The world’s population is expected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, leading to a growing concern about fulfilling food demands. Fish, being a nutritious and essential protein source, is becoming increasingly important. However, wild fish stocks are declining rapidly, requiring the need for fish farming. The largest fish farm in the world, Ocean Farm One in Norway, is revolutionizing salmon farming with advanced technology and equipment to meet the population demands. Despite challenges such as sea lice and fish escaping, the farm is profitable and successful, with plans for further expansion in offshore mariculture. The future of ocean farming looks promising, providing a sustainable solution to meet the world’s food needs.
Revolutionizing Fish Farming: Inside the World’s Biggest Fish Farm
In a world facing a population boom estimated to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, the demand for food is a growing concern. With the need for almost 70 percent more food compared to what is available today, solutions are essential. One key nutritional item in high demand is fish, known for being a low-fat, high-quality protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins.
Unfortunately, wild fish stocks are declining rapidly, with estimates suggesting we need at least twice as much fish as what our oceans currently provide. The solution? Farming fish. Today, we take you inside the biggest fish farm in the world located in Norway.
Ocean Farm: A Game-Changer in Salmon Farming
Ocean Farm, designed to resemble a spaceship by the Chinese marine manufacturer CMI Ocean Farm, is a state-of-the-art facility that took almost 11 months to travel from China to Norway. The technology behind Ocean Farm aims to revolutionize salmon farming and increase production to meet the growing demands of the population.
The facility, owned by the company Salmar, boasts impressive statistics, having harvested a total of 10,000 tons of salmon and completed two successful farming cycles. Ocean Farm One serves as a full-scale pilot facility to test both biological and technological aspects of offshore fish farming.
Key Features of Ocean Farm One
Ocean Farm One is a highly advanced facility equipped with auto-fishing, hydraulical monitoring, deep-sea navigation, and biological lightning control systems. The structure, a semi-submersible rigid design with a circular diameter of around 110 meters, can operate at depths of 110 to 300 meters without the need for external aid.
Designed for 25 years of regular operation, Ocean Farm One is built to withstand typhoons and earthquakes up to 12 points annually. The farm can breed 1.5 million fish with a survival rate of around 98 percent. Monitoring and control systems ensure all metrics affecting production are closely observed and managed.
Challenges and Solutions
One major challenge faced by Ocean Farm One is sea lice, a common parasite that can harm salmon. To combat this issue, the farm released around 21,500 cleaner fish into the water to eliminate sea lice naturally. Additionally, the farm utilizes a 360-degree rotatable self-cleaning cage to prevent bio-fouling and maintain fish health.
Future Developments
Salmar’s Ocean Farm One is just the beginning. The company is developing a larger fish farm known as the Smart Fish Farm (SSF), capable of holding 19,000 tons of fish further offshore. Mariculture, a subsidiary of Salmar, is leading this project and has received eight developmental permits, with plans to expand further pending site approval.
Conclusion
Ocean farming is proving to be a profitable and sustainable solution to meet the increasing demand for fish. The innovative technology and practices showcased at Ocean Farm One set a new standard for fish farming worldwide. As we navigate the challenges of food production in a rapidly growing population, facilities like Ocean Farm One provide hope for a more secure and sustainable future in aquaculture. Like and share this post if you found it helpful, and share your thoughts on Salmar’s Ocean Farm One in the comments below. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the world of fish farming. Peace.
