AKVA Group has signed a NOK100 million contract for the delivery to seven locations in Norway of a patented solution to reduce sea lice infestation in salmon.
Through its subsidiary, Egersund Net, AKVA Group has been working on the Tubenet concept since 2012. Lice and salmon are separated by a ‘tube’ in the middle of the pen. The salmon swim up through this ‘lice-free corridor’ to fill the bladder. Inside the tube, which is 60 to 90cm in circumference, the salmon is also fed. Studies have shown Tubenet to reduce infestation by up to 80%.
"Extensive testing over a period of time have shown a significant reduction in lice infestations,” said Hans-Øyvind Sagen, senior vice president, sales & marketing in AKVA group Nordic. “It is a great recognition for AKVA group to deliver Tubenets to several locations in Norway," he added.
Tubenet makes the fish stay at depths where lice presence is minimal. When it heads up to the surface to fill its swim bladder with air, it is protected by the tarpaulin which encircles the tube in the middle, all the way up to the water line.
The customer has also ordered the same Tubenet concept for a location in Scotland. "It will be exciting to see the concept put to use outside of Norway," added Hans-Øyvind Sagen.
