The Salmon Unit

Step into our state-of-the-art Salmon unit, where we’ve meticulously designed an environment to cater to the needs of salmon and trout. Whether it’s for groundbreaking vaccine or feed trials in our advanced recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) or dynamic infection studies in our flow-through system, we’ve got the perfect space for your research!

Atlantic salmon

Salmo Salar

Atlantic Salmon

The Atlantic salmon stands as an iconic symbol of Norway’s aquatic heritage, but its significance extends far beyond the Norwegian shores.

The Atlantic salmon holds a cornerstone position in global aquaculture, with Norway proudly asserting itself as the foremost leader in both the production and export of this remarkable species worldwide.

While aquaculture industry flourishes, it’s crucial to note the delicate balance that exists. Despite its prominence, wild Atlantic salmon is endangered in many regions, including Norwegian waters. This species, with its intricate and captivating life cycle, migrates between freshwater rivers and the ocean.

Yet, this migration is not without challenges. The Atlantic salmon proves to be remarkably sensitive to environmental changes and alterations in its habitat, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive studies. Norway, recognizing the dual significance of both aquaculture and the preservation of wild populations, takes the lead in research and management of this species. The Atlantic salmon’s story is not just about a fish; it’s a narrative of environmental responsibility, sustainable practices, and the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Our Unit

RAS Room (Recirculating Water System)

Welcome to our Salmon unit, a dynamic space designed for exploring the intricate phases of salmon development, biology and to perform infectious challenges. 

Our unit is comprised of 4 rooms supplied with fresh water, each containing 20 to 30 tanks ranging from 100 to 900 liters. The layout can be arranged to offer an optimal environment for your study. 

One room, equipped with a state-of-the-art water filtration system, is transformed into a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Meanwhile, the other three rooms are flow through (FT) systems ready for infection or toxicology studies.

We offer the possibility to independently control the environment (lighting and temperature) of each room, unlocking the potential for diverse experiments simultaneously.

And that’s not all! Step into our dedicated laboratory, a haven equipped with cutting-edge tools to unravel the secrets of fish biology through microscopes and delve into the nuances of their behavior using advanced cameras with tracking systems.

Our Salmon Fish Facility isn’t just a space; it’s an invitation to explore, experiment, and dive deep into the fascinating world of salmon research.

Salmon

1 RAS Room, with a filter and recirculating water

  • 3 Infection Rooms, with flow through water
  • 1 Teaching Lab, Expert Staff
Romain Fontaine

It's not just a facility; it's a playground of possibilities.

Romain Fontaine - Head of the Salmon Unit

Our Services

Vaccination trials

Vaccination trials

Unlock the potential of your new vaccine! Explore its impact on the immune system and the intricate physiology of fish. Witness firsthand how your vaccine empowers fish to overcome pathogenic challenges, offering a holistic understanding of its effectiveness.

Infection Studies

Infection challenge

Uncover the intricacies of infection – from understanding how the pathogen infiltrates fish to its replication process. Identify key symptoms and markers for swift and precise pathogen identification. Understand the interactions between pathogens and fish biology and test the effects of new feeds on fish resistance.

Biological and behavior analysis

Biological and behavioral analyses

Unlock the secrets of your research with our state-of-the-art laboratories, meticulously equipped to unravel gene expression changes, cell distribution modifications, and anatomical transformations. Delve into the intricacies of your study, as our cutting-edge facilities provide the perfect backdrop for comprehensive analyses. But that’s not all – step into the realm of behavior analysis with confidence, thanks to our advanced video tracking system. Uncover the nuances of behavioral changes, often key indicators linked to stress status.

Training

Training

Get access to training programs tailored to ignite your journey into the world of fish studies or elevate your skills in laboratory work. Whether you’re starting afresh or aiming to enhance your proficiency, our programs are crafted to equip you with the expertise needed to navigate seamlessly through the fascinating realm of fish research.

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