Icelandic aquaculture company Háafell has invested in a laser system from Norwegian company Stingray Marine Solutions to zap lice in salmon cages.
The Stingray system uses imaging technology and artificial intelligence to eliminate lice, and more than a thousand such systems are already in use on Norwegian salmon farms.
The decision to go for the Stingray system followed a visit by Háafell staff to almon producers in the north of Norway, where conditions are similar to those in the north-west of Iceland. The Stingray equipment will be delivered to Iceland later this year.
‘We’re very pleased with the agreement with Stingray and that we’re the first in Iceland to adopt this smart technology for which we have great hopes. This is an environmentally-friendly method of dealing with lice, and a preventive measure that’s in line with Háafell’s aspiration to respect the environment of the Ísafjörður Deep and to ensure the best possible conditions for salmon,’ said Háefell managing director Gauti Geirsson.
In addition to removing lice from salmon, the system also uses the capabilities of its imaging technology to count louse numbers and to evaluate other biological factors.
‘At Stingray we have been impressed with the vision and ambition shown by Háfell in environmental matters that chimes with our policy to help aquaculture producers in Iceland in a sustainable manner,’ said Stingray managing director John Arne Breivik.
‘I’m convinced that our technology is able to support Icelandic aquaculture and environmentally-friendly food production in their pristine fjords in future, focusing on the welfare of farmed fish.’
