Halibut feed is known to be larger and requires more gentle handling than traditional feed used for salmon farming.
Aquaculture technology provider Smir Group has entered the halibut farming market through an agreement with Norway-based Sterling White Halibut for the delivery of its waterborne feeding system.
This marks an expansion of Smir Group’s efforts in system deliveries beyond salmon farming.
Sterling White Halibut’s technical manager, Thor Bull Skarvatun, noted initial skepticism due to previous unsuccessful tests with waterborne feeding systems.
However, thorough testing of Smir Group’s Smirfeeder system convinced the company of its reliability, with no blockages or feed quality degradation observed.
Smir Group’s sales manager, Frode Rygh, highlighted the system’s flexibility, designed to handle various feed sizes and consistencies, including the larger, softer halibut feed. The underwater spreader’s ability to adjust feeding patterns and depths was also emphasized as a key benefit.
“We have worked actively to develop a flexible feeding system that is suitable for feeding to other species than just salmon. Having carried out several successful tests with feed of different sizes and consistencies during the course of development, we have always been confident that the system would be well suited to a number of different types of feed, such as in this case with halibut feed, which is somewhat larger and of a softer consistency compared to traditional feed for salmon farming,” said Rygh
Sterling White Halibut is focused on sustainable farming solutions, with general manager Trond Sandvik underscoring the cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and noise reduction of the Smir system. The company aims to lead in the development of sustainable halibut farming, collaborating with suppliers to create environmentally friendly facilities.
