The 2010 HAVBRUK Conference:
Joining together to increase industry R&D investment
“Dialogue and cooperation between researchers and industry are crucial if Norway is to become the world’s foremost seafood nation,” stated Lisbeth Berg-Hansen, Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, speaking at the major conference on aquaculture research recently hosted by the Research Council.
Lisbeth Berg-Hansen, Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs (Photo: Anne Ditlefsen )
“Research and innovation provide the very foundation for understanding how to develop a sustainable aquaculture industry,” said Ms Berg-Hansen, referring to the new national research strategy for the period 2010-2014 which is currently being finalised.
Sustainability and the environment
Environmental challenges and sustainability are front and centre in the new national research strategy, which among other things seeks to follow up on the environmental focus of the Norwegian Aquaculture Act of 2005.
“We must give priority to research that generates knowledge about the sustainable, competitive production of safe seafood for future generations,” said Minister Berg-Hansen, encouraging industry players to assume a stronger role in promoting such R&D activities. She also stressed the need to strengthen collaboration between Norwegian research groups and their international counterparts.
Significant growth potential
In 2009 Norway produced nearly three times more salmon and salmon trout (in slaughtered weight) than meat and poultry. “Yet there is still great potential for growth,” emphasised Thomas Farstad, Acting CEO of Marine Harvest, one of Norway’s largest aquaculture companies. “The growing population of the world indicates that the demand for fish will only increase, and it is farmed fish that will satisfy the rise in consumption. Aquaculture is an industry with a real future.”
“We know that salmon aquaculture is a more climate-friendly way of producing protein than beef and pork production. In addition,” Mr Farstad pointed out, “farmed salmon utilise their feed better than animals used for meat production, and even surpass wild salmon.”
Under-reported investment by industry
Higher investment in R&D will be critical for maximising the aquaculture industry’s growth potential. Official statistics reflect an industry share of just under 40 per cent of total aquaculture research funding – a low figure compared to other industries and in relation to the Government’s objective of private enterprise funding a total of two thirds of R&D activities nationwide. But this low figure could be inaccurate.
According to Mr Farstad, under-reporting of research investments is a problem in the industry. In areas such as feed and nutrition, he believes, actual investments are probably twice as high as reported.
Sea lice given highest priority
The Ballan wrasse is ideal for eating lice off the salmon. (Photo: Marine Harvest)
The industry will continue to have a steep learning curve where investment in R&D really pays off. But resources are limited, so investments must be strictly prioritised.
“At Marine Harvest we are giving top priority to research on sea lice,” explained Mr Farstad, who advocates a Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI) in this field.
Viral diseases, sustainability, and feed are also topics that must be given high priority. Sustainable local marine environments need to be a focal point. “When it comes to finding out how much pressure the local marine environment can withstand,” cautioned Mr Farstad, “we can’t afford to rely on trial-and-error. Assessments need to be based on factual knowledge.”
Dialogue and cooperation
Mr Farstad agreed that the aquaculture industry needs to take greater responsibility for research ahead, but also called for increased public funding.
Lars Horn, Director of the Department for Marine Resources and the Environment, responded by inviting the aquaculture industry to broad-based collaboration with the Research Council on efforts to intensify research activity within aquaculture.
“We would like a forward-looking dialogue with the industry, particularly with the aquaculture companies, on knowledge needs, priorities and funding,” said Dr Horn. He encouraged the industry to commit itself to funding more research for the areas identified, and he stated that the industry cannot expect public funding to increase to the point of satisfying the need for joint production of knowledge.
“The Research Council invites the aquaculture industry to joint discussions on how best to apply available public funding. Meanwhile, however, the industry must boost its own investment in order to further develop Norwegian aquaculture. This includes basic research as well. It is the private sector whose foot is poised on the accelerator and who can control how quickly this knowledge production can take place,” concluded Dr Horn.
(Photo: Anne Ditlefsen )
- Published:
- 30.04.2010
- Last updated:
- 30.04.2010
