At first glance – there is not much innovation in sight. Yes, the floating feeding fleet  looks modern, but that is also more or less what we see as we approach the fish farming location in Hardangerfjorden by boat this November morning. The floating cages that some people characterize as visual pollution in the Norwegian fjords are not visible here. But under the surface 200 000 salmon are swimming around in one humongous cage – ready to be slaughtered early in 2025.

The Watermoon fish farming project combines advanced technology with a deep commitment to sustainability. The pen is submerged and most of the production is not visible from land. The goal is improved fish health and reduced coastal environmental pressures, as all waste and sludge from the production is collected and recycled. Photo: Charlotte H. Lem.

The obligation of heritage

This is Eide Fjordbruk’s Watermoon facility, named for its submersible design resembling a moon under water. By using closed  aquaculture systems, the project reduces coastal environmental pressures and enhances fish welfare. The Watermoon unit design ensures large volumes of high quality water  and improved living conditions for the fish—key factors in producing premium-quality salmon.  

Eide Fjordbruk is a family own company. This heritage is an important explanation as to why the company is eager to develop a production of fish that minimizes the environmental impact locally.

The Eide family has worked in food production in Hardanger since the 1600s and has been instrumental in developing the fish farming industry for nearly 50 years. Ever since Knut Johan Eide started fish farming in 1970, three generations have developed the company by the same ideology; an emphasis on high quality at all stages gives long-term, healthy business that takes care of the beautiful surroundings in their home turf, the stunning Hardangerfjord. The Watermoon technology collects the waste from the production – sludge and excessive feed, protecting the local coastal ecology. This production also makes it possible to avoid salmon lice and associated treatments.

The project also tries to reduce the global carbon footprint. The facility is powered by renewable energy from hydroelectric power, and utilizes advanced monitoring systems to optimize feeding, and reduce waste.

Check out The Time’s story on Eide Fjordbruk. They are describing the Norwegian fish farming company as “The Elon Musk of fish farming”. 

Avoiding sea lice

So far, the production cycle has run smoothly. But the proof in the pudding is revealed as the first generation is ready to be slaughtered primo next year. The final mortality rate and quality grade of the fish will determine the success of this prototype batch.

By now the mortality seems to be lower than in conventional pens. The quality grading of the fish is expected to be high. This could defend some of the increased cost with this technology.

The production cycle from egg and to is two to three years before a salmon reaches a body weight of 4–5 kg, which is the most common size for slaughtering. The smolt is put into sea after around a year and are growing in sea for around the same amount of time.

During this process, the farmers must handle several challenges. Sea lice is currently Sea lice is the number one challenge, both cost vice and in a fish health perspective. Every production cycle millions of farmed fish suffer and die from treatments to remove sea lice in Norway. Not only are the costs for treating farmed salmon high - the parasites also stress the fish, both fish in the pens, but also wild salmon. The lice are spread as escaped individuals breed with wild fish and compromise their genetic fitness.

This illustration from The Times shows the dimensions of the submerged tank. 

The closed and submerged pen solves this problem as the closed barrier protects the lice from entering the fish environment and also protects the fish from other predators and jelly fish.

Ripple effect for suppliers and collaborators

For Eide Fjordbruk the Watermoon project is just the beginning of a new future. In parallel with testing of the Watermoon POC prototype, they are working on further developing the concept. The longterm goal is to export the technology also to other fish farmers.

- We have gathered important knowledge and experience in this first prototype. Already in the next phase of the project we expect to maximize the capacity of the pen, says Tore Angelskår, who has been managing the Watermoon project.

He explains how the Watermoon project is backed by local expertise and collaboration - with regional stakeholders. The initiative has already created new opportunities in research, engineering, and green technology development, for instance the barrier in the pen and the pumps – all supplied by Western based companies.

Also, researchers are following the project closely – collecting data from this new production methods.

Maria Cristina Danilsen is Discipline Lead Engineering in Eide Fjordbruk is proud to guide us at the modern feeding fleet at the Watermoon site. The initiative has been challenging for her team, but also for local suppliers who stepped up and has developed the needed soulutions. Photo: Charlotte H. Lem.

Why Greater Bergen?

Located in Greater Bergen, Eide Seafood is part of a vital maritime ecosystem making the region the ideal place for taking part in developing the Norwegian seafood industry and making an impact on the global development of fish farming.

This ecosystem includes leading seafood companies, international firms and pioneering start-ups. Leading the field in research and competence building, the region is also home to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, the Institute of Marine Research, the NCE Seafood Innovation Cluster and the University of Bergen – Norway’s largest marine university. 

- Greater Bergen is synonymous with forward-thinking aquaculture, says Director of Invest in Bergen, Tone Hartvedt and continues:

- Projects like Watermoon solidify our region’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable seafood production. Eide Fjordbruk is setting a new standard that will inspire the industry worldwide.

Want to tap into this value chain? Don’t hesitate to contact any of our advisors. We can help you navigate.

Facts about Norwegian fish farming

• Norwegian salmon is part of a healthy diet. The content of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for brain and hearth health. One normal dinner portion of salmon covers a person’s weekly recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, selenium, iodine and antioxidants.
• Norwegian salmon is produced without antibiotics. Thanks to effective fish vaccines, use of antibiotics has almost been eradicated in Norwegian salmon farming.
• Efficient feed conversion rate: On kilograms of feed is needed to raise one kilogram of salmon, while it takes 3 kg of feed to produce 1 kg of pork and as much as 8 kg of feed to produce 1 kg of beef.
• Norwegian farmed salmon is exported to over 100 countries. Every day, 22 million meals with Norwegian salmon are served worldwide.