Nofima conference to spotlight future of smolt production

NORWAY – The Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (Nofima) and Sunndal Næringsselskap AS are gearing up to host the highly anticipated Future of Smolt Production Conference on October 16-17, 2024, in Sunndalsøra, Norway. 

Aiming to explore the latest advancements in smolt production, the conference brings together global industry experts to address the challenges and opportunities in this critical phase of salmon farming.

This year’s conference promises to provide valuable insights into key questions such as: should smolt, the young salmon raised before sea transfer, be grown larger on land to perform better in marine environments?

Smolt is integral to the success of salmon farming, and as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) gain prominence, the conference will delve into this evolving production model. 

The event will feature cutting-edge research and industry trends, thoroughly examining sustainable smolt production techniques, particularly in RAS and closed sea facilities.

Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss will open the conference, setting the stage for a series of presentations from industry leaders. 

A focal point of the discussions will be a debate on how policy, industry, and research can collaborate to reduce smolt mortality rates in the sea. As smolt size becomes a growing topic, the conference will explore whether larger smolt could be a key part of the solution.

A platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing

The Future of Smolt Production Conference has grown into a vital event since its inception in 2008 when the Norwegian aquaculture industry renewed its interest in recycling water. 

Research into this practice has advanced rapidly since then, significantly improving salmon welfare. 

Senior Scientist Trine Ytrestøyl, who chairs the conference’s organizing committee, emphasized the event’s importance: “In 2024, we know much more about what works for salmon welfare, both from research and practical experience. This conference is one of the best arenas for gaining a realistic understanding of where we stand today and which path we should take next.”

One of the exciting new additions to this year’s conference is a dedicated session on feed and feeding in RAS, focusing on water quality and fish health. Nofima’s Senior Scientist, Bente Ruyter, will present the latest research comparing flow-through systems feeds versus RAS feeds. 

Ruyter’s work looks at how omega-3 influences salmon health in these two systems, marking a significant step forward in understanding nutritional impacts in different production environments.

Exploring light regimes, precision aquaculture, and smolt welfare

Key research topics at the conference include managing the environment in closed systems to optimize fish welfare. Presenters Tom Ole Nilsen from the University of Bergen and Marius Takvam from NORCE will offer insights into how the light regime during the hatchery phase affects smolt physiology, particularly the fish’s kidneys, intestines, and osmoregulation.

The conference will also feature notable contributions from international experts. Nofima is hosting three scientists from The Freshwater Institute in the USA, a long-time research collaborator in RAS production. 

These experts will present their latest findings on precision aquaculture technologies, biomonitors for stress assessment, and water quality optimization in recirculation systems. 

Chris Good, Director of Research at The Freshwater Institute, highlighted the innovative nature of their research: “Our research utilizes computer vision and artificial intelligence to increase operational efficiency in RAS facilities. We look forward to presenting our latest innovations at the conference.”

Another important question that will be addressed at the conference is whether smolt production is becoming too intensive. Anja Striberny from Nofima will present data comparing different temperature regimes in RAS and flow-through systems. 

The findings will offer valuable insights into how different environmental conditions impact fish welfare, potentially influencing future production strategies.

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