The EU-funded AQUAPHOENIX project brings together fish farmers from Hardangerfjord and Åland, researchers, industry actors and high level EU institutions from Finland, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands to further develop large scale waste collection technologies, assess the environmental benefits of collecting sludge (excess feed and faeces) beneath fish farms, and utilise aquaculture waste for renewable energy, sustainably sourced fertilisers and potentially even novel feed ingredients for the aquaculture industry itself.
We have seen excessive levels of nutrients and pollution in Hardangerfjorden. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor and document the effects of sludge collection if we want to improve the marine environment in the fjord – Hans Kleivdal, Deputy EVP at NORCE.
The research institutions NORCE and the Institute of Marine Research will lead the effort to measure the effects of sludge collection, while industry actors Ragn-Sells and Framo will contribute with technology for sludge collection that can be easily integrated into existing open sea fish farms.