The Future of Aquaculture
As the world population grows, the future calls for greater food production than present day. To succeed, a greater proportion of the food should stem from the sea. Salmon farming may become one of the solutions to the world’s growing need for food.
To create sustainable growth within the industry, SalMar is now looking to the great ocean. Moving the fish farms further from land makes available vast new areas for salmon production, while at the same time strengthening fish welfare and reducing environmental impacts.
In this installation, you get to explore how SalMar developed Ocean Farm 1, a pen of gigantic proportions. You also get to meet the current industry workers, and perhaps you are just the person who will be working on the Ocean Farm 1 in the future?
Offshore Farming
Ocean Farm 1
Aquaculture companies contributing to making the industry more sustainable through technological advances, may apply for governmental research and development concessions. SalMar was the first company granted such a permit, resulting in Ocean Farm 1.
Ocean Farm 1 is the world’s first offshore farm. It is located in the Fro sea, outside of Trøndelag, further offshore than any other fish farm. Here, the weather can be harsh, with waves reaching more than 12 meters high. The facility is fully automated, controlled by three operators. The farm can be remotely controlled from land in bad weather, and is equipped with a range of sensors, monitoring the fish and the environment inside and outside of the pen. The Ocean Farm 1 has, in many ways, become a gigantic laboratory for future aquaculture.
Offshore Farming
Unparalleled engineering expertise
Designing structures to withstand salt water over time is demanding in itself. Further, add the power and unpredictability of the seas, with potential for waves large enough to engulf big apartment blocks, and you have plenty to trouble your mind with.
Ocean Farm 1 is world-class engineering. Professionals from both the petroleum and aquaculture industries have come together in developing a structure no one has ever seen before. The project contributes experiences and solutions, marking the start of a new era in sustainable production of seafood.
Offshore Farming
Enormous dimensions
Ocean Farm 1 was constructed at a shipyard in China, where a total of 1000 workers spent a year welding the enormous construction. The offshore farm is 68 meters tall with a 110-meter diameter. It is huge! In comparison, the Hurtigrute ship Kong Harald is 122 m long and stands roughly 25 meters above sea level. Consider that next time you see it dock!
Ocean Farm 1 holds 1.6 million salmon. That is eight times more than in the traditional pens. Production is based on the salmons’ premises, and they enjoy plenty of space and fresh water far out at sea.
The Future Fish Farm Workers
Who are they?
In the future, we need to harvest a greater proportion of our food from the oceans. SalMar believes that fish farming further seawards is part of the solution to the world’s ever-growing demands for food. The open ocean harbors greater natural forces than coastal areas, demanding smart solutions. Aquaculture in the future will require bright minds in all stages of production. Who are these promising youngsters, taking aquaculture into the new era? Where do you see yourself in this adventure?
PRESS the icons below to find out more about the professions.
-
Tone IngebrigtsenFish Health Manager -
Trond-Erik KristiansenFarm Technician -
Kristine AarnesHatchery Technician -
Charlotte WinjeRemote Feed System Operator -
Ragnhild Mette KajanderTechnical Logistics Coordinator -
Kevin HarrigService Vessel Operator -
Stian IversenTeam Manager – Feeding Center -
Olav Andreas BekkenSales Associate -
Orinta CiuldyteProduction worker – Processing -
Egil OlsenConstruction Operator – Ocean Farm 1 -
Anders Ree KirkevoldService Engineer – Kongsberg Maritime
The fish health manager’s responsibility is to ensure good fish health and general welfare, all the way from roe to processing plant. The manager works in close collaboration with other managers, contributing to important decision-making. Part of the job is disease prevention and initiating treatment when necessary.
I find it motivating working in a flexible, progressive and knowledge-based industry, always changing and developing.
- Tone Ingebrigtsen
The farm technician is responsible for the salmon while in the sea pens. The technician’s primary task is to ensure fish welfare and that the facility is in optimal condition. They measure and control growth, monitor sea lice and maintain equipment.
I love my job because I work in a company with great development opportunities.
- Trond-Erik Kristiansen
The hatchery technician ensures the welfare of the fish, from egg to smolt, when it is ready for transfer to the farm facilities. The main responsibilities include confirming a healthy environment and providing sufficient amounts of food. Everyday tasks comprise care and feeding, as well as controlling the water quality and technical equipment.
Here, no day is the same. Every day, we work together to continuously improve and better ourselves and our work.
- Kristine Aarnes
The feed operator is situated in the feeding center on Senja, remotely feeding the salmon on the farms in both Troms and Finnmark. Underwater cameras allow the operator to easily track the salmon underway, optimizing the feeding by discontinuing it as soon as the salmon are full. Using advanced technology, the operator may feed 12 pens at the same time – a total of 2,4 million salmon!
It excites me to be part of the solution to the industry’s challenges!
- Charlotte Winje
As a logistics coordinator of the technical aspects of the farm facilities, the main task is to ensure the condition and formal requirements of the gear. The coordinator maintains documentations and certifications, and plans, carries out and follows up environmental tests and analyses.
I am motivated by working for a progressive company and an industry with continuous growth, and where no day is the same!
- Ragnhild Mette Kajander
Service vessel operators perform a number of different tasks for the fish farmers. The vessels are required for cleaning and servicing the gear, and for inspecting the moorings. Remote controlled underwater robots with mounted cameras are important tools for every day duties.
A great work environment and sense of togetherness makes the day.
- Kevin Harrig
The manager at the feeding center is responsible for optimizing the feeding. They monitor the fish development and how the feed consumption changes throughout the season. The manager is also responsible for the cooperation between the sea farms and the land-based facilities, ensuring efficient execution of tasks.
There are no dull moments, and I enjoy that every day is like a leg of the 50 km cross-country team relay!
- Stian Iversen
The sales associate is in daily contact with customers and clients in various markets and keeps a record of which goods they may wish to purchase. The seller’s task is to ensure that the fish is sold at a good price and at the right times. Thus, they keep close overview of how much fish is processed and how much is dispatched to customers.
We are proud to sell such a quality product to our customers!
- Olav Andreas Bekken
The production worker at the processing plant is responsible for the salmon from the moment they enter the plant after harvesting, until it is packaged and ready for shipment. The production worker alternates between different zones; bleeding, filleting, packaging, stacking and freezing.
Good work colleagues and diverse tasks make my day meaningful!
- Orinta Ciuldyte
The construction operator is working on the operation of the Ocean Farm 1 facilities at sea. The job includes feeding salmon and cleaner fish, collecting fish samples, inspection using underwater robots, and maintenance of gear. In addition, the job involves optimization of systems and equipment, as well as developing solutions in partnership with suppliers.
I get to be part of the technological development, which will give us many new insights into both the biology and behavior of salmon.
- Egil Olsen
The service engineer works on subsea systems by Kongsberg Maritime. This involves work at facilities across the globe, including Ocean Farm 1. The engineer is responsible for the commissioning, operational service and further development of the subsea systems. General tasks are software development and testing of sensors collecting information in and around the farm.
I enjoy my work because it is varied and involves meeting with a number of interesting people and professions.
- Anders Ree Kirkevold
