From the first PE plastic pen in the 1970s to today’s solutions for deep farming, land-based production and artificial intelligence: for more than 50 years, AKVA group has developed technology together with fish farmers. The goal remains the same – to solve real challenges and contribute to better operations.
In February 1974, the prototype of a PE plastic pen was tested at Lovund Sjøprodukter. The solution would have a major impact on how modern fish farms were built and operated.
More than 50 years later, the challenges are different and the technology far more advanced. Today, AKVA group works across sea-based production, land-based aquaculture and digital solutions, but the starting point remains the same: technology that solves specific challenges for fish farmers.
– If aquaculture is to continue developing, we need to deliver solutions that make production more predictable, more efficient and gentler on the fish. It is about technology that reduces the environmental footprint and solves real operational challenges. This is what Pioneering a better future means to us and to fish farmers, says Knut Nesse, CEO of AKVA group.
A common thread throughout this development is close collaboration with fish farmers and research communities. This applies across sea-based production, land-based aquaculture and digital solutions.
Deeper and more controlled
Deep farming is now an established farming method. In 2014, AKVA group and Sinkaberg (then Sinkaberg-Hansen) launched the Atlantis project, involving large-scale development and testing of submerged salmon farming systems. The experience gained through this collaboration contributed to the development of today’s commercial solution, Nautilus. Nautilus makes it possible to keep the fish deeper in the water column, in an environment with significantly lower sea lice pressure. The result is fewer treatments, more stable conditions and improved fish welfare.
– Good collaboration with fish farmers is essential if we are to solve the challenges facing the industry, says Arnstein Hosaas, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) Sea Based at AKVA group.
From small tanks to large production facilities
On land, AKVA group builds RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) and Reuse systems that provide full control of water, energy, environmental parameters and fish welfare.Innhold 2 legges inn her.
The collaboration with Laxey in the Westman Islands began in 2022 with the construction of Iceland’s first RAS facility for smolt, where more than 99 per cent of the water is recirculated. Since then, the project has expanded to include post-smolt and grow-out production. The facility has been developed step by step, based on local conditions, production requirements and operational experience.
From data to decisions
Digital development has changed how production data can be used.
Operational systems bring data from across the entire facility into a single overview, spanning sites and production methods. Environmental, production and biological data are brought together and used for planning and reporting.
Artificial intelligence is also playing an increasingly important role. An AI-based feeding assistant analyses video streams and recommends feeding adjustments to reduce feed waste and improve feed conversion.
At Tassal in Tasmania, AKVA observe is used as part of daily feeding operations. The experience of the feeding operators – together with their ongoing input and suggestions – also provides valuable insight into how the solution can be further developed.
Underwater systems with cameras, sensors and automatic winches provide continuous insight into biomass, sea lice development and environmental conditions at depth.
Developing the next step together
The challenges facing aquaculture today are different from those faced when the first plastic pen was developed more than 50 years ago. But the way new solutions are created has much in common with those early days. For AKVA group, Pioneering a better future means continuing this development – together with the fish farmers who will use the solutions.