Research area

Aquaculture

Breeding and genetics, feed and nutrition, production and sustainability and fish welfare.

The global demand for seafood is growing, and it is within aquaculture that a large potential exists for a growth in production.

Nofima Marin combines knowledge in several disciplines through the entire supply chain to contribute to the production of good, healthy fish for consumers. Our focus is also on ensuring the production is effective, profitable and sustainable for the fish farmer.

Nofima Marin's scientists have had a central role in the progress made by the Norwegian and global aquaculture industry, and we are involved in advancing the development with new species and enhanced production.

Publications from Nofima

None Photo: UMB, Knut Werner Alsén

Relevant news

  • Farmed salmon have heart problems

    18. August 2009

    Almost half of all farmed salmon suffer from inflammation of the heart and nine out of 10 have excess epicardial fat, a fresh Master’s thesis shows.

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Research area within Aquaculture

Breeding and genetics

Much of the development of this salmon larva is already certain. The hereditary information lies in the genes.

The objective of breeding programmes is to create fish strains that are more productive in farming than can be achieved by catching wild broodstock year after year. Experience from Norwegian salmon farming shows that breeding has contributed to enhanced and more profitable production, and that it has given Norway an international competitive advantage.

Feed and nutrition

Since salmon farming started in Norway around 1970, fish feed has undergone rapid development. This progress concerns the production technology, ingredients, knowledge about the fish’s nutritional requirements and feeding.

Production

Nofima Marin develops knowledge which contributes to optimising production conditions for aquaculture species. This involves charting factors and understanding mechanisms which influence mortality, growth, feed utilisation, quality of edible fish and the health and welfare of the animals.

Sustainability and fish welfare

In most respects, good animal welfare is synonymous with good health, good growth and good feed utilisation – or in other words good and cost-effective production. This is the background for the focus on welfare in our research.