Fish health and welfare
We provide assessments and assurance services to promote and maintain optimal fish health and welfare at every stage of the production cycle.
Fish health and welfare is becoming increasingly more crucial as concerns according to sustainability and ethically responsible production. Concerns are particularly related to biosecurity, production intensity and changing environmental conditions which leads to new disease and welfare challenges. Prioritizing of measures with positive effects on fish health and welfare is essential for both ethical reasons and aquaculture sustainability, leading to healthier fish, higher yields, better quality, and more efficient feed utilisation and through that a reduced environmental footprint.
Environmental changes and society's concerns about sustainability and ethically responsible production are making fish health and welfare issues increasingly more important. Biosecurity challenges, increasing production intensity, and shifting environmental conditions are of special concern as they may create new illness and welfare issues, and may have an increasing impact on the possibilities for carrying out ethically responsible treatment and for maintaining good fish health and welfare. Prioritizing actions that improve fish health and welfare is crucial for aquaculture sustainability and for ethical reasons. Choosing the right measures will result in healthier fish, higher yields, better quality, and more effective use of feed, all of which will lessen the environmental impact.
Increasing mortality is a challenge in many salmon-producing countries. For both salmon and other species, we know that there is a gap between the actual survival in modern production conditions and the potential that each species has for survival. Some farmers and areas achieve better results than others and it is important to focus on success factors. The one of the primary causes of salmon loss in Norway are infectious diseases and high sea lice treatment intensity, exacerbated by high-density farming, increasing temperature and deterioration of environment conditions, stress, and handling issues. Many of these factors will also apply to other countries and other species. If improvement is to be achieved, it is important to address these challenge areas through evaluation of the effect of preventive and mitigation measures.
Putting our expertise into practice
At DNV, we deliver assurance and advisory services to safeguard animal health and welfare throughout every stage of aquaculture production. With a team of over 70 veterinarians and fish health biologists in Norway, Iceland, and Scotland, we provide independent verification and expert support to help you achieve excellence in care, compliance, and sustainability.
We support the aquaculture industry through our knowledge to manage risks, monitor fish health, and prevent disease outbreaks. Through focus on robust biosecurity measures, knowledge-based production measures, gentle treatment methods and preventive health measures we help fish farmers improve animal welfare and lower mortality rates.
Our key services include:
- Fish health monitoring: Inspection of health and welfare situation in facilities with recommendations for ongoing measures
- Fish health assessment: Conducting assessments of fish health and welfare and recommendations for preventive or therapeutic measures
- Production review: Investigations of underlying causes of challenges in the facility with proposals for measures.
- Biosecurity inspections and review: Inspection of vessels, facilities, equipment, and assistance to implement effective protocols to prevent disease transmission.
- Risk management: Identifying and mitigating threats to fish health and welfare.
- Water quality management: Recommendation of measures to ensure optimal conditions for different fish species under different aquatic environments.
- Advisory on humane practices: operational measures under different production conditions, gentle handling, and secure transportation
- Nutritional guidance: Providing recommendations to meet the dietary needs of aquaculture species.
Group of experts within various fields of aquaculture
To handle the vastly different biological and professionally challenging issues within the aquaculture area, we have dedicated professional groups with experts who focus on gathering information and developing expertise within the various fields of expertise.
Your independent partner
By selecting DNV as your assurance and advisory partner, you gain global expertise and local insights to strengthen fish welfare standards. Together, we can boost the sustainability, profitability, and reputation of your aquaculture operations.
