Page 37 - Seafood, Fishing & Aquaculture 2017-2018

Developmental biology
The aim of this fi eld of research is to identify
important criteria for validating quality of
juvenile fi sh and better understand how
these are linked to developmental biology.
Fish development is a continuum of changes
that include gametogenesis, fertilisation,
formation of the embryonic axis and the
vital organs, their differentiation and mass
reorganisation during metamorphosis and
sexual maturation.

Growth physiology
Growth is a highly complex process in
fish and is influenced by numerous biotic
and abiotic factors. Of prime interest to
the aquaculture industry are the factors
that can be controlled under culture
conditions in order to optimise production.
The Akvaplan-niva aquaculture research
team focuses on physiological processes
influencing fish growth and reproduction,
and their interactions with the ambient
environment.

Improved production regimes
The Akvaplan-niva research activity
links findings from controlled laboratory
experiments with observed responses
Hydrography measurements Wave climate measurements or under full scale aquaculture conditions.
and water quality modelling, and meteorological data Knowledge gained in this area of research
Measurements of temperature, Accurate determination of wave climate for aids in the determination of how to
salinity, oxygen, nutrients and determining type of cage system and design, the correctly manipulate environmental
conductivity are taken through the water best orientation for the cages, required type and factors to optimise production, the
column. These vertical profiles give strength of nets and engineering of the moorings. selection of the correct strain or
information regarding the stratification of subpopulation of a fish species according
the water column and whether oxygen Aquaculture r&d to local environmental conditions, and
deficiency occurs at certain depths. The Aquaculture R&D department at Akvaplan- the design of farming protocols that
Akvaplan-niva looks for existence of niva conducts R&D projects with focus on will optimize the potential of biological-
thermoclines, sudden temperature new aquaculture species, new and improved environmental interactions.
changes and identify minimum and production technology. Their aim is to ensure
maximum levels. that the aquaculture research delivered is both New and improved
of high scientifi c quality and relevant to the production methods
Current and dispersal aquaculture industry in their effort to develop The aquaculture research team is involved
measurements a profi table and sustainable production. in several national and international projects
Akvaplan-niva studies current and The Aquaculture R&D department team aiming at optimizing the culture of Atlantic
dispersal measurements for speed, works closely with the aquaculture industry salmon, lumpfi sh, Atlantic halibut, Arctic charr,
direction and change in direction of in its effort to make scientifi c knowledge sea bass, turbot and Atlantic cod. All these
water currents. Current meters are used applicable in real “daily life” situations at the projects are user controlled utilizing the tight
to measure current speed and direction fi sh farm. Through this, the team functions as connection the aquaculture research team
in conjunction with drogues to measure a “bridge-builder” between academia and the has with the aquaculture industry both in
current dispersal (mixing). aquaculture industry. Norway and abroad.

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seafood, fi shing & aquaculture