Good vibrations

Called the C-Dome and manufactured by the Dutch firm Aqua Farming Solutions (AFS), the system produces imploding bubbles which destroy any organisms between 0.2 and 0.7mm at a range of up to 55 metres in the sea and 40 metres in fresh water.

When placed in a salmon pen the devices are capable of killing algae, amoeba and sea lice larvae – thus not only keeping parasite numbers down but also keeping net cages clean.

As Nina Hanssen, from AFS, explains to Fish Farming Expert: “I think of it as aquaculture’s best kept secret – it’s been used for years in the Netherlands by Koi carp breeders in order to keep their ponds free from algae and parasites and also in the shipping industry to keep the hulls of vessels free of marine growth.

“It’s only recently been launched for the wider aquaculture industry and is currently three months into a trial for a salmon producer in northern Norway and we've had positive feedback so far,” she adds.

As well as neutralising microorganisms the device is also able to lessen the impact of adult lice.

“Although it won’t eliminate adult sea lice, as they are too large, it will stop them reproducing and it also makes it harder for adult lice to attach themselves to the salmon,” Nina explains.

Compared to many novel lice treatments the systems are very reasonably priced.

“We’re selling the C-Domes, which each come with four transducers, for €39,950, so farmers will get their investment back in a very short time,” Nina explains.

“The systems are also very low maintenance and come with a 2-year guarantee and we’re also planning on being able to offer a service contract in time,” she continues.

While the C-Dome has yet to be trialled in Scotland, Nina is convinced that it will soon be a regular feature on salmon farms.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest from producers during the EAS conference in Edinburgh this week,” she concludes.