Fish Waste for Profit - Last Chance to Sign Up!

 The 2022 edition of the Fish Waste for Profit webinar kick starts tomorrow - 3rd November 14:00 UTC. Join this session to gain insights on the key topics of Fish Skin. Sign up today to join this year's webinar!

This conference is supported by the Icelandic Ocean cluster, and being moderated by Dr Thor Sigfusson, the founder of the Iceland Ocean Cluster, Fish Waste for Profit will provide you with an opportunity that reaches across our extensive audience in By Product utilisation.

Fish Waste for Profit explores how you can maximise return on investment from potentially discarded parts of the catch that can be turned into high value products for non-food sectors.

This bitesize online conference will deliver an expert panel looking at fish skin and how it can be utilised to create everything from leather and collagen to dog food.

Fish Waste for Profit provides attendees with knowledge on how to maximise their return on investment from potentially discarded parts of the catch that can be turned into high value products for non-food sectors. It is a must attend event for those looking to discover new innovations and industry insights, and to develop relations with key industry stakeholders.

Book now for this free to attend online session and learn from our panel of experts. The conference will deliver case-study-based presentations, selected with the aim of informing attendees about recent industry developments and the 'big business' that fish waste is becoming.

You could be throwing away up to 43% of potential profit that can be generated from otherwise discarded material! Learn how at Fish Waste for Profit!

Book now for this must-attend November webinar HERE!

For details on Fish Waste for Profit 2022, or for any other information, email conferences@mercatormedia.com or call the Events team on: +44 1329 825335

SAIC unlocks new funding to encourage innovation amid economic uncertainty

 The Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has opened a new funding call for collaborative innovation projects, helping the sector to continue with vital research and development as cost-of-living pressures rise.

More than £500,000 will be split between successful project proposals designed to future-proof Scottish aquaculture and support sustainable growth while minimising its environmental impact. Collaborative research teams involving experts from across the sector, along with Scottish Higher Education Institutions are invited to submit their applications before the 7^th December deadline.

SAIC said that ongoing discussions across its network and members point towards a strong pipeline of opportunities that could progress into funded projects, highlighting the importance of research for building resilience against challenges such as the current economic pressures.

In each proposal, research teams must demonstrate meaningful and measurable impact for the sector. They should also align with SAIC's three priority innovation areas: addressing environmental and health challenges, unlocking additional capacity in the sector through new technology or processes to secure sustainable growth, or a focus on shellfish and other non-finfish species. Projects should be ready to begin next spring and must be completed by July 2024.

Recent SAIC-backed collaborations – including three projects valued at a combined £1.1m – involve efforts to use artificial intelligence and imaging technology to support environmental monitoring, as well as research to boost the use of cleaner fish as an effective, sustainable treatment for sea lice.

Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, said: 'Particularly during challenging times, it is important to continue supporting innovation that will help to shape the future of aquaculture. Collaborative research and knowledge sharing is helping to drive the whole sector forward, making it more efficient and more sustainable so that it can continue to fulfil the rising demand for high-quality protein for years to come.

'We look forward to receiving a range of proposals representing all parts of the sector, including initiatives that address the impact of climate change on farming conditions, as well as projects closely linked to the aims of the Farmed Fish Health Framework - a collaboration between the sector and the Scottish Government.

'Scotland has a wealth of expertise and experience in aquaculture to draw upon and we are keen to support initiatives that reflect that, unlocking opportunities that support rural communities, small businesses and a global supply chain.'

For more information and to complete an application form, visit: HERE

New Zealand's first land-based salmon farm

 With the support of the New Zealand Government and backing from the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund, Mount Cook Alpine Salmon will be developing a prototype of New Zealand's first sustainable, land-based salmon farm.

Plans have been unveiled for the construction of a prototype facility in Twizel, Canterbury. Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker attended the launch and visited the freshwater salmon farms, where SFF Futures announced their commitment of $6.7 million over six years to the $16.7 million project.

The facility will be designed to optimise energy use through gravity-fed water and integrating renewable and low-energy solutions, differing from how most overseas land-based farms use a recirculated water system. It's also planned to be a 1000 tonne hybrid structure that will use a part flow-through system to emulate the unique conditions of the glacial-fed canals.

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Board Chairman, Sir Bill English, says it is an exciting project.

'Mt Cook Alpine Salmon pioneered salmon farming in the hydro-canals in 1992. It is very fitting that it will continue to lead the way with this innovative approach to a land-based farm. A successful pilot will see the opportunity to scale up and to later replicate the proven concept, with huge potential overseas,' says Sir English.

The location of the farm had yet to be determined but would be within either the Mackenzie or Waitaki Districts.

Steve Penno, MPI's director of investment programmes, says that internationally there are over 70 land-based salmon projects either in their planning stage, under construction, or already in operation.

'Mt Cook Alpine Salmon already has international expertise in building land-based salmon farms within its aquaculture division and will harness this knowledge. They'll also consult with global experts to design the advanced water management system.'

The featured image is a concept illustration of what the land-based farm may look like.

About Mt Cook Alpine Salmon

A leading producer of freshwater King Salmon in New Zealand and the first salmon farm in Australiasia to be BAP (Best Aquaculture Practice) rated.

The company operates five salmon farms in the unique glacier-fed hydro-canals that run through the Mackenzie and Waitaki districts. The also own two hatcheries with shares in a third along with a large primary processing plant in Timaru and a secondary one in Christchurch where it produces its popular Aoraki smoked product range.  

To find out more visit HERE.

Ace Aquatec gets onboard with Greek distributor Stamatiou

 Aquaculture technology specialists Ace Aquatec have appointed Stamatiou Aquaculture as their distributor of their award-winning in-water electric stunners in Greece. 

Image credit: Joi Ito on Flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

As the EU's largest producers for farmed sea bass and gilthead sea bream, exported to over 42 countries, this partnership will accelerate Greece's adoption of newer, higher welfare technology at the point of harvest.  Ace Aquatec's in-water electrical stunner has a 100 percent stun rate and an impressive record of reducing stress at harvest, making it well-equipped to meet increasing consumer demand in the region for improved husbandry and higher levels of animal welfare.

With over 30 years' experience in the aquaculture industry and an established client network, Stamatiou Aquaculture is well-placed to share expertise with fish farmers interested in improving welfare standards and quality control at harvest. 

Ace Aquatec's Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Tara McGregor-Woodhams, says, 'Demand has increased three-fold for our in-water stunners this year as supermarkets, consumers and regulators demand clearer efficacy around the slaughter of seabass and bream. Establishing a partnership with Stamatiou, who build state-of-the-art vessels for over 70 percent of the industry in the Mediterranean, means we can work together to equip these amazing boats at the outset with the best technology to improve welfare without compromising efficiency.'

Stamatiou Aquaculture's CEO Mr. Kyriakos Stamatiou adds, 'Sea bass and sea bream are known for being particularly sensitive to suboptimal farming and harvesting conditions. We have always championed technology that will allow seafood to be harvested more humanely, so it's great to be working with Ace Aquatec to incorporate their innovative solution in our designs.

"This partnership heralds a significant advancement in harvesting standards in the region.'

Earlier this month, Ace Aquatec appointed Pisces as their key distributor in North, Central and South America. The newly formed partnership supplies the in-water electrical stunner to its customers across the Americas, where fish welfare and ethical practices have moved to the top of the agenda for many producers, supermarkets and consumers.

For more information about Ace Aquatec visit the website, HERE.

Introducing MinGro+: Less Application, More Performance

 Blue Aqua launches the second generation of its first ever Mineral product for aquaculture water balance – MinGro.

First sold in India in 2010, MinGro became a household name amongst Indian shrimp farmers for being one of the first bioavailable mineral products that effectively managed their pond water quality to substantially improve productivity. To date, the company has manufactured more than 24,000 tons of MinGro being supplied to shrimp farmers across Asia.

MinGro+: A Superior Mineral Supplement and Environmental Modulator

MinGro+ is specially developed to provide bioavailable forms of essential minerals and ions into pond water for shrimp to absorb directly from the water across gills and other membranes. Important nutrients in MinGro+ help to promote the growth of beneficial organisms in ponds such as plankton and benthos.

• 20% lower application rate
• Higher bioavailable mineral content
• Can be used as a feed additive to improve mineral deficiency in aquatic animals
• Increase bioavailable mineral contents in the pond ecosystem
• Improve the osmoregulation process in cultured organisms
• Increase the production of natural live food organisms 
• Minimize pH fluctuation through natural productivity management

MinGro+ Grand Launch in India

The grand launch was held in Amalapuram, Palakollu, and Bhimavaram, India. Jointly organised with distributor RDL Group in September 2022.

'The event was a grand success, after the hiatus in the market, we are more than glad to meet with our loyal customers in India in person again. MinGro+ was developed not only based on Blue Aqua's years of expertise in shrimp ecology, but also with the valuable feedback from all of the shrimp farmers we work with.' – Dr. Farshad Shishehchian, CEO & Founder, Blue Aqua International Group.

We recognise that sustaining our future means more than building productive aquaculture farms. It means hiring passionate people, investing in our shared future, and championing and celebrating farmers.

MinGro+ is the first out of a new range of products to be rolled out in India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.

For more information go HERE.

Benchmark in search of six new scientists to boost its global genetics department

Global leader in aquaculture genetics and breeding, Benchmark Genetics, is significantly expanding in areas of strategic importance to the company's mission to drive sustainability in aquaculture. The company's six vacancies include a new leadership position for its salmon breeding programs, as well as recruitment to strengthen its innovation activities in gene editing, sterility, and molecular genetics, and its genetic services team.

The six new recruits will join the existing team of more than 20 geneticists and technical experts working on in-house and external breeding programmes, and in active R&D projects. Operating breeding programmes for three species in six countries worldwide, the company is genuinely international, reflecting the location of the new positions in Norway, Iceland and the UK.

Leadership position for the Atlantic salmon programmes

A fundamental part of the in-house selective breeding expertise relates to Atlantic Salmon. To lead the team optimising the performance and dissemination of elite salmon strains, Benchmark is hiring a Head of Breeding Programs Salmon to be located at the headquarters in Bergen, Norway.

"Benchmark holds a leading position and continues to expand in the global salmon egg market. The new senior role offers a unique opening for a motivated candidate to coordinate our three programmes: SalmoBreed, StofnFiskur and SagaChile. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration across the company to ensure optimum dissemination of high-quality salmon eggs to the global markets", says Dr Morten Rye, Director of Genetics, to whom this position will report.

R&D positions for gene editing and sterility projects

Benchmark Genetics has an active R&D program with extensive internal and external collaboration. The company is now looking to strengthen R&D programs in strategic areas, consolidating the company's position at the forefront of key emerging technologies within aquaculture genetics. Two positions, based in Edinburgh or Iceland, are part of an expanding Reproductive Biotechnology program that links gene editing research with reproductive biology and sterility. Building on Benchmark's excellent track record in reproductive technologies such as cryopreservation and year-round production, this program will develop and implement scalable methods for sterility and gene editing.

Dr Ross Houston, Director of Innovation in Benchmark Genetics, explains:

"We see gene editing technology as having the potential to develop new products which can have breakthrough impacts to improve sustainable aquaculture production, reduce environmental impact, and improve animal health."  

"In the coming years, we aim to develop disease-resistant and sterile salmon, including via pertinent applications of emerging technologies such as gene editing. Benchmark is currently involved in collaborative R&D in gene editing, for example, to develop resistance to sea lice in Atlantic salmon. Part of the purpose of these positions is to bring outputs from such projects to market. We will also translate these technologies and methods to shrimp, tilapia, and potentially other species"

External genetics services role with a strategic focus

In addition to its in-house programmes, Benchmark is a global leader in providing external breeding programmes for many aquatic species worldwide, and this is a strategic area of growth. The company seeks a motivated candidate to provide consultancy services, including developing and supervising optimised broodstock management and selective breeding programmes.

"A crucial part of the role is to build strong relationships with clients and provide leading services that reflect each client's priorities and available resources. This is vital for sustainable aquaculture production and development in many regions of the world", explains Dr Rye.

Strengthening Benchmark's genomics capability

The final position is a part of Benchmark's new Molecular Genetics program, which focuses on developing optimised genotyping and genomics solutions for our internal breeding programs, and external genetic services. Located in Edinburgh, UK, this position will include laboratory work and computational analyses.

"The successful candidate will contribute to implementing cost-effective genotyping solutions for genomic selection, parentage assignment, and assessment of genetic diversity. These are important contributions to our R&D projects and to expand our Genetic Services offering to the aquaculture industry", concludes the Director of Innovation in Benchmark.

For more information about the positions, click HERE

Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod adopts welfare focused technology in regional first

Aquaculture technology specialists Ace Aquatec and their Australian distributor Fresh by Design have signed a first-of-its kind deal with Aquana Sustainable Murray Cod to build and install an in-water electrical stunner for cod in the APAC region.

In a trailblazing moment for Australian fish farming, the introduction of the company's innovative in-water stunning technology, which has a demonstrable track record of reducing stress to fish at the point of harvest, will help facilitate Murray Cod's commitment to humane farming processes, as well as contribute towards furthering ethical practices in the region.  

 

Mat Ryan, Managing Director of Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, said: 'At Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod fish welfare is of the utmost importance to us and we are excited to be able to use the stunning equipment from Ace Aquatec that allows us to maximise the fish welfare outcomes from our harvesting process. This means that fish will not be handled at all until post stunning during the harvest process which also significantly reduces our labour requirements and minimises any injury risk to staff.' 

 

Ace Aquatec's Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Tara McGregor-Woodhams, added: 'With the theme of humane harvesting continuing to dominate discussions globally, we are excited to see Murray Cod's highly skilled production team adopt our in-water stunning technology as a core element in their processing strategy.  This will enhance their quality and welfare first promise to their customers.' 

 

Australian supplier Fresh by Design, appointed by Ace Aquatec as their first distributor in the APAC region earlier this year will supply and install the cod stunning system and also provide ongoing servicing and support with comprehensive advice on its implementation.  

 

Fresh by Design General Manager, Lachlan Bassett said: 'This is a key milestone for fish welfare in Australia with Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod the first producer to implement the Ace Aquatec in-water stunning system for cod. We are proud to be involved with this project and to provide our support to Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod'. 

 

Over the last few years, Ace Aquatec has become a global technology provider with offices in the UK, Norway, North America and Chile. They have also provided a number of global installations in Japan, Canada, and New Zealand.