For aquaculture to become more sustainable, there must be significant investment in new technology. That requires prospects for growth for aquaculture companies, CCO Ståle Økland in AKVA group believes.
For several years, Økland has served as AKVA group’s Head of Communications and Sustainability. In February, he stepped into the role of Chief Commercial Officer. This was no coincidence, he points out, as market and sales are closely linked to sustainable development:
“In recent years, AKVA group has spent considerable time engaging with politicians, both in the Norwegian Parliament, locally and internationally. In these conversations, we are often met with the perception that the industry must first resolve its sustainability challenges before it can grow. This view is the same in Norway, Chile, Scotland and Canada. And it is true – indeed, absolutely crucial – that the industry tackles sustainability issues such as sea lice, fish health and local environmental impacts. But I believe that growth itself is a prerequisite for achieving this. Without the prospect of new growth, aquaculture companies will not invest in the new and costly technologies that are essential for greater sustainability,” says Økland.
There has been a tremendous technological development in recent years, strongly driven by the supplier industry, which now accounts for more than 40,000 jobs in Norway. Much of this technology production takes place domestically. AKVA group, for example, has seen strong interest in submersible pens. Today, there are more than 200 Nautilus deep farming pens from AKVA group at sea. The results have been very positive, with up to 85 per cent fewer lice treatments required. In some locations, there have been no lice treatments at all.
“It is easy to think that deep farming is something that has been put together quickly, as much of it is based on existing technology. But the development has taken many years, significant investment and involved research, testing and trial and error. We are now finally seeing deep farming become a commercial success and creating optimism among our customers. Without forward-looking fish farmers such as Sinkaberg and later Lerøy, who saw the potential for improved fish health and growth, I doubt they would have invested in the technology.”
AKVA group is also in RAS technology for post-smolt. Often many years pass between planning a project and its completion. This requires predictability and stable framework conditions, but also prospects for growth.
“The very fact that production can be increased through a deliberate and long-term post-smolt strategy makes companies willing to commit to such large investments. It is a win-win for both the economy and sustainability. But it also requires political will, at both the national and local levels.”
He has a clear message to Norwegian politicians after the election: continue to support the further development of the industry.
“A few years ago, politicians spoke a great deal about how much the industry should grow. This discussion seems to have quietened somewhat in recent years. Instead, the focus has largely been on environmental challenges and fish health. That is important, but we must be able to hold two thoughts in mind at once. Growth is, in fact, a prerequisite for improved fish health and sustainability, he concludes.”