Sandven, Norway.

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.

The participating fish farming companies in Norway are Eide Fjordbruk and Lingalaks, both of which operate commercial aquaculture sites across Veswtland County. Brändö Lax, Storfjärdens Fisk and Ålands fiskodlarförening represent the Åland islands

– We all want to operate fish farms as sustainable as possible to secure jobs, ensure a productive aquaculture industry and promote the long-term health of our fjord, says Sondre Eide, third-generation fish farmer and CEO of Eide Fjordbruk.

- The AQUAPHOENIX project aligns perfectly with LingaLaks’s strategy to build a sustainable business, locally, with a minimum to zero footprint on our shared environment, says Erlend Haugervoll, second-generation fish farmer and Manadging Director of Lingalaks.

The entire consortium is meeting today to begin implementing the project. The kick-off promises to be productive, with sessions planned to discuss the interactions between the environment and industry in Hardangerfjord and Åland, explore the circular value of sludge, assess and enable innovation among stakeholders, and plan impactful communications. Partners in attendance will also have a unique opportunity to visit two key sites, operated by Eide and Lingalaks, where sludge collection will be demonstrated

The need for more circular aquaculture

Hardangerfjorden is one of the fjords with the highest amounts of salmon farming in Norway. Over 70,000 tons of farmed salmon are produced in open sea cages annually. This results in the discharge of sludge and nutrients into the surrounding fjord. The sludge, which consists of feed remnants and feces, can negatively impact the marine environment around the fish farms, posing a risk of eutrophication (excessive levels of nutrients) and pollution.

Framo has LiftUP technology for collecting sludge from open sea cages, which is then filtered and stored for further processing.

– Sludge from aquaculture is resources gone astray. We see that sludge collection will become a major industry both locally and internationally in the future. Framo is strongly focused on developing industrial sustainable solutions and aims to become a leading player in this market, says Martijn Bergink, Business Unit President Pumping Systems at Framo.

The Baltic Sea faces major environmental challenges due to high levels of nutrients from agriculture and industrial emissions. Therefore, Finnish farmers are not allowed to increase production due to environmental considerations.

– The Finnish government wants to increase fish farming in the country. This project provides us with important insights that can be applied to aquaculture in the Baltic Sea, says Rosita Broström, Verksamhetsledare at Ålands fiskodlarförening r.f.

Ragn-Sells will contribute with technology to convert the sludge into phosphorus, which can be used as new feed ingredients and fertilizer in agriculture.

– Circular technology for aquaculture facilities reduces climate impact, lessens the burden on fjords, and produces more fish from each facility. At the same time, we utilize valuable raw materials and help reduce Europe's dependence on imported energy and nutrients, says Vidar Svenning Olsen, CEO of Ragn-Sells Norway.