FiiZK to supply semi-closed cage technology to Faroese salmon farmer, Hiddenfjord
When sea lice pose a major threat to salmon production, one solution is to cut the amount of time that fish spend at sea. This is what salmon farmer, Hiddenfjord in the Faroe Islands is aiming to do with our semi-closed containment systems (S-CCS). Our exciting new partnership with Hiddenfjord will see our Certus 15000 being used to grow fish from 650g to 2kg for an average of 5 months at sea. Hiddenfjord have plans to invest in up to 5 S-CCS.
The Certus 15000 model is already in operation in Norway and Canada with partners Cermaq and SinkabergHansen. The companies use the S-CCS for post-smolt production (up to 1kg) or for smolt to harvest (5kg).
This technology prevents sea lice infestations occurring by pumping sea water from approx. 20m deep (or below the sea lice zone) into a PVC bag that is impermeable to the surrounding marine environment. Another major benefit of the S-CCS is predator avoidance. The impermeable bag prevents encounters with those salmon-loving seals and otters which in turn will stop fish becoming stressed or harmed.
The double protection offered by a net fitted inside the PVC bag, and the bag itself, will stop escapes from occurring throughout the production cycle. The Certus range features a sensor network that continuously monitors parameters such as O2, temperature, pH, salinity and turbidity, inside the S-CCS to ensure optimal growing conditions. Optimising growth by closely monitoring and controlling water quality parameters is a huge advantage in these systems. Research has shown that post-smolt salmon grown up to 1kg in S-CCS tend to be more robust when transferred to open-net pens.
Waste capture is essential for protecting the marine environment. Point-source waste can be reduced by either capturing faeces/ uneaten food pellets and pumping up to the cage surface for disposal or by dispersing the waste to the open ocean where the capacity to disperse and assimilate the waste may be a lot greater than in sheltered locations.
FiiZK’s team of engineers and aquaculture specialists ensure that the semi-closed cage technology has our clients at the forefront of design decisions. We work very closely with our clients to optimise cage function, design and operations. But most of all, we care about fish wellbeing and always prioritise fish health and welfare.
FiiZK is also a leading textiles manufacturer and digital software developer for the aquaculture industry and we encourage you to visit our website for further information about the exciting products and services we offer!
To find out what FiiZK can do for you visit https://fiizk.com or email [email protected].
Post written by:
Ashleigh Currie
For more information, visit: https://fiizk.com