24 MARCH 2024 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Intensive Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) In the last 10 years a few rather large land based farms applying intensive recirculation technology have been established in Denmark. Since 2012 Danish Salmon and recently Skagen Salmon are producing Atlantic salmon all the way from egg to market size fish (4-5 kg) in intensive RAS (Photo 5). And from the smolt stage in seawater RAS, typically 25-30 ppt. Sashimi Royal/Nordic Kingfish are correspondingly producing yellowtail kingfish in intensive recirculation systems at full salinity. All these full-cycle production facilities use the advanced technology needed for high intensity recirculation, including mechanical filters, biofilters, degassers, UV sterilizers, protein skimming and ozone. In general, the technology works well, and the main issue seems to be related to the economic outcome. Production capacity has therefore recently been increased, with the aim of increasing efficiency and reducing unit production costs. Efficient end-of-pipe treatment for removal of nitrogen, phosphorous and organic matter are applied at all facilities to comply with environmental legislation on total as well as specific discharge (Photos 6, 7 and 8). Processing and Trade Being a maritime country surrounded by water, fish and seafood has always played an important role in Danish culture and Danish trade. From that, a large industry of suppliers to the fishing and aquaculture sectors has emerged and Denmark is considered a leading hub for sustainable production and innovation within fisheries and aquaculture. Despite its size, Denmark is one of the world’s leading PHOTO 6. Woodchip filter (6,000 m3) as part of end-of-pipe treatment in the constructed wetland at a Model Trout Farm. Photo courtesy of Per Bovbjerg Pedersen. PHOTO 7. Constructed wetland with woodchip filter. Photo courtesy of Per Bovbjerg Pedersen. PHOTO 8. Constructed wetland when fully mature. Photo courtesy of Per Bovbjerg Pedersen. countries within export of fish and shellfish. In 2016 Denmark was ranked 13th and the export of fish and processed products thereof reached a value of DKK 26.1 billion (€ 3.5 billion) corresponding to 3.7% of the total Danish export. Based on history and geography, Denmark has become an international hub for trade and processing of fish and most global value chains have activities here. Understanding the needs of the operators is key to providing them with stateof-the-art equipment. We therefore see an extensive cooperation between stakeholders in the industry from fish farmers worldwide to Danish suppliers of feed and equipment and even scientists and authorities to keep improving the strengths within the industry, including energy efficient equipment, tailormade feed and the most innovative processing equipment. Based on the history and tradition of fishing, several Danish companies evolved into innovative providers of equipment and seafood of high food quality and safety. Equipment for fileting, processing, and freezing seafood is provided and through innovation in a competitive business the suppliers try to keep in front of the development. As Denmark is a relatively small country and the home-market thus limited, most suppliers are exporting companies, selling their products and solutions all over the world. With the continuous fast growth of the aquaculture sector, most of the relevant Danish companies have a strategy for being a part of the global development of the industry. Fish Feed, Raw Materials and Ingredients Denmark is home to two of Europe’s largest producers of fish feed - Biomar A/S (formerly Dansk Ørredfoder A/S) and Aller
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