Blue Lice - PES H2020 SME Instrument phase 1

Current sea lice infestation levels are severely threatening the world's salmon production. Biological boundaries need to be addressed to approach the goal of achieving a five-fold increase of production in Norwegian aquaculture over the next 35 years. Updated market estimates indicate yearly costs and losses to the tune of NOKbn 15 (EURbn 1.5) from sea lice, creating a market for technical solutions of more than NOKbn 5 (EURbn 0.5). While a series of methods have been developed related to treatment, avoidance and suppression, most of the focus has been on reactive and damage-reducing measures. Blue Lice propagates instead a preventive method that will catch sea lice before it can cause damage. Blue Lice's patent-pending system prevents sea lice before it affects the salmon. The company's solution also aims to improve fish welfare while increasing the quality and production rate. To summarize, Blue Lice is working to attract, capture and contain sea lice before it is infecting the fish. The Feasibility Study will summarize tasks and activities related to risk assessment, market study, user involvement, Intellectual Property (IP) management, innovation strategy development, partner search and feasibility of concept. In addition, work during phase 1 is expected to significantly increase the ability to successfully address the H2020 SME Instrument phase 2 program during 2018. A unique trap design and a special arrangement of factors that attract sea lice open for a highly scalable and low-cost solution. Based on prototype testing in a live environment (cages/pens) together with Bremnes Seashore and Marine Harvest in 2017, we assess the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to be at 6. Representing a "ground-breaking concept that could shape new markets or disrupt existing ones in Europe and worldwide" Blue Lice should be fully in line with program objectives.