Nofima publishes handbooks to improve salmon welfare during crowding

The Norwegian food research institute Nofima and the Institute of Marine Research have published two handbooks focused on measuring and monitoring salmon welfare during crowding, aimed at helping fish farmers improve and supervise this process.

Nofima describes crowding as one of the most critical processes in successful salmon farming, which occurs when fish are moved or treated, leading to an increase in density and a reduction in available water volume.

The research team has focused its studies on tanks and marine net pens, developing frameworks and tools to monitor and measure welfare before, during, and after crowding. The handbooks also include schemes and metrics for monitoring both above and below the water surface.

Finally, the handbooks present the first version of an underwater crowding intensity risk scale, designed for use by remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operators.

These handbooks were developed as part of the CrowdMonitor project, funded by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund (FHF). Also, Cermaq Norway AS and Grieg Seafood ASA have contributed practical experience to the project and the handbooks.

"We have received many inquiries about this topic, both from the industry in Norway and abroad, so it is clear that there is a need for more information," said Chris Noble, project manager at Nofima.

Nofima just confirmed its joining SalMar's Salmon Living Lab project as a new partner to advance global salmon research and ensure that new knowledge is rapidly applied in the aquaculture industry.