Rethinking salmonoid supplies with land-based farming

Article 2/3: Quality, consistency, and processing

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When the first RAS farmed salmon arrived on the shelves, initial market predictions expected the sustainability credentials to be what commanded premium prices. Surprisingly, the reality reported by early operators has so far proven that the salmon raised in RAS farms achieved premium market value through superior quality, with processors reporting notably higher yields of premium-grade product; though it is important to note this is still an evolving market.

This quality stems from the controlled environment, both on the farm and in processing. When farmers can manage every aspect of the growing environment, fish health improves significantly. Temperature stability, optimal light cycles and current strength that mimic natural migration patterns and optimize exercise, and precise density control all contribute to healthier fish, which results in more consistent and higher-quality product. For processors, this translates to better filleting yields, superior texture, and enhanced product appearance.

On top of this, many land-based fish farms are directly connected to processing facilities. This allows incredible control of production rates, i.e., fish can be taken from tanks for slaughter to meet orders, meaning there is minimal storage time.

Addressing health and welfare balance

While the industry acknowledges a need for ongoing research into this new technology, so far, the health benefits for fish raised in an RAS are compelling. When considering the high 16% mortality rates in coastal-based aquaculture in Norway in 2023 and 2024, in part due to changes in ocean temperatures. The controlled environment of RAS land-based farms can substantially reduce typical sea-phase mortality risks when well-managed.¹

Sea lice is a persistent challenge in coastal farming, spreading quickly between cages. This is exacerbated as some delousing treatments have been associated with increased mortality and welfare concerns. In comparison, in the unlikely event of an infestation in an RAS tank, it remains isolated rather than spreading rapidly between tanks. This prevents catastrophic losses and helps ensure consistent supply. This isolation and control of the tank environment also results in fish being grown without the use of antibiotics.

However, it is important to recognize that this same ability to control the tank environment permits higher stock densities than traditional coastal sea pens. Researchers in the industry note the need to study this further to understand the effect of stock density on fish welfare and ensure this promising sector has controls.

Seamless flow from farm to processing

One of the most transformative advantages for processors lies in operational integration. RAS land-based facilities can encompass the entire production line from breeding tanks to packaged end-products ready for supermarket shelves, on a single site. This proximity enables predictable operations, improves product freshness, reduces waste, and ensures stress-free handling.

Predictable operations: Fish are harvested to meet specific orders, eliminating the feast-or-famine cycle of coastal aquaculture and wild fishing. Where catch is delivered in large boats, mean processing must continue until the catch has been processed, resulting in complicated staff management with nightshifts, overtime, and unpredictable timetables.

For an industry challenged by labor shortages, the ability to offer skilled workers consistent and manageable schedules is a significant competitive advantage.

Product freshness and waste reduction: In RAS farms fish remain in tanks until needed and can be moved into processing to meet order specifications. This ensures optimal freshness and eliminates waste from processing fish before order confirmations. This process-to-order approach aligns well with supply chain demands and improves food safety for perishable products.

Stress-free handling: Transportation of fish from sea to processing facilities causes significant stress to live fish, compromising raw material quality and increasing handling losses. Integrated RAS land-based operations can transport fish through connected systems with minimal handling. Modern designs, as seen in trout facilities like Hima in Norway, show how the progression of fish from holding tank through stunning to processing has become fast, and efficient. JBT Marel has partnered with fish handling, processing and cooling specialist MMC First Process, and global pioneer of fish stunning technology Ace Aquatec, to ensure connection between tanks, through stunning and onto processing is seamless. Delivering fish welfare and product quality through optimized handling.

Opportunity for circular economy

With the ability of RAS land-based systems to capture the excess nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter — causing so much environmental concern in coastal fisheries — a strong circular economic opportunity is created. Transforming waste outputs from a liability into an asset.

Circular economy case study: Hima collects bacteria, biomaterials, feed residues, and excrement from tanks before the water is cleaned and reused within the tanks – a small amount is discharged after treatment. This waste stream is combined with unused byproducts such as fish bones and converted into fertilizer, producing approximately half a kilogram of fertilizer for each kilogram of fish meat ². Rather than being a marginal side business that reduces waste, this fertilizer represents a substantial market opportunity that strengthens the overall operational economics of RAS land-based fish farms.

For fish farmers and processors considering vertical integration or partnerships with RAS land-based farms, circular economy opportunities, such as fertilizer, add another dimension to the business case beyond the core of salmon production.

The operational benefits and advantages of RAS are clear, but no honest assessment of the technology can ignore the level of energy consumption needed. In our final article, we’ll examine what this considerable challenge in land-based aquaculture means for the sector’s future sustainability and viability.

Sources:
¹ ScienceDirect - link
² IntraFish - link