Efforts to make Sweden a leader in land-based aquaculture

A major project is now underway to create the conditions for a test bed that will be a springboard for exciting new companies developing products from marine resources. The aim is to meet future needs for nutritious food, bio-based materials and other products. 

We are in the midst of a systemic shift that means aquaculture will more often be conducted on land. Therefore, a test bed is needed for the development and verification of new farming methods, species and technologies for biomass processing. The project "Testbed for large-scale land-based aquaculture" lays the foundation for an advanced testbed for smart, sustainable and circular aquaculture.  

- There is so much going on in this area. If we are to get this to scale up, we really need test beds to verify technology, fish welfare and systems," says Lillemor Lindberg, Innovation Manager at Innovatum Science Park.

From algae to fish and invertebrates

The test bed now being designed will allow advanced tests to be carried out to grow and keep different species of aquatic organisms, such as fish, invertebrates and algae.  

- We have a growing world population that needs nutritious and good food. Seafood is an opportunity. It's not just about fish, but there are many other organisms in the sea we can use. Algae, for example, are gaining interest. As well as invertebrates such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers and mussels," says Kristina Snuttan Sundell, professor at the University of Gothenburg. 

Digital test bed twin

The focus is on tests in salt water in so-called RAS facilities - Recirculating Aquaculture Systems. In such a system, water and other resources are circulated and therefore the facility is designed to be able to test e.g. water treatment, automation, construction materials and the use of residual products in closed circular systems. In closed, recirculating facilities, you can have good control over the process and optimize the environment for both the cultivated organisms, as well as the exchange between the facility and the surrounding environment. The test environment will be agile and flexible with smaller units while being able to run larger tests over a longer period of time.   

- "We will recreate what you physically work with in a digital image, which makes it possible to analyze the data from the test bed. The digital test bed can then be used to simulate future tests," says Peter Karlsson, Strategic Account Manager at Siemens.. 

Welcoming prospective users

At this stage, the project is looking for more organizations and companies to participate in the construction of the testbed. 

- "Yes, we welcome more people, from potential users to suppliers and financiers, to get in touch to collaborate on construction and business models. Just get in touch," says project manager Julia Skälegård from Sotenäs municipality.