This month, we highlight a unique advancement in thermoplastics shaping the future of seafood production. Bluegreen Group is a Norwegian firm specializing in the design and construction of complex thermoplastic structures within the aquaculture industry.
Their Marine Donut is a fully enclosed fish farming facility constructed primarily from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Its design creates a secure barrier between farmed fish and the external marine environment, effectively preventing escapes and minimizing the risk of sea lice infestations. By drawing water from depths below the typical sea lice habitat, the system ensures a healthier environment for the fish.
A key feature of the Marine Donut is its adjustable flow-through system, which simulates natural river currents. This design promotes fish exercise, leading to improved health and superior meat quality. The facility’s geometry and dimensions are tailored to the preferences of species like salmon, ensuring optimal living conditions throughout the structure.
Beyond improving fish welfare, the Marine Donut addresses environmental concerns associated with traditional aquaculture. The system includes technology to collect feed residues and fish waste, preventing these materials from polluting surrounding waters. This capability supports sustainable waste management practices and reduces the ecological footprint of fish farming operations.
In 2023, the first full-scale Marine Donut was delivered to SalMar, a leading Norwegian aquaculture company. By the summer of 2024, the facility was fully operational, housing 200,000 salmon with a notably low mortality rate of 0.8%. These promising results indicate that the Marine Donut technology could play a significant role in advancing sustainable aquaculture practices worldwide. By addressing key environmental and operational challenges, this technology offers a viable path forward for meeting the growing global demand for seafood in an ecologically responsible manner.