Eide Fjordbruk's Watermoon has a new CEO

Roger Sørensen, former CEO of Åkerblå, has been appointed as the new CEO of closed containment aquaculture technology company Watermoon.

Sørensen brings over a decade of experience from fish health and environmental monitoring specialist Åkerblå, ​where he led the company's expansion from 14 to more than 550 employees.

He now takes the helm of Watermoon, a company developed by the family-owned organic salmon farming company Eide Fjordbruk, with the appointment described as “a top-shelf signing” by CEO Sondre Eide.

"Roger has deep insight into both the biological and commercial aspects of the aquaculture industry. He knows the challenges from the inside – and he sees the solutions. The fact that he is now joining Watermoon is a clear sign of how big this project is becoming," Eide said.

Watermoon has developed a submersible, closed, "zero-emission" (i.e. closed containment) system designed to improve fish welfare and reduce environmental impact.

The technology prevents sea lice infestation through physical separation, features enhanced sludge collection capabilities, and includes double-barrier systems to prevent escapes. Four units of the latest version, Watermoon 2.0, have already been ordered, the company said in a press release announcing the appointment.

"I have had an incredibly rewarding journey in Åkerblå, but Watermoon represents something completely new – the most exciting aquaculture project I have seen in my career," Sørensen said.

"This is not just about technology, but about solving the biggest problems in aquaculture while simultaneously raising fish welfare to a whole new level. I simply could not turn down that opportunity," he added.

The timing of the announced appointment was strategic, coinciding with the release of Norway's national aquaculture report, according to Sondre Eide, who stated: "We are sending a clear signal: There is already technology that makes it possible to take a green aquaculture boost in Norway. Watermoon is ready to use – what is now missing is political will."

"If Norwegian aquaculture is to grow further, it must happen with technology that takes responsibility. It is no longer just about volume – it is about footprint. Watermoon shows that it is possible to combine sustainability, good fish welfare and profitability. Now we need the government to facilitate zero-emission technologies," Sørensen added.

"With the right policies, we can capture larger global market shares, reduce our impact on nature, and at the same time strengthen animal welfare. It is the future – and we are ready," he continued.

In response to growing interest and demand, Watermoon has announced plans to expand its leadership team, with new roles including CFO and COO now open for recruitment.