The conference Smolt Production of the Future takes place 16-17 October at Nofima's research station, Sunndalsøra, Norway. From left: Sigrun Rødset, Ane Wennevold, Tove-Lise Torve ( Suns), Trine Ytrestøyl, Ingrid Lein and Åsa Espmark (Nofima).
Photo: Terje Aamodt / Nofima.
Aquaculture professionals from around the world are set to gather next month in Sunndalsøra, Norway for the 2024 Smolt Production of the Future conference, organized jointly by leading aquaculture research organization Nofima and regional business development organization Sunndal Næringsselskap.
This biennial event, taking place on October 16-17, is set to bring together up to 300 industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore the latest advancements in smolt production and discuss key challenges affecting fish health and welfare.
The conference, which focuses on smolt production in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and closed sea facilities, will be opened by Norway’s Fisheries and Oceans Minister, Marianne Sivertsen Næss. One of the main highlights of this year's event will be a panel debate examining how collaboration between politics, industry, and research can reduce fish mortality at sea, while addressing whether larger smolt could be a solution.
"The conference started in 2008 when the Norwegian industry gained renewed interest in water recycling in farming. At the same time, research accelerated. Now, in 2024, we know much more about what works for salmon welfare, both from research and practical experience in the industry," said Committee leader Trine Ytrestøyl, a senior researcher at Nofima, in a news release.
"At the conference, we will shed light on the latest insights, and I believe this is one of the best arenas to gain a realistic understanding of where we stand today and which path we should take next," she added.
Key topics discussed will include the impact of different production systems on smolt quality, the role of feed and water quality in RAS, and cutting-edge research into fish physiology. Senior Nofima researcher Bente Ruyter will present her latest findings on the effects of omega-3 on salmon health across both flow-through and RAS—research that marks a first for the industry.
The conference will feature presentations from a range of experts, including researchers from the USA’s Freshwater Institute, a long-standing partner of Nofima. They will present their latest innovations in precision aquaculture, such as biomonitors to assess salmon stress and advanced AI technologies to optimize water quality and efficiency in RAS facilities.
"Our research uses, among other things, machine vision and artificial intelligence to increase the operational efficiency of RAS facilities, and we are very much looking forward to presenting our latest innovations in precision aquaculture to the participants at the conference at Sunndalsøra," said Chris Good, director of research at the institute.
Other topics will include insights into managing the environment in closed facilities to enhance fish welfare. Notably, experts from the University of Bergen and NORCE will present new findings on how light regimes during the hatchery phase influence fish physiology, particularly their kidneys, intestines, and salt balance regulation.
Fish health is another major focus, with particular attention given to nephrocalcinosis, a kidney disease plaguing the farming industry. Christine Klykken from Aqua Kompetance and Ingrid Lein from Nofima will discuss the causes and potential solutions to this disease in salmon and trout.
In addition, Nofima researcher Anja Striberny will present data on different temperature regimes in RAS and flow-through systems, addressing the question of whether the industry may be pushing production too intensively.
Nofima's Sunndalsøra research station on the west coast of Norway, where the conference takes place in October.
As the conference approaches, Ytrestøyl is hopeful for strong participation from both Norwegian and international players, noting that the issues discussed have global significance but are deeply rooted in Norwegian aquaculture practices.
"There is a rapid development towards increased production of large smolt, at the same time as there are challenges with welfare and mortality in the sea. Good smolt quality is part of the solution to these challenges," said Ytrestøyl.
“We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest innovations and practical solutions in the field," Ytrestøyl added. "This is an invaluable opportunity to assess where the industry stands today and what direction we should take to ensure the sustainability and success of smolt production in the future,” she concluded.
For more information and registration, visit www.smoltproduksjon.no/en/.