements and prospects. This year, the program includes a very international line-up of speakers who will share their expertise, providing attendees with unparalleled learning opportunities. Additionally, researchers will have the opportunity to present their posters, fostering dialogue among conference delegates.

The line-up of speakers for the conference is set to impress. Among them is Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of DG MARE, and Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor Ocean at the United Nations Global Compact. Additionally, they are excited to announce representatives from industry leaders such as FermentationExperts, Unilever, Cargill and Future Feed. Kicking off the event will be the distinguished Høgni Hoydal, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade of the Faroe Islands.

Complementing the conference program is a dynamic trade show, providing a platform for companies with the seaweed industry to showcase their offerings and foster collaboration. Networking events, such as the conference dinner, offer further opportunities for engagement and camaraderie among attendees.

As part of the continuous improvement efforts, Seagriculture EU 2024 has introduced the conference application B2Match, offering participants an efficient way to communicate, schedule meetings, and stay updated on the latest news, ensuring a seamless and engaging conference experience.

The organisers of Seagriculture EU 2024 have announced that over 190 delegates have already registered for the conference. 

For more information, visit HERE.

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Smir Group teams up with Andfjord Salmon

May 24, 2024 - Smir Group has entered into a contract with Andfjord Salmon for the delivery of the waterborne feeding system Smirfeeder to their land-based facility on Andøya in Norway. The two companies will also look at the possibilities for extended cooperation around the delivery of solutions and services linked to other parts of Andfjord's production in the years ahead.

Frode Rygh, Sales Manager of Smir Group, commented "We are very proud to be chosen as supplier of feeding system to this project. Andfjord Salmon aims to build and operate the world's most sustainable fish farming facility of its kind, and it is inspiring to be able to help them to achieve this goal by using our waterborne feeding system.

"By being able to gently transport feed with different properties and structure, such as a softer pellet, we firmly believe that we can challenge existing feeding systems by delivering significantly better fish welfare

"We've had a good dialogue with Andfjord Salmon over a long period, and as we have gotten to know each other we have come to realise that we have much in common regarding the design of tomorrow's technology and services, which also includes areas other than just feed logistics. We do look forward to taking a closer look at which synergies we can collaborate on in terms of technologies and services in the coming years."

Christian Torgersen, COO of Andfjord Salmon, said "To ensure the good biological results we achieved in the Pilot and a further development of the performance, we are very pleased to have entered into a collaboration with Smir on the delivery of waterborne feeding system. We believe we have found an innovative partner who is as highly focused as we are with biological results and technological development.

"It was about finding a feeding method that was best suited to the concept and choice of feed type.

"By further developing the technology for feeding, we will also together with feed supplier Skretting, shape the future structure of pellets and its nutritional content.

"In addition we'll get all the significant benefits when it comes to matters such as low energy consumption, no microplastics and the integration to the infrastructure on land."

For more information, visit HERE.

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Aller Aqua appoints new Lead Formulator

May 23, 2024 - Aller Aqua have announced the latest edition to their team with Maja Hunt Andresen as the new Lead Formulator, a pivotal role that will drive Aller Aquas commitment to innovation and scientific rigor.

In this newly established position, Maja will spearhead the creation of product formulations for the factories. Her work will involve close collaborating with the sourcing, quality and production teams across all factory locations, ensuring that the high standards are consistently met and surpassed.

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Maja brings a wealth of expertise to Aller Aqua. She holds a Master of Science degree in agronomy and has accumulated valuable experience at prominent companies such as Vilofoss Group, AgroVision, and most recently, as an Analytical Service Manager at Eurofins.

Aller Aqua says that Majas extensive background and dedication to excellence align perfectly with their mission to provide top-tier aquaculture feed and solutions and that they are confident that with her on board they will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and maintain our reputation for quality.

The company is excited about the strengthened capabilities Maja brings to their organisation and look forward to the advancements her expertise will contribute to their ongoing success.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Unibio appoints Olivier Hartz as Chief Commercial Officer

May 21, 2024 - Unibio, the leading sustainable protein company, has appointed Olivier Hartz as its new Chief Commercial Officer from June 1, 2024. Prior to his appointment, Olivier has supported Unibio as an external consultant for several years.

Olivier Hartz

Olivier has worked in sales and commercial operations roles in the ingredients, feed, petfood, food and Pharma sectors for almost 30 years, including more than 20 years with Japanese Ajinomoto in Europe where he held the positions of Vice-President and General Manager. His experience covers Amino acids in feed, food and Pharma, specialty food ingredients relating to taste, texture, and sweetness, alternative protein ingredients, and fermentation co-products. He has a broad overview of the fermentation industry and in his new role, will have full responsibility for regulatory and application development, customer development, and Uniprotein sales.

Commenting on the appointment, David Henstrom, CEO of Unibio said:

"Olivier is a highly talented commercial leader in the food and feed sector. His experience, strategic vision, and ability to foster strong client relationships will accelerate our commercial success. We are thrilled to have Olivier as our Chief Commercial Officer."

For more information, visit HERE.

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Water quality data buoy to be floated at Gartmorn Dam

May 21, 2024 - A buoy is to be installed at Gartmorn Dam in Clackmannanshire to collect environmental data for world-leading research led by University of Stirling scientists which will benefit the local area.

a data buoy at Carron Valley Reservoir

The floating data buoy, which is almost two metres tall, has state-of-the-art sensors which can measure water quality in near real-time, sending data over the mobile phone network so they can be accessed by scientists, governmental organisations and local communities. 

It is the latest buoy to be deployed on water bodies across the Fourth Valley as part of the Fourth Environmental Resilience Array (Forth-ERA) programme led by Scotland's International Environment Centre (SIEC), based at the University.

Buoys have already been deployed at Carron Valley Reservoir and Linlithgow Loch, and researchers are exploring further locations in the Forth Estuary at Alloa, Kincardine and east of the Forth Bridge, and at Loch Katrine and Gladhouse Reservoir.

Forth-ERA - a first-of-its-kind digital observatory of the Firth of Forth's entire water catchment - will enable scientist to undertake groundbreaking research, as well as enabling local and national organisations to undertake data-led, evidence-based environmental managment.

In addition to water quality, Forth-ERA will also support improved monitoring of biodiversity, floods and droughts, and air quality. Ultimately, this work will deliver a sustainable and just transition to a net zero future.

Professor Peter Hunter, Forth-ERA Science Director at SIEC, said: "This deployment marks the start of an ambitious project to understand changes in water quality and biodiversity at Gartmorn Dam, and to develop evidence to inform the future management of the site.

"In partnership with stakeholders, including Clackmannanshire Council, NatureScot, and Scottish Water, as well as landowners and community groups, SIEC identified a range of environmental variables to monitor that would benefit the local community, the work of local authorities and businesses, as well as university researchers."

The buoy is expected to be in place for several years to maximise the value of the data it collects. Occasional maintenance visits will be required so visitors to Gartmorn Dam may see a technical team from Forth-ERA travel to and from the buoy on a boat.

Mark Petrie, Production Maintenance Manager at Scottish Water, said: "Gartmorn is out oldest dam and remains in our ownership, although the water body is not used for the public water supply and is leased to Clackmannanshire Council.

"We've helped in the selection of biodiversity sensors and to facilitate the deployment of the water quality monitoring buoy. We welcome the research at Gartmorn and at other locations and we will integrate the learning from the work into our wider plans going forward."

The project will link into efforts to foster sustainable business opportunities in Clackmannanshire and build vital green skills in the local workforce. The lessons learned from establishing this comprehensive and automated monitoring network can in future be applied to similar projects in Scotland and beyond.

Ewan Lawrie, NatureScot's Freshwater Advisory Officer, said: "Freshwater lochs are an iconic pat of Scotland. NatureScot is pleased to contribute to this project, which will provide high-quality, near real-time data to help people understand the issues around this nationally important loch and help us to continue to care for it."

For more information, visit HERE.

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Wanda Fish unveils its first cell-cultivated bluefin tuna toro sashimi

May 21, 2024 - Cell-based seafood maker Wanda Fish unveils its first cultivated bluefin tuna toro sashimi. The creation of this prototype addresses the burgeoning demand for bluefin tuna via a pollution-free, quality-consistent, and sustainable supply of the highly sought fish.

Photo credit - Noam Preisman

The raw toro specialty is composed of the underbelly of the fish. It has the highest fat content, with especially high omega-3 levels. This awards it a unique buttery sensation, making it the most tender and desired meat of the fish. Wanda Fish's cell-cultivated sashimi possesses the same sensory features of wild-sourced toro sashimi and is imbued with comparable nutritional richness, especially protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

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Secret is in the tech's fat formation

Wanda Fish's cell-cultivated adaptation of the 3D filet combines the cellular mass of muscle and fat created from the Bluefin tuna's own cells, developed together with a plant-based matrix. The company enlisted skilled chefs to bring its sashimi to culinary perfection. 

Wanda Fish's patent-pending technology to induce native fat formation in bluefin tuna cells and a whole-cut downstream manufacturing process employs a rapid, low-cost and readily scalable production method. The fat endows the cultivated fish whole cut with not only its velvety texture but also its unique, rich flavour and essential nutrients, including omega-3s.

"A key focus in the creation of our product was achieving the same level of fat marbling as real Bluefin toro sashimi to create the same look and mouthfeel," reveals Daphna Heffetz PhD, co-founder and CEO of Wanda Fish. "Reaching this milestone demonstrates Wanda Fish's ability or diminishing the population of wild fish. The product is sustainable, and of course free of microplastics, mercury and other chemical toxins all-too-commonly found in wild catch."

"Our prototype is unique in the cultivated food industry, as there is no cooking or panning of the product", explains Malkiel Cohen, VP of R&D for Wanda Fish. "Using multiple bluefin tuna cells to create both muscle and fat and our plant-based 3D design, we capture the essence of a raw fish fillet without preservatives, artificial additives, or GMOs."

Good for the fish, good for business

Bluefin tuns is considered the pinnacle of tuna species. They are no easy catch, not only because they are one of the ocean's fastest and long-distance swimmers, making them difficult to raise in captivity, but also because they are a prized marine delicacy. Overfishing and illegal fishing have prompted governments to place caps on fishing activity by implementing strict fishing quotas, which has also contributed to its premium price.

Toro sashimi is a luxury dish served mostly in high-end restaurants across Japan but is also available in exclusive sushi outlets globally. A single 1 kilo serving can cost US$100 or more.

"Cultivated bluefin tuna is one of those rare food products that makes good business sense," says Yaron Sfadyah, VP of Business Development & Marketing for Wanda Fish. "It is in high demand, with limited alternatives that match the taste and texture of the wild fish, and at an ideal price point and distribution model. Alternative protein companies often contend with high manufacturing costs, coupled with the low price of animal-based products. It is a completely different story for cultivated bluefin tuna."

"Our scalable platform for producing this premium product, raises its potential to reach price parity with traditionally raised bluefins, speed its journey to the marketplace and maximise profit margins," adds Heffetz.

The start-up will first introduce its tuna in the high-end food service sector, with a focus on Japanese cuisine, where sushi and sashimi are traditional features, "Our focus on bluefin tuna as our first product was driven by market needs rather than technology driven," adds Heffetz.

For more information, visit HERE.

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SAIC secures £1.5 million funding package from the Scottish Government

May 20, 2024 - The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has secured new funding to continue its support of fish health research and development (R&D), delivered in collaboration between the private and public sectors.

The £1.5 million package, made up of £500,000 from the Scottish Government's Marine Fund Scotland and £1 million of transitional funding from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), will allow SAIC to build on its work over the past decade and sharpen the innovation centre's focus on driving positive health and welfare outcomes for farmed fish.

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Since its inception, SAIC has supported more than 100 projects, turning £10 million of investment into sector-critical research with a combined value of over £71 million. These research projects have led to the creation of spin-out companies, new products and services, and innovative approaches to tackling sector-wide challenges.

As part of the funding, SAIC is also launching a new funding call for businesses and higher education institutions for projects exclusively focussed on finfish health and welfare. The deadline for applications is June 19, 2024.

A minimum of £800,000 in funding is available to applicants, with an emphasis on gill health, the mitigation of challenges potentially arising from climate change such as harmful algal blooms and micro-jellyfish, and emerging issues affecting fish health. SAIC is particularly keen to receive proposals focussed on potential preventative techniques and technologies for these areas.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands said: "SAIC is one of the Scotland's success stories, having played a significant role in supporting innovation and development in aquaculture. We are now supporting SAIC to move to a refreshed and updated role that will ensure it and Scottish aquaculture have a bright future. The need to make aquaculture sustainable and the rewards for doing so have never been greater nor more urgent.

"The funding we are making available from Marine Fund Scotland will enable SAIC to sustain work and fund new projects to support the sustainability of our valuable aquaculture sector. Our Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture recognised the importance of innovation and this investment is a demonstration of our commitment to the sector and its future."

David Gregory, Chair of SAIC, said: "The funding provided by the Scottish Government and SFC will allow SAIC's vital work to continue. The model of combining funding from the sector and government, which has underpinned our work over the past decade, is now very well established and has delivered a broad range of positive outcomes in aquaculture.

"SAIC's more concentrated remit is aligned to the sector's priorities, and we look forward to fostering greater collaboration on R&D projects to tackle the most pressing health and welfare challenges faced by the fish farming community."

Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland said: "Scotland's salmon sector welcomes SAIC's sharpened focus on research and development in fish health and welfare. This is a top priority for our members and will help to drive the sustainable growth of salmon as the UK's number one food export. It is important that the Scottish government continue to fund SAIC and play its part in supporting the Scottish salmon farming sector to operate in the most sustainable way possible. As the government's own aquaculture vision made clear, the blue economy can increase food security at home and feed the growing global population."

For more information, visit HERE.

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HiProMine increase protein production to support sustainable aquaculture

May 20, 2024 - Insect protein and fat are an important component of the natural diet of various fish species. The nutrients present in insects include both beneficial amino acids composition and a health-promoting fatty acid profile. Providing compounds such as peptides and lipids may be crucial to the future of efficient and sustainable fish rearing. “To face the need to protect the environment and water resources, aquaculture industry will change, also in terms of nutrition. Large-scale production of insect-derived products is crucial due to its ecological aspect and no environmental degradation" predicts Maciej Szumiński, Sales and Marketing Director at HiProMine.

HiProMine has opened another European plant, specialising in the production of insect protein and fat, which is becoming increasingly desirable in the aquaculture industry. Many aquafeed producers recognise not only the health benefits of insect-derived products, but also the ecological and economic aspects.

"When it comes to healthy and sustainable nutrition of farmed fish insects are the future" explains Maciej Szumiński. "Aquaculture production has become a key sector in food production, providing high-quality protein for an increasing human population. However, as production increases, challenges arise in ensuring sustainable and efficient production. In recent years, interest in insect-derived products as a valuable raw materials in aquaculture nutrition and as a tool for aquatic environment protection has been growing significantly" he adds.

Due to their high protein content and efficient feed utilisation, insects are a promising and ecological source of nutrients for aquaculture. Larvae of insect species, such as Hermetia Illucens, can transform agricultural by-products into high-value protein, which makes them ecologically and economically attractive.

The Polish company HiProMine SA has just launched a large plan in Karkoszów (Lubuskie Voivodeship), located only 100km from Berlin. The year capacity of livestock is estimated for 25,000 tonnes and the same amount of organic fertiliser. It is the largest plant in Central Europe, with proprietary technology for insects breeding and rearing, employing many scientists conducting numerous research on the properties of protein in the nutrition of various animal species.

"Insect protein, which in the natural environment is a basic component of fish diets, is characterised by optimal amino acids profile" reveals Dr Monika Dudek. "Moreover, ingredients with functional properties contained in insect-derived products play an important role in improving the fish health" she adds.

How is insect protein digestibility in fish?

"When insect-derived products are used in salmonid diets, both high digestion of crude protein and crude fat can be noted. In other words, nutrients in insect raw materials are characterised by high availability for gastrointestinal tract, especially in case of carnivorous fish. Additionally, favourable rearing results are noted and improvement in intestinal microbiota composition, which is crucial for fish health" explains Dr Zuzanna Mikołajczak, fish nutrition specialist in HiProMine.

The usage of insect protein as a dietary component in fish nutrition can bring a number of benefits, such as increase of feed efficiency, improve of fish growth and reduce of mortality.

"Our production is ecological, minimises the carbon footprint and fits into the ideas of broadly understood care for environmental protection and sustainable developement" says Maciej Szumiński. "Building a plant where we will produce insect protein and fat was enormous challenge. However, we believe that our scientific achievements, translated on a large scale, will bring tangible results both for the environment and aquaculture development."

Maciej Szumiński emphasises that fish production requires the usage of huge mounts of feed. One of the raw materials used in fish nutrition are fishmeal and fish oil, partly produced from unsustainable fishery. Overfishing of oceans to produce aqua raw materials lead to overuse of raw natural resources.

The usage of insect-derived products can reduce these negative effects by lower inclusion of conventional raw materials in feed, which brings sustainability benefits and decrease negative impact of aquaculture on natural aquatic environments. This trend has therefore become a topic of interest due to its high nutritional value and ecological features.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Eidsvaag AS to build two new feed vessels

May 20, 2024 - The shipping company Eidsvaag AS will build two new feed vessels for feed suppliers Skretting and Cargill. Due to be delivered in 2026, the vessels will have diesel-electric propulsion systems with large battery packs and engines with fuel flexibility so they can run on biodiesel if so desired.

Illustrations of how the two identical vessels will look by Kongsberg Maritime

The two ships will be part of the Fjordfrende partnership established in 2019. Here, competitors Skretting and Cargill are collaborating to deliver fish feed via 14 vessels operated by the shipping company Eidsvaag AS. By working in this way, the companies avoid having to run separate transport routes in and out of the same fjords along the Norwegian coast, thereby significantly reducing CO2 emissions. 

"These will be state-of-the-art vessels with good amenities for the crew and a cabin capacity for 14 people. The new vessels will help reduce our carbon footprint and set us up for the future," says Vidar Eidsvaag, CEO of Eidsvaag AS.

According to Eidsvaag, the new vessels will be among the largest in the company's fleet and will be able to load feed both in sacks and in silos. Vessel size has been decided based upon what is most efficient when delivering feed to between 400 and 500 fish farms along the coast.

The boats will be built by Zamakona Shipyard in Bilbao, Spain. The first vessel will be completed in the first half of 2026, and the second one in the latter half of the year.

A hull optimised for efficient propulsion is one of several measures that will reduce both energy consumption and emissions from the vessels. Furthermore, reach of the 860kW capacity batteries will reduce diesel consumption by stepping in at times when energy demand peaks. Heat recovery from the exhaust will also provide interior heating. thanks to these measures, these two ships qualify for grants from both the Norwegian Enova and the NOx fund.

The boats have been designed so that the type of fuel used can be changed relatively easily if more environmentally friendly and competitive alternatives become available in the future - hydrogen being one such alternative.

Overall, Eidsvaag expects that there will be significant savings in fuel consumption and emissions, however the exact amount will depend on the routes the boas take and is therefore difficult to estimate.

"It's been 10 years since we last built a new boat, but this shows that the Fjordfrende collaboration is very much up and running. Modern and more environmentally friendly vessels can help us when competing for qualified employees. These vessels will also be able to deliver to more exposed locations than other vessels in our fleet," says Vidar Eidsvaag, CEO of Eidsvaag AS.

"Fjordfrende has now been operational for almost five years and has ensured a robust and efficient delivery system for Skretting and Cargill - despite some extremely demanding years in the supply chains and with higher inflation than we have previously been used to. Now is the time to take new steps, and the Fjordfrende platform provides Eidsvaag with the opportunity to invest in the necessary new capacity that will not only strengthen the overall delivery capability of Fjordfrende for all locations along the coast but will also help reduce emissions through new technology and more efficiency," says Håvard Walde, CEO of Skretting Norway.

"We are very pleased that the Fjordfrende collaboration can invest in increased capacity that will also help reduce the climate footprint of our value chain. It's easy to forget the important Norwegian salmon and trout are to the world's food supply. To contribute to safe and nutritious meals for a growing population, Norway must do its part to increase the supply of fish on the world market. Efficient feed logistics is an important part of the value chain and helps to ensure good nutrition for salmon along the entire Norwegian coast," says Tarjei Eide, CEO of Cargill in Norway.

For more information, visit HERE.

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BioMar announces management changes in Ecuador

May 20, 2024 - BioMar announced on Wednesday that the General Manager of BioMar Ecuador, Danny Velez, has decided to retire as of May 31, 2024. BioMar Ecuador's current Finance Director, Andreas Rivadulla, will take over as General Manager.

Danny Velez and Andres Rivadulla MD BioMar Ecuador

"Under the leadership of Danny Velez, we have seen our operation in Ecuador go through a tremendous growth process. He is passing on a company in excellent shape despite the difficult environment for both our staff and customers with national security challenges, continued power cuts that interrupt production, and low shrimp prices," said Henrik Aarestrup, Vice President, LATAM, Shrimp and Hatchery at BioMar in a comment to the change of guards.

You may also be interested in:

• BioMar appoints new VP for Asia
• BioMar inaugurates new Hatchery R&D facility

Danny Velez joined Alimentsa in 1991 as Operations Manager and in 1993 he was appointed Vice General Manager. When BioMar Group acquired Alimentsa in 2017 Danny Velez became the first General manager of BioMar Ecuador. He successfully took the company through the transition from a family-owned local business to becoming a part of a leading multinational feed company.

Andreas Rivadulla joined BioMar Ecuador from the well-known French supplier of plastic pens and lighters, Bic, in 2018, and has equally contributed to the success of BioMar Ecuador in recent years.

"Andreas has as Finance Director demonstrated great skill and overview and in the last couple of years he has taken on a role beyond the original scope of his position. This leaves me confident that he will be able to lead the continued development of BioMar Ecuador," said Aarestrup.

Danny Velez will, for at least the coming 12 months, act as Special Counsellor to BioMar Ecuador and the Board of Directors of BioMar Ecuador.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Positive outlook for global fishmeal and fish oil production

May 10, 2024 - Based on its membership, which accounts for 55 percent of global marine ingredients production, IFFO reports on the main trends observed from January to March 2024 in a selection of countries.

In Peru's North-Centre, almost 50 percent of the 2.475 million mt anchovy quota has been caught during the first 23 days of the 2024 first fishing season. Peru's quota setting is of critical importance considering that the country accounts for 20 percent of global fishmeal and fish oil production in an average year.

You may also be interested in:

• IFFO’s Members Meeting highlights the key role of science
• IFFO’s estimates of the 2023 fishmeal and fish oil production and insights for 2024

When we look at the first three months of 2024, global fishmeal production dropped by approximately 27 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Such a decrease is driven by the early onset of the second fishing season in Peru's North-Central region back in 2023, along with a lower-than-average granted quota, resulting in a diminished catch at the tail of the fishing season at the beginning of 2024. Chile, the USA and the African countries have been showing a positive trend in fishmeal production compared to 2023. 

As for fish oil, globally, cumulative output through March 2024 was 30 percent down year over year, mostly due, here again, to the timing of the Peruvian fishing season last year. In 2024 so far, the USA and the African countries are the only ones that have registered a positive trend compared to January-March 2023.

China: weak demand for feed ingredients

The fishing ban imposed on May 1 will last until September. The annual decrease in the cumulative fishmeal imports through March 2024 confirms the challenging conditions prevailing in both the pig and aquaculture markets.

The aquaculture industry is struggling to reduce stocks given the current tepid demand among consumers. Initial estimates indicate that aquafeed production in the first quarter of this year is expected to be lower compared to the same period last year, reflecting a subdued trend in feed ingredients consumption.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Boosting fish market profits with accurate weighing

May 9, 2024 - The accuracy of weighing fish not only influences the day's profits but also impacts customer trust and vendor credibility. Discrepancies in weight can lead to disputes, tarnished reputations and affect sales negatively. This article explores how accurate weighing technology, like the advanced weight watchers, can significantly boost profits at fish markets, reduce disputes and enhance the credibility of sellers, providing a fair and transparent marketplace for all involved.

The importance of accurate weighing in fish markets

In the fish industry, precision in weighing is not just a technical requirement but a cornerstone of effective business operations. Accurate weighing ensures that customers receive exactly what they pay for, fostering trust and satisfaction. This accuracy is crucial for pricing strategies, as even small discrepancies in weight can lead to significant financial losses over time. When customers consistently receive accurate portions, it enhances their confidence in the vendor, encouraging repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. Moreover, precise weighing helps vendors maintain fair pricing, ensuring competitiveness in the market. By leveraging advanced weighing technology, such as weight batchers, fish markets can streamline operations, reduce disputes and ultimately boost their profitability while maintaining a loyal customer base.

Peruza Full Speed Batcher

With the ability to maintain just 2-3 pieces of overweight, Full Speed Batcher marks its position as one of the most precise batchers available in the market and helps to eliminate the possibility of waste. The new Peruza Full Speed Batcher operates at a speed of up to 24 doses per minute, setting a new standard in the market for speed as well as increasing production output for customers.

Case study

Consider an example of a small fish processing factory named 'Good Fish', where 500 batches of 11kg fish are processed per day. Let's assume the price per kilo is €2. Before the implementation of the Peruza Full Speed Batcher, the overweight was 5 percent per batch, and now it is 1 percent per batch. 

From that the savings for one batch is €0.80. For one mont is is €8000 (worked out at a 20 working day month), and with these calculations annual savings for one year would be €96,000 wit the batcher.

To sum up

The bustling environment of the fish industry necessitates accurate weighing to ensure profits, maintain customer trust and uphold vendor credibility. Discrepancies in weight can lead to disputes, tarnish reputations and negatively impact sales whereas accurate weighing fosters trust, supports fair pricing strategies, enhances market competitiveness and ultimately boosts profitability, showcasing the indispensable role of precise weighing technology in the fish industry.

For more information, visit HERE. 

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Vietnamese frozen seafood producer secures $1.5 million export factoring facility from Tradewind Finance

May 9, 2024 - On the path to recovery, Vietnam's seafood exports reached nearly US$2 billion in the first quarter of 2024, increasing 8 percent year on year, during which the US, Japan and China were the largest buyers, according to Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). The country is forecasted to earn US$9.5 billion from seafood exports this year, surpassing the US$9 billion earned in 2023. Shrimp and shrimp products are anticipated to remain the main contributors to this growth.

Despite the promising outlook, exporters in this industry face challenges such as oversupply, high inventories, and lower prices, as highlighted by VASEP's chairwoman, Nguyen Thi Thu Sac. To address these challenges and ensure a secure supply chain, a local frozen seafood producer has partnered with Tradewind Finance. Previously funded by banks, the company was attracted by the alternative finance provider's reputation for their innovative invoice financing solutions and streamlined approval process.

The timely delivery of the US$ 1.5 million export factoring facility as well as the credit insurance that came as part of the trade finance package allowed the leading supplier of fish to unlock a considerable amount of cash flow tied up in their accounts receivables and diversify their buyer portfolio with confidence The flexible financial arrangement helped remove the exporter's bottleneck in unpaid invoices, allowing them to expand operations, seize growth opportunities, and lay the foundation for the next phase of growth in the global market.

Dickson Au, Regional CEO - Far East, at Tradewind Hong Kong, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are honoured to bring our rich expertise and customised financing solutions to this steadily growing client. The partnership goes beyond funding; it promises to help the Vietnamese exporter navigate the tides of global trade with confidence and financial resilience."

With over 24 years of experience in trade finance across various sectors, Tradewind not only serves as a reliable financier but also as a global business protector, providing one-stop trade finance solutions for exporters, enabling them to stay competitive, pursue sustainable growth and achieve profitability amid the constantly changing environment.

For more information, visit HERE.

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ASC promotes blue finance and investment at Monaco Ocean Week

May 9, 2024 - As part of the Monaco Ocean Week, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) convened a roundtable in the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco on March 20, to examine the transformative role which sustainable investments and blue finance can play in protecting the oceans.

Blue foods are part of the future's food security solution. With the theme 'The contribution of responsible aquaculture and the role of blue finance in protecting the oceans,' the roundtable discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with blue finance, as well as its crucial role in promoting responsible aquaculture.

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• Groundbreaking study maps Blue economy finance, revealing equity risks and transparency issues
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Moderated by ASC's Global Director for Research and Insights Bertrand Charron, panelists brought their perspectives regarding responsible seafood production and the criteria taken into consideration to both secure impact and returns on investments. The panel featured renowned experts from SWEN Capital Partners' Blue Ocean venture capital fund, aquaponic shrimp farm Agriloops and processing company Labeyrie Fine Foods.

Christian Lim, Managing Director at SWEN Capital Partners, said "Impact investments need banks and insurance funds at the international level. We also need to join forces with corporate investors. On the market side, we need to have an aggregated impact and a common set of kPI to provide transparency and credibility on impact return."

Estelle Brennan, Head of Sustainability at Labeyrie Fine Foods, highlighted transparency as part of social responsibility. "You have to be transparent and report on your company's social and environmental impacts," Brennan said.

Jérémie Cognard, Co-founder and CEO of the aquaponics company Agriloops, said there was "no better moment than today to do something in sustainable aquaculture."

"Consumers are looking for transparency and transparency can bring a company to success or failure," Cognard added.

At the end of the roundtable discussion, three key points were highlighted:

• Blue finance plays a crucial role in the transformation of aquaculture and fisheries. Panelists discussed the role of innovation and technology in the industry's transition, as well as the growth of blue finance over the past five years, which now represents 1 billion euros.
• There is a need for greater transparency and reliable sustainability and performance indicators. Participants stressed the importance of measuring sustainability in a consistent way, and of having clear and reliable indicators to create confidence among financiers and encourage impact investments. They also highlighted the importance of social issues beyond performance indicators and data.
• Collaboration is important among all stakeholders - producers, distributors, institutions and financiers - to meet the challenges and support the industry in its transition.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Ocean Kinetics to demonstrate installation of innovative treatment systems at Aquaculture UK

May 9, 2024 - Specialist marine engineering company Ocean Kinetics will again highlight its standing in the field of aquaculture innovation when it demonstrates its installation of innovative thermolicer treatment systems at the Aquaculture UK show in Aviemore on May 14-15.

The company, which now has bases in Lerwick, Aberdeen, Oban, Stromness and Kirkwall, has successfully carried out a number of complex engineering development and installations for Mull-based Inverlussa Marine Services's new multi-purpose vessels, which are on long-term lease to Scottish Seafarms and Mowi.

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Managing director of Ocean Kinetics, John Henderson, said: "On the most recent installation, a new bespoke system makes it possible for fish to be efficiently discharged to any side of the vessel through a novel retractable bow chute."

"The gentle discharge of fish forward of the vessel into a fresh empty pen ensures that fish are discharged as far away as possible from the fish captured in the sweep net. The retractable chute retracts and hinges to allow the vessel to steam in heavy weather and dock as normal.

"Aquaculture UK is the ideal event to showcase the Inverlussa development and the skills of our team," continued John Henderson. "The treatment systems are not, of course, our only high-profile projects. We have recently constructed a new pier at Scottish Seafarms shore base in Vidlin, Shetland. Also for Scottish Sea farms in Shetland, we have undertaken an upgrade to the company's processing facility in Lerwick, which involved the design and manufacture of new conveyors, pipework, shoots and processing equipment, as well as installing more tanks and storage facilities. The project has created greater efficiencies and increased throughput.

"We are also continuing to develop our new partnership with MMG Ocean in Ireland, and this is opening up new opportunities for both companies.

"Our aquaculture customers have been - and always will be - very important to us. "We've not only worked with them for some 30 years, but many of us also came from the industry, so we very much understand the sector's needs and always embrace any engineering-related challenges with which we are presented.

"We're therefore looking forward to meeting with the industry, to hear about any engineering-related obstacles that they may be facing and, at the same time, to explain some of the more complex solutions that we have been working on. Over the years, we're delighted to have delivered innovative engineering developments which have solved challenges in fishing handling in hatcheries, factories and on-board vessels to underwater, offshore and onshore installations, so this show is once again a great opportunity for us."

You can find Ocean Kinetics at Aquaculture UK on stand A65.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Seafood Expo Eurasia: a week to go

May 9, 2024 - There are only 7 days left before the start of Seafood Expo Eurasia. The new global exhibition will bring together representatives of fishery business and related areas from more than 100 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Fish and seafood suppliers, equipment producers, traders & buyers, fishery professionals and shipbuilders, logistic operators and aquaculture experts will meet on May 15 in Tüyap, Istanbul.

Seafood Expo Eurasia will hold an extensive program addressing the primary challenges and opportunities in the global seafood industry along with the regional specificities of different markets. Designed with a business focus, it aims not only to discuss main issues of worldwide fisheries but also provide the audience with the marketing success cases from the key industry players.

The main topics covered in the agenda include the current status of seafood markets of Türkiye, countries of Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as modern solutions for aquaculture, sustainable fishing practices, logistics and traceability of fish products.

As a place filled with positive business spirit, Seafood Expo Eurasia is ready to amaze visitors not only with non-stop negotiations and business meetings, but also interactive areas and activities. These includes a photo zone, a contest with memorable gifts and various interactive sections.

Get your free e-ticket and may your net be full of unforgettable moments of Seafood Expo Eurasia where the best in fisheries meet the world.

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Head to the Highlands for Aquaculture UK

May 8, 2024 - Aquaculture UK returns to Aviemore next week with a bigger than ever exhibition and record crowds expected from around the world.

The biennial show, held over two days from May 14-15, brings together the entire aquaculture community for what has become the highlight in the sector's calendar.

The exhibition has been expanded, both indoors and outside, to accommodate even more exhibitors, and a number of new events will showcase the developments shaping the future of the industry.

As well as the Keynote Programme, beginning on May 14 an headed by Scottish Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon, there will be the inaugural Innovation Theatre, with an international line-up of aquaculture experts focusing on the fast-changing technology transforming the sector.

Also not to be missed is the Institute of Aquaculture's Breakfast Meeting on May 15, featuring an update on the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub being constructed at the University of Stirling campus. Register here for insights, networking opportunities na d a hearty breakfast. 

Excitement is building too, for the official launch of the Young Aquaculture Society, due to take place at Salmon Scotland's AGM in the Macdonald Conference Centre on the Tuesday.

In the extended exhibition space, first-time exhibitors include IMV Technologies, pioneers in hatchery products; Seaweed Farming Scotland, cultivators of native Scottish seaweed species; leading packaging company IIC; processing equipment giant Baader; and, from Japan, Asano Global.

Also new this year are several national and regional delegations, including the Chile Aqua & Food Tech Cluster, the Canada Pavilion, and Killybegs Marine Cluster, while the Danish Pavilion returns with an impressive display of technical expertise.

Outside the main exhibition tent, Shetland based Fluggaboats will show off its E Flugga boat and Evoy propulsion system, the first completely electric coded workboat in the UK, built using renewable energy and currently up for sale.

Migdale Transport is demonstrating its DAF truck and trailer, fitted with a monitored oxygen supply system, for transporting live fish. 

Unique Group will display a range of unmanned surface vessels and a new network-controlled submersible, while Kerr Compressor Engineers is presenting its range of portable compressors available with fuel-efficient engines or electric drive motors.

Other exhibitors with outside displays include AKVA group, Gael Force, OTAQ, HS Marine, Brimmond, and Kito Crosby, which will be exhibiting its mooring systems.

Aquaculture UK is as renowned for its behind-the scenes get-togethers as it is for business, striking a balance, as one seasoned exhibitor said, between 'professional exhibits and the laid-back atmosphere required to enable people to catch up informally'.

Visitors to the show are invited to receptions hosted by the Canada Pavilion (Stand E58) and feed giant Cargill ('eight till late' at the nearby Winking Owl).

And the hotly anticipated Aquaculture Awards 2024 will be presented at a gala dinner on the Wednesday night, presided over by Scottish entertainer Fred Macaulay. A total of 13 prizes will be awarded, celebrating those projects, businesses or individuals making an exceptional contribution to global aquaculture in the past year.

Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said Aquaculture UK 2024 was gearing up to be the best yet.

"The largest aquaculture show in the UK will be even bigger this year, with more exhibitors, more meetings and conferences, more socialising and more visitors.

"With just a week to go, we're packing our bags for the Highlands and looking forward to connecting with old friends and new faces in the world of aquaculture for two days of work and play. See you there!"

For more information, visit HERE.

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Steen-Hansen and Ecolab collaborate to enhance fish welfare and optimise aquaculture

May 7, 2024 - Steen-Hansen, a global market leader on antifouling and coating for aquaculture purposes, and Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water solutions and services, announced the collaboration to further develop Steen-Hansen's NetCare program to jointly address fish welfare through sustainable, innovative solutions, securing biosecurity in a broad aquacultural sector.

Optimised aquaculture plays a vital role in meeting the world's food demand and is recognised as the fastest-growing food production system globally. As an alternative to sea overfishing, it offers a solution to combat the depletion of fish stocks, a key factor driving the current decline in ocean biodiversity. Aquaculture farming in the EU yielded 1.1 million tonnes of aquatic organisms in 2021, worth €4.2 billion.

Norway's production exceeds the total EU production in volume, and it is the ninth largest producer globally.

In a collaborative effort, Steen-Hansen and Ecolab are pioneering advancements in aquaculture by improving fish health, reducing cross-contamination and enhancing the output of fish farms. The collaboration is honing the specification of net hygiene through their innovative NetCare program - a comprehensive framework that encompasses specialised training, rigorous procedures, and measurable results for the disinfection of aquaculture nets.

Ecolab's innovative and aquaculturally approved products undergo thorough testing to help ensure they meet industry standards for material compatibility, practical functionality, and effectiveness. This helps promote the highest level of biosecurity and food safety, safeguarding against the rapid growth of biofouling which comprises net integrity and poses significant risks to the health of farmed fish populations.

Steen-Hansen's cutting-edge NetCare certification program represents an important step to solidify an end-to-end hygienic process for the maintenance of fish farm nets. This robust regime of cleaning, disinfection and coating is more than a procedure - it's a pivotal line of defence. It is instrumental in preventing the cross-contamination of pathogens between fish farms, a crucial step in adverting potential mass fatalities within farmed fish communities.

"Strengthening biosecurity measures for fish farms has become one of the most important challenges for sustainable growth in this industry, and we see the need for holistic approach to improve welfare. Being able to supply compatible technologies, training and quality assurance has long been the goal for Steen-Hansen, and together with the extensive competency and portfolio of Ecolab we can fulfil an important solution for our customers.", said Ulrik Ulriksen, CEO, Steen-Hansen.

"Product stewardship is paramount to Ecolab in every aspect of our global operations. We strive to make a positive impact across our actions and products" said Lars-Martin Haugbers, Head of Sales, Norway & Finland, Ecolab. "By collaborating with Steen-Hansen, which represents a holistic, steadfast approach to fish welfare, we help secure the stewardship further."

Steen-Hansen and Ecolab are committed to helping advance aquaculture practices that cannot only enhance operational efficiency but also help promote the health and longevity of marine life. This collaboration aims at setting new industry benchmarks to deliver a controlled, effective and sustainable model to help safeguard against the proliferation of aquatic diseases.

For more information, visit HERE.

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