Page 28 - AWA Vol.41-No.6 2025

FISHERIES AND FISH FARMING

Navigating the complexities of waterborne feeding

Waterborne feeding systems are system variability, they all influence
being increasingly adopted in tradi‑ the feed’s characteristics. What you
tional farming and now also in closed see at the surface may not reflect what
aquaculture systems (CAS). They offer is happening in the water pipes or un‑
efficiency—but they also introduce a derwater. Simulations will give good
unique set of challenges that can com‑ indications, but not the full picture.
promise feed delivery and fish nutri‑ Understanding feed performance in
tion if not managed properly. waterborne feeding systems involves
thousands of data points from labora‑
At Skretting, our goal is to ensure that
what goes into the system reaches the tory simulations and analyses concur‑
fish in optimal condition -- delivered at Depth matters: The behavior of a pel‑ rently to feed collection on sites. The
sampling from waterborne feeding is
the right depth, structurally sound, nu‑ let on the surface isn’t the same as at most of the time performed under spe‑
trient rich – and ready to be consumed. 30 meters depth. As pressure increas‑ cial circumstances, such as sampling at
We’re actively working on solutions es with depth, it further impacts feed 20 meters deep.
that address every stage of the water‑ buoyancy. To make informed decisions in aqua‑
borne feeding journey—because the The result? Maintaining consistent culture, we need to account for the
path from silo to fish is more complex slow-sinking behavior becomes ex‑ complexity of the environment—not
than it looks. Here’s three interesting tremely difficult—especially with fluc‑ just the composition of the feed.
facts about waterborne feeding. tuations in pump pressure. 3. Water: The unseen force in water‑
1. Why waterborne feeding makes For feed to perform as intended, un‑ borne feeding
slow-sinking feed a challenge derstanding and controlling pressure In aquaculture, we often focus on the
In waterborne feeding systems, pres‑ in waterborne systems is key. feed. But in waterborne systems, it's ac‑
sure plays a critical—but often over‑ 2. Sampling feed in waterborne sys‑ tually the water that plays the dominant
looked—role in feed performance. tems: Easier said than done role.
Pump pressure: To transport feed Sampling isn't simple. Evaluating how Water is more than a carrier—it’s a
through hoses and deliver it below the feed behaves in waterborne feeding powerful, dynamic force. As feed trav‑
surface, pumps generate significant systems involves much more than just els through a waterborne system, it’s
pressure. This pressure can force water scooping up a few pellets. In a water‑ exposed to pressure, turbulence, drag,
into the pellets, increasing their den‑ borne feeding system, the system is not and time. Each of these can affect the
sity and causing even slow-sinking or only transporting water, but it trans‑ physical integrity and nutritional value
floating feeds to sink more quickly. ports feed in water. Pressure, depth, of the pellets. Circle 38 on enquiry card

Remora is Advancing AI innovation to Drive Fish Welfare

Remora Robotics has raised 164 mil‑ platform.
lion NOK in a funding round to acceler‑ “We’ve been part of Remora’s jour‑
ate the rollout of its autonomous clean‑ ney since 2023, and what they’re now
ing robot for aquaculture. The solution delivering to the market confirms both
combines automated net cleaning with their vision and ability to execute. The
AI‑powered inspection, representing a technology delivers significant val‑
significant technological step forward ue to Remora’s customers. That’s why
for a more sustainable and efficient fish we’re increasing our investment,” says
farming industry. Thomas Grieg from Grieg Kapital, who
Autonomous net cleaning supports is also joining the board of directors at
fish health by maintaining cleaner ciency in a way that directly address‑ Remora Robotics.
nets, which helps create better condi‑ es the needs of salmon farmers while At Aqua Nor in August, Remora will
tions for gill health and reduces stress enhancing aquaculture’s sustainability. unveil the next step in its technology
levels. We are very excited to work with the roadmap – a new softwareplatform for
Remora team and support their growth
At the same time, it lowers the bio‑ in the Norwegian salmon market and continuous pen monitoring, including
logical risks associated with traditional beyond.” says Georg Baunach, CEO AI‑driven net integrity inspection.
high‑pressure cleaning and vessel ac‑ and Managing Partner at Hatch Blue. “We’re incredibly proud of what the
tivity around the pens. The result: im‑ team has achieved so far, and it’s high‑
proved fish welfare, better biosecurity, Over the past 12 months, Remora has ly motivating to see such strong market
reduced mortality, and greater sustain‑ achieved a major commercial break‑ response to our technology. This fund‑
ability in production. through, with installations at several of ing gives us the opportunity to further
the world’s leading aquaculture com‑
The funding round was led by Hatch panies. Demand is rising, and much of develop the platform and deliver even
Blue through its Blue Revolution Fund the company’s production capacity for more value to our customers. These are
with strong participation from existing the next six months is already sold out. exciting times for Remora – and we’re
shareholders. Going forward, the focus is on deliver‑ just getting started,” says Svein Erik
“Remora Robotics integrates technol‑ ing high‑quality service and long‑term Gregersen, CEO of Remora Robotics.
ogy, fish welfare, and operational effi‑ customer value through the Remora Circle 39 on enquiry card
26 Vol. 41 No. 6