Research on fish in RAS at Nofima

Summary

This video script discusses the significance of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in both Norway and globally. It highlights Nofima's pioneering role in developing RAS research infrastructure, offering various research opportunities, including monitoring environmental conditions and testing the effects of different pathogens and disinfectants. The flexibility and precision of RAS facilities are emphasized, as well as their importance for sustainable aquaculture and local food production. The script showcases Nofima's investments in independent RAS facilities and the research that drives innovation in the aquaculture industry for future advancements.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nofima pioneered recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) research infrastructure in Norway, establishing advanced research facilities.
• 😀 The research facilities have over 50 tanks of varying sizes, closely resembling industrial setups, allowing for precise control of water environments.
• 😀 RAS offers a flexible and sustainable method for aquaculture production, with full control over input factors like water quality and fish health.
• 😀 Nofima's RAS infrastructure allows for experimentation with ozone and carbon dioxide thresholds for salmon, important for fish welfare and system efficiency.
• 😀 Research includes testing the effectiveness of different disinfectants on fish health in RAS, crucial for disease management in aquaculture.
• 😀 Independent RAS systems have been set up in Tromsø and Sunndalsøra, enabling isolated research on specific conditions and variables.
• 😀 Nofima's research has explored the effects of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria on fish health within RAS, enhancing biosecurity practices.
• 😀 The systems also investigate methods for eliminating pathogens using various disinfectant products, improving overall fish health management.
• 😀 The infrastructure's flexibility allows for testing larger fish in separate tanks, with modular designs that can be easily adapted to different research needs.
• 😀 RAS technology is essential for the future of sustainable aquaculture, supporting local food production while maintaining environmental responsibility.

Q & A

What is recirculation aquaculture, as mentioned in the script?

Recirculation aquaculture is a production method used in fish farming, where water is continuously filtered and reused in a controlled environment to raise fish. It allows for higher precision in monitoring and managing water conditions.

How does Nofima contribute to recirculation aquaculture research?

Nofima has been a leader in Norway, providing research infrastructure for recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). Their facility, with over 50 tanks of various sizes, enables precise control of water environments and testing of different aquaculture systems.

What kind of infrastructure does Nofima have for recirculation aquaculture research?

Nofima has a research facility with over 50 tanks, including a flexible RAS system that mimics industrial-scale production while maintaining high precision in monitoring water quality and fish health.

Why is flexibility important in recirculation aquaculture systems?

Flexibility is crucial because it allows researchers to tailor the setup to different experimental needs. It enables testing under varied conditions, such as different fish sizes or water quality parameters, ensuring comprehensive research.

Can you provide an example of the research Nofima conducts in recirculation aquaculture?

One example of Nofima’s research includes testing the effects of ozone and carbon dioxide on salmon in recirculation systems, as well as evaluating various disinfection products to maintain fish health.

What are the benefits of using separate tanks for certain experiments?

Using separate tanks allows for controlled experiments where each system operates independently, ensuring more accurate and isolated results. This is particularly useful when testing specific variables like pathogens or water treatments.

How does Nofima's research help in combating pathogens in recirculation aquaculture?

Nofima’s research includes testing the effects of viruses and bacteria on RAS and investigating methods for pathogen removal, such as disinfection products, to improve fish health and aquaculture sustainability.

What role do movable modules play in the recirculation aquaculture systems?

Movable modules in the RAS allow for greater flexibility, as they can be rearranged to accommodate different research needs, such as adjusting tank sizes or setups for specific experiments.

What is the significance of recirculation aquaculture for future food production?

Recirculation aquaculture is crucial for the future of sustainable food production as it enables local food production with minimal environmental impact. It offers a solution for efficient, sustainable fish farming.

How does the research infrastructure at Nofima benefit the aquaculture industry?

The research infrastructure at Nofima provides a controlled environment where industry-related challenges can be tested and addressed, such as optimizing water conditions, improving fish health, and developing sustainable practices for future aquaculture production.