Norway says no to fish farm bioreactor plan
A proposal for a semi-closed salmon farm linked to a bioreactor for the growth of microalgae has been rejected by Norway’s Fisheries Directorate.
Biolaks AS applied for five development licences for the concept but was told its ideas didn’t add enough extra value in comparison to similar semi-closed cages.
The Norwegian company proposed a group of floating semi-closed cages linked to a bioreactor. The concept includes a mechanical waste separator and a new type of filter for water intake, as well as a transport solution for fish.
Biolaks had plans to use the bioreactor as both a filter for the entire plant and to convert the waste into products such as oxygen, and omega 3 and proteins for use in feed production.
Too similar to other projects
The Fisheries Directorate said the Biolaks plan was too similar to project by AkvaDesign and Ecomerden and did not meet the “significant innovation” standard required for development licences.
Norway’s development licences allow fish farmers to grow extra biomass for a limited period to offset the cost of developing novel and sustainable production methods.
A large number of companies have applied for licences but many are rejected while others get the green light but with a smaller biomass than requested.
