Technologies, systems and operational procedures for high-level accuracy in biomass control in large cages (EXACTUS)

The industry's vision for biomass control is ±1% accuracy on salmon average weight, and ±0.1% on the number of fish in the different size classes ready for slaughter (2-3, 3-4kg etc), but the current management and sub-optimality in technology results in significant losses especially related to feeding, logistics and sales. The main objective of EXACTUS is to obtain new knowledge and a basis for more accurate, reliable and user-friendly systems which can approach the industry's vision. The project address the "HAVBRUK, sub-program 4" with a contribution towards increased profitability and value creation in the salmon industry. The monitoring of biomass is a challenging task with a huge and complex system in a constant process of change, and no single inst rument has so far been up to it. The EXACTUS ambition is to gather information from new and existing sensors combined with optimized sampling, and feed this into an intelligent model integrator system. Through this approach the consortium expects that EX ACTUS will provide the necessary tools for a possible quantum leap in biomass control. The process of monitoring will be managed from the farms and there the extent of control becomes evident in logistics and bottom line results. An understanding is neede d of the interaction between operator and equipment and the integration of equipment into a complete management system in a way that facilitates good HSE protocols and well-presented information to decision-makers. The project offers new knowledge which will increase precision in salmon farming and knowledge for the equipment producers to incorporate into possible new products for the global aquaculture market. The multidisciplinary research approach coupled with the thorough experience from market-leadi ng producers provides an extraordinary scene for innovative solutions. Unique candidates will be developed and the aquaculture community is strengthened through the future-oriented base of competence established.