Effective Sea Lice Solution

Framo AquaStream is a pumping system that can be used in any pen with a lice skirt. The new technology was tested last year, and the results are excellent: better growth, improved quality, lower mortality, and, notably, the fish were produced without a single delousing.

“We developed Framo AquaStream with the goal of improving fish health, reducing mortality, and enhancing fish quality. The tests show that the technology delivers on all fronts. We are extremely pleased to contribute to good fish health and create results for Norwegian aquaculture companies,” says Terje Ljones, Director of Framo Aquaculture.

90% Superior Grade

Northern Lights Salmon and Sørrollnesfisk tested a new pen concept against sea lice last year, where Framo AquaStream was a key element. When the fish were slaughtered in autumn 2023, over 90% were superior grade, with growth rates of EGI 108-117 and a biological feed conversion ratio of 1.04-1.10. These promising results encourage the companies to invest in new releases for the summer.

Important Water Flow

Lice skirts generally help reduce the lice problem, but they also reduce water flow in the pen. With more still water and less oxygen, water quality deteriorates, affecting both fish health and welfare due to poor removal of waste and reduced oxygen availability.

Framo AquaStream pumps large volumes of water from the depths below the algae and lice zones, bringing in water with the right oxygen levels and temperature—free from lice or algae. The improved water flow makes the fish more active and increases their appetite.

Many Benefits

The battle against sea lice costs the aquaculture industry around 13 billion NOK annually. Using lice skirts and Framo’s pumping system results in fewer delousings, which stress the fish less. There is also less use of chemicals and reduced reliance on cleaner fish.

Framo AquaStream also ensures a more consistent water temperature in the pens. In summer, it pumps fresh, oxygen-rich temperate water. In winter, it pumps warmer water to the cold surface. This reduces the risk of winter sores and provides the best possible growth conditions for the salmon.

“Framo AquaStream can be installed in all existing pens along the Norwegian coast and works excellently without the need for specially designed solutions,” says Terje Ljones.

Framo is a world-leading supplier of quality pumps for the maritime and offshore industries. This technology has been further developed and tailored for use in aquaculture facilities.

Facts: Framo AquaStream

• A complete pumping system, particularly useful in combination with lice skirts.
• Framo AquaStream provides better supply and distribution of fresh water to aquaculture pens.
• The two-meter-diameter pump sits in the center of the pen and can be used in both existing and new pens of any kind.
• AquaStream pumps fresh, lice-free water from a depth of 20-25 meters to the upper water layers.
• The system has a capacity of 20-25,000 cubic meters per hour and can replace all the water inside the lice skirt every hundred minutes.
• Integrated into Framo AquaStream is an SR2000 thruster, duct tunnel with nozzle tower, strainer, float, and control system.