Deep farming is a new operating method for many fish farmers, where fish are kept submerged at greater depths to reduce sea lice exposure and provide more stable conditions. Experience from those who have taken this step shows that the solution works and can be implemented predictably when expertise, routines and support are in place. For AKVA group, deep farming is about exactly this: experience in practice and close follow-up in operations.

Sinkaberg is the company with the most experience in deep farming. Today, all fish are operated either in deep farming systems or other forms of shielding, and deep farming has become a natural part of everyday operations across the organisation.

"For us, this is not about trying something new, but about further developing something we know works," says Tronn-Ove Øren, Project Manager for Development at Sinkaberg.

Documented operational experience

Operational experience shows that conditions at depth are stable, with fewer external forces acting on the structure. At the same time, deep farming places high demands on precise rigging and well-established routines. Results to date have been very positive.

Growth, feed conversion ratio and production efficiency are at normal levels. The most significant difference is the reduced need for delousing. Fish are exposed to fewer treatments, which lowers stress and delivers clear benefits for fish welfare.

Conditions do, however, vary between sites. Local current conditions can in some cases cause mixing of the water column, pushing sea lice deeper and affecting the overall effect.

AKVA groupDeployment of an air dome in a Nautilus pen. Photo: AKVA group

Experience shows that it is the interaction between technology, site conditions and operations that determines the results. The learning curve is steepest during start-up, before operations become more efficient as routines are established.

400 pens deployed

So far, around 400 Nautilus units from AKVA group have been deployed, in collaboration with leading salmon farmers, as well as with Ode in commercial deep farming of cod. More than 25 deep farming production cycles have been harvested.

These experiences have helped build the expertise that AKVA group now supports its customers with in daily operations.

"Deep farming can deliver both higher survival rates and improved fish welfare. We are talking about fish that have remained at depth and have not been handled from stocking to harvest. This shows that the potential is significant," says Svein-Gustav Sinkaberg, CEO of Sinkaberg.

AKVA group
Arnstein Hosaas visiting various fish farmers. Photo: AKVA group

Planning creates control

Experience also shows that robust routines are essential for success with deep farming.

"Deep farming can feel more demanding in the early stages. Once routines are in place, we see that operations can be carried out efficiently," says Arnstein Hosaas, CIO at AKVA group.

Deep farming facilities can be installed within standard mooring frameworks, without the need for specially adapted service vessels, provided that operational routines are well established.

Collaboration enables better operations

The development of deep farming has taken place through close collaboration between fish farmers and suppliers. As with other solutions, continuous adjustments and adaptations to equipment and working methods have gradually simplified operations.

Deep farming continues to be developed through close cooperation between AKVA group and fish farmers, where technology is tested in practical operations. This work forms part of the company’s contribution to more sustainable aquaculture – Pioneering a better future.

"We improve with every stocking. It is about learning as we go, making adjustments and building expertise throughout the entire operations organisation," says Øren.

AKVA group
Nautilus submerged with air dome at approximately 25–60 metres depth. Photo: AKVA group

Investing in deep farming as a solution for cod

Ode, which has now harvested its first cod production cycle in submersible Nautilus pens, also highlights operational experience as a decisive factor.

"Deep farming provides stable conditions for the fish and better production control. Experience from the first commercial harvest shows good welfare and high fish quality. It takes time to master a new operating method, but with experience the work becomes easier," says Andor Bjerke, Operations Manager at Ode.

Submersible pens are a natural step towards strengthening fish welfare, sustainability and product quality, and Ode is now planning to stock Nautilus pens at two new sites during 2026.

Confidence is built over time

Both Sinkaberg and Ode describe deep farming as a distinct way of operating aquaculture, not merely a technical solution. As experience and routines are built over time, uncertainty is gradually reduced.