‘The system has surpassed expectations … we have seen remarkable growth’
Cermaq Canada incorporating semi-closed containment into production plan after successful trial
Salmon farmer Cermaq Canada is to use a semi-closed containment system (SCCS) to grow post-smolts after a successful second trial of the technology in British Columbia.
Cermaq first began trialling the Fiizk Certus 15000 SCCS at its Millar Channel site in Clayoquot Sound, Vancouver Island, in December 2020, with the intention of transferring some of the 495,000 stocked smolts to net pens at 600 grams and others at 1.5kg, as well as leaving some fish in the pen until they reached harvest size.
Technical problems with one of the pumps used to supply water for the 15,000 cubic metre impermeable enclosure led to mortalities and caused Cermaq to end the trial early, but the company has since carried out another trial after making adjustments to the SCCS and has grown smolts to 600 grams.
Improved FCR
“We have enjoyed exceptional results of the phase 2 trial, based on the modifications we made,” said a spokesperson for Cermaq.
“The system has in fact surpassed expectations, and we have seen remarkable growth rates in the SCCS, comparable to or even better than traditional net pens.
“The feed conversion ratio has also shown improvements, underscoring the success of our trial.”
“The feed conversion ratio has also shown improvements, underscoring the success of our trial.”
We have enjoyed exceptional results of the phase 2 trial, based on the modifications we made
Cermaq Canada spokesperson
Cermaq, owned by Japanese industrial giant Mitsubishi, said its original plan was to have three SCCS in BC by now, but hasn’t been able to proceed due to the uncertainty over the future of the sector in the province caused the federal government’s recent decisions and transition plan.
Federal closures
In December 2020, former federal fisheries minister Bernadette Jordan announced that she was shutting 19 farms in BC, and her successor Joyce Murray is reported to be planning more closures.
“As a result (of the uncertainty) we only have one SCCS today, which was purchased in 2019,” said the Cermaq spokesperson.
“We are in the process of moving the system to a new site (Mussel Rock) but are pleased to share that this is not a Phase 3 trial but rather the incorporation of the technology into the production planning.
“It is important to note that the semi-closed containment system trials and now production capacity operate in Ahousaht Territory, under a protocol agreement with Cermaq Canada.”
The SCCS will be used to grow post-smolts which will then be transferred to net pens.
Cermaq said growing post-smolts is a more efficient way to farm more fish in the SCCS year on year, instead of one cycle every two years.
