Large scale farming - at sea

Utilising knowledge of offshore technology, many companies are planning large aquaculture cages that are moored well out to sea, and possibly lowered beneath the lice belt. The cages can be constructed up to eight times as large as today's standard size. 

The facilities will be built as large cages, loosely anchored submersible facilities that can float stably in areas close to the sea at depths of between 100 and 300 metres. Here, the chances of lice infestation are minimal and the biological conditions are perfect for aquaculture on the fishes' terms.

Salmar's design proposals have been trialled at Sintef's aquaculture laboratory under conditions that mimic those of the Frohavet. The trials show that the cages are exposed to much less wear and tear than traditional facilities. At depths of between 100 and 300 metres, the construction floats stably without waves or the wind having any great impact on it. The plan is to set up the first one in Frohavet some time in 2017.

Nordlaks has the ”Havfarm” [Seafarm] under development. 400 metres long and with salmon nets 60 metres deep, and is also aiming for this structure to be located far away from land with the anchorings in line with those used in the offshore industry.

Feed for such facilities will be replenished with the same method that BioMar already uses, pumping from a boat that does not touch the facility itself.