WOLFHUNGER

Full title A collaborative platform to support upscaling of spotted wolffish aquaculture

Partners: Nofima, Nord University, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Denvo, Wolffish, Amar Seafood, Råknes Gård Sjømat, Skretting

Funding: Troms and Finnmark County Administration

Project manager: Atle Foss

Project focus: The spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) is considered a promising candidate for cold-water aquaculture. However, in wolffish farming, quality of gametes is still a significant bottleneck and it can be affected by several factors, including broodstock nutrition. Based on this, the WOLFHUNGER project will investigate the effects on growth performance, digestion efficiency and gut health in the on-growing phase on spotted wolffish. Work will extend to the analysis of reproductive traits, gamete and larval quality in fish fed a commercial (control) and experimental low-fat diet.

Project goal: The main objective of the project is thus to supply the wolffish industry with specific scientific knowledge that will increase production efficiency in the farms, and to establish a research-platform, consisting of all the major research institutes in northern Norway, to support and further develop a sustainable spotted wolffish farming industry. In our opinion, the project constitutes a necessary basis for industrial upscaling and further diversification of the Norwegian aquaculture industry.