2026: Industry, Research and Authorities Meet in Sunndal
Great atmosphere, well organised and high‑quality content’ was typical feedback from participants at Smolt Production in the Future in 2024.
Nofima is now inviting aquaculture companies, technology suppliers, authorities and researchers to a new conference and valuable knowledge‑sharing event on the production of smolt and post‑smolt, whether this takes place in closed facilities on land or at sea.”
As usual, Nofima is joined by Sunndal Næringsselskap as a partner as they now embark on their ninth conference since 2008. One example of a topic they will explore in more depth is light.
“Light became one of the discussion topics at the previous conference, and this year we will delve further into what kind of lighting is optimal for salmon. We will hear from both researchers and industry representatives about why biology needs to play a greater role in the choice of lighting regimes,” says Trine Ytrestøyl, who chairs the conference and is a researcher at Nofima.
There will also be a panel discussion on policy, research and industry.
Ytrestøyl hopes the conference can help replace guesswork with facts about what constitutes optimal smolt production in the future, across several areas.
“The goal must be to develop technology on biology’s terms, and not the other way around. If we do that, technology can help make farmed smolts robust and ensure that biology comes out on top,” she says. She points to issues such as nephrocalcinosis and heart disorders, which conference participants together may be in a position to reduce.
While the organising committee takes pride in putting together a programme with strong scientific content and high relevance, she knows that many participants also come to meet others in the sector.
“Discussions run enthusiastically outside the conference hall during the breaks, and the breaks have even been praised for being long. We also have an exhibition tent where around 20 exhibitors can present products and services that represent solutions for the smolt production of the future.”
Registration is now open and sponsors are in place:
