Located on the shores of Byfjorden in Stavanger, the NORCE Marine Research Centre in Mekjarvik provides advanced infrastructure for experimental marine research, aquaculture innovation, and environmental science.
The facility combines large-scale experimental systems with specialised laboratories and analytical capabilities, enabling research across disciplines ranging from fish health and aquaculture to marine ecology, pollution, and biodiversity monitoring.
The centre hosts more than 600 m² of dedicated research infrastructure, including a large pilot hall, climate-controlled experimental rooms, and a suite of specialised laboratories for molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry, ecotoxicology, mass spectrometry, and microplastics analysis.
Together, these facilities support research spanning laboratory, mesocosm, and field scales.
Deep-water seawater intake system
A key feature of the centre is its deep-water seawater intake system, which continuously supplies sand-filtered seawater from approximately 80 metres depth in Byfjorden. This allows researchers to conduct experiments under stable and near-natural marine conditions throughout the year. Water quality parameters including temperature, salinity, and turbidity are continuously monitored, while experimental systems are supported by 24-hour technical oversight.
Flexible environment for large-scale experiments
The Pilot Hall provides a flexible environment for large-scale experiments, aquaculture trials, and ecosystem studies. Complementing this infrastructure are six climate-controlled experimental rooms where temperature, light, and seawater conditions can be precisely regulated to support studies ranging from fish health and nutrition to marine ecology and environmental stressor research.
Supports advanced environmental and biological research
Mekjarvik also hosts specialised analytical laboratories supporting advanced environmental and biological research. These include facilities for environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, molecular biology, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, microbiology, mass spectrometry, and ultra-clean microplastics analysis. Together, these capabilities enable integrated investigations of marine ecosystems, aquaculture systems, contaminants, biodiversity, and environmental change.
The facility supports national and international research projects, industry collaborations, technology development, and contract research. Through its combination of infrastructure, technical expertise, and scientific competence, the NORCE Marine Research Centre serves as a platform for research and innovation across the marine and aquaculture sectors.
