Cermaq recognized for enhancing fish welfare

Cermaq was recognized at the AquaNor fair in Trondheim, Norway, for its enhancement efforts at the Holmvåg fry plant in Steigen, Norway, and the positive outcomes it has produced. "Ensuring the health and welfare of our fish is a fundamental aspect of our operations across all Cermaq companies," says Knut Ellekjær, Cermaq Norway's Managing Director. He adds that good welfare leads to healthy, resilient fish, productive outcomes, and ultimately, financial success. At Cermaq's Holmvåg fry facility in Steigen, the focus is on the initial stages of the salmon life cycle, from egg to fry. The staff's dedication has led to innovative ideas for improving fish welfare. By closely monitoring the behavior of the fry during feeding and adjusting tank hydrodynamics, feed distribution, and water temperature, the team has significantly improved survival rates and fry quality. Marit Mehus, Cermaq Norway's fish health and freshwater manager, explains that these adjustments have led to impressive results. Despite starting with 5% fewer egg grains, the facility still produces the same quantity of fry. Holmvåg is not a new facility, and the fish tanks date back to the late 80s. However, this has not hindered progress or the achievement of excellent results. Mehus emphasizes that the staff's dedication to the fish is crucial, and their efforts have led to significant improvements in fish welfare, even in older facilities. Fish welfare is a priority across all Cermaq operations, with various strategies implemented to optimize fish health and welfare, ensuring the quality and survival of the animals. Through the iFarm development project, Cermaq aims to enhance fish welfare using artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify each fish in a net pen and provide individual care. The Fish Welfare Prize is a new award presented by the Fish Welfare Forum, a joint initiative of the Norwegian Veterinary Institute and the Institute of Marine Research.