Scientist exchange between SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture and The University of New Hampshire (USA).

SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture (SFH) have had contact with the University of New Hampshire (UNH) since the Open Ocean Aquaculture conference in 2001, where scientist from the two institutions first met. Despite maintaining contact over several years the scientific cooperation has so far been limited. In November 2004 scientists from SFH had a brief visit at UNH with the objective to increase the cooperation between the two institutions. The November meeting between UNH and SFH resulted in a mutual agre ement to stimulate to scientist exchange between the two institutions. The present proposal is the first attempt to do this. The main objectives for the research exchange are: 1. Develop a better understandig of hydrodynamic loads on net structures. In many parts of the world, researchers idependently have identifyed a need to move marine aquaculture operations from near-shore locations to more open ocean sites. This results in a higher degree of exposure to waves, wind and current for the structures, a nd consequently the possibility to assess the wave and current loads on net based aquacultural installations becomes importaint. It is thus vital to understand the hydrodynamic loads acting on net structures, and the suggested research will increase this knowledge. 2. Initiate a working cooperation between UNH and SFH. During his stay, Dr. Lader will focus on initiating a working collaborations between the two institutions. This will include developing joint project proposals, and stimulating to addition al scientist exchange.