KVAL: Next Generation Smolt-Verification

Oppdrettsnæringen er i rask utvikling og utgjør blant de største industriene i Norge. En kritisk fase av lakseoppdrett er smoltifiseringsprosessen, hvor fisken gjennomgår fysiologiske og morfologiske endringer for å tilpasse seg et liv i sjøvann. Korrekt verifisering av smoltstatus er viktig, både av dyrevelferdsmessige og økonomiske årsaker. Prosjektet "Verifisering av Smoltstatus" ønsker å muliggjøre et nytt sett av smoltifiserings-markører for industrien. Markørene kan presist predikere sjøvannstoleranse og er tiltenkt brukt for å synkronisere denne toleransen med sjøutsett.

Outcome: Through collaborations with industry/KOLs/authorities, this initiative will be in position to further develop this tool/service for the industry. Impact: There is lack of consensus in the industry relating to smoltification. This tool aims to harmonize this process. Due to increased focus on sustainability and animal welfare, the tool will provide a competitive advantage for industry. We aim to be part of this solution and a proof of quality; that the fish farmers have carefully handled their juvenile fish, ultimately translating into improved fish-health and a more sustainable industry.

The aquaculture sector has developed into a major industry in coastal areas and is one of the largest industries in Norway. A critical and challenging segment of the salmonid farming is the smoltification process. This is a transformational event where juvenile fish adapted to fresh water transform into seawater-ready fish called smolt. Lack of successful smoltification is a contributing factor to the high mortality rates that is seen following seawater transfer. Moreover, surviving fish may suffer from welfare issues and inadequate growth. This initiative seeks to provide measures to improve smolt fitness in seawater by ensuring optimal smolt quality at the point of seawater transfer. We propose a next-generation smolt-verification tool to be utilized in the smoltification process. We here present a set of superior and precise markers that can predict seawater performance and can be used to synchronize the seawater readiness with seawater transfer. This robust tool focuses on long-term salmonid growth and welfare in seawater. This initiative has gained funding for scientific documentation and validation; however, commercial support is a prerequisite for market validation. This Qualification Project will investigate the necessary industry alliances and regulatory adherence crucial for the success of this novel tool.