Optimizing Fish Welfare and Oxygenation
Fish welfare is top of mind for every aquaculture operator — especially during holding, just before fish are sent for processing. It's a critical stage: fish are more crowded, stress levels rise, and oxygen demand increases.
If conditions aren’t optimal, the impacts can ripple across the operation — affecting fish health, processing efficiency, and final product quality.
Two leading producers, Australis and SalMar, addressed this challenge directly by integrating Moleaer’s nanobubble technology into their holding tanks and waiting cages. Both facilities experienced measurable improvements in oxygenation efficiency, fish welfare, and more consistent water quality.
The result? Less stress, healthier fish, and better quality.
The Challenge: More Crowding, More Stress
In both cases, the challenge was the same: crowding fish before processing increases stress, driving up oxygen demand and potentially impacting fish health, welfare, and quality. The solution had to deliver oxygen more efficiently while keeping water conditions stable and fish healthy.
Moleaer Nanobubble Technology: More Efficient Oxygenation
Moleaer’s solutions are known for improving oxygen transfer efficiency while maintaining a stable environment for fish – exactly what Australis and SalMar needed.
By integrating nanobubble generators, they optimized oxygenation in their holding tanks and cages, creating ideal conditions for fish before processing.
The Results: Oxygen Efficiency, Improved Fish Welfare, and Better Quality
The benefits of integrating Moleaer's solutions was clear fro the start. At Australis Dumestre’s plant in Chile, oxygen consumption was reduced by 63%, while Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels were consistently maintained. This allowed the facility to safely increase biomass density, resulting in a more efficient operation without compromising fish welfare. The fish appeared more relaxed, with firmer scales, and fewer signs of stress.
Similarly, at SalMar’s Innovanor waiting cages in Norway, stable oxygen levels were maintained even during the challenging summer months when oxygen levels typically decline. Average DO levels rapidly increased from 46.5% to 88% with Moleaer nanobubble technology in use. The impact on fish welfare was evident: less stress, smoother processing, and ultimately a better-quality final product.
Tomas Godtliebsen, Manager of Waiting Cages at SalMar Innovanor noted:
“The summer months with high sea temperatures used to be a concern, but after installing Freya, we can fully utilize the capacity of the waiting cages even at high temperatures. With Freya installed on the waiting cages, we can crowd the fish more intensively without compromising fish welfare... After implementing the system, we’ve seen significant improvements in stress factors and find it easier to remove blood from the fish during processing.”
Why Nanobubble Technology Makes a real difference
What sets Moleaer's solutions apart from traditional oxygenation systems? Conventional methods often struggle with efficiency and can consume significant energy to maintain oxygen levels – especially under fluctuating conditions. Moleaer’s technology delivers a more efficient and stable solution, performing reliably across a range of environments.
In addition to improved oxygen transfer, nanobubbles also enhance water quality by reducing CO2 buildup supporting enhanced aeration. As José Luis Requeros, Manager at the Dumestre plant, explained:
“The CO2 inside the tank remains much more stable compared to the conventional system, and the fish appeared more relaxed. This is crucial for fish health and overall product quality.”
What this means for the future of aquaculture
The success at both Australis and SalMar shows that optimizing oxygenation with Moleaer’s nanobubble technology isn’t just a technical upgrade – it’s a meaningful step forward for fish welfare and operational efficiency.
By integrating Moleaer's solutions, these producers improved fish health and product quality while positioning themselves for long-term, sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
As more operators look for ways to enhance performance and resilience, we’re seeing increased interest in nanobubble technology – driven by consistent, proven results. The outcomes speak for themselves: improved fish quality, reduced operational costs, and a more sustainable path forward for aquaculture.
See the full results
Explore the full case studies from Australis Dumestre and SalMar Innovanor to see how nanobubbles are making an impact:
- Australis Dumestre Case Study: www.moleaer.com/resources/case-study-australis-dumestre-chile
- SalMar Innovanor Case Study: www.moleaer.com/resources/case-study-salmar-innovanor-norway
