A Scottish Government-backed delegation is travelling to Norway this week to showcase the strength of the country’s aquaculture supply chain and boost international trade opportunities for SMEs.

Some of Scotland’s latest aquaculture and marine technology will be demonstrated to an audience of 25,000 people from 75 countries at Aqua Nor—the world’s largest aquaculture technology showcase.

The event takes place in Trondheim, Norway, from August 22–24, 2023, and includes a Scottish pavilion attended by 18 of Scotland’s aquaculture supply chain businesses, providing an opportunity to showcase new innovations.

The Team Scotland presence at the event has been arranged by a partnership involving Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), and the Scottish Government.

Companies joining the shared Scottish pavilion will have access to facilities for technical demonstrations, talks and networking, to support new commercial opportunities. A further 18 Scottish companies are joining the wider delegation with their own stands or as visitors to the event.

Some of the Scottish marine technology on display includes OTAQ’s Live Plankton Analysis System (LPAS), which employs machine learning to automatically detect potentially harmful species of phytoplankton. GenusWave is also displaying its advanced audio signaling technology, which helps to protect salmon from predators.

Other organizations taking part are MiAlgae, Krucial, Moredun Scientific, Otter Ferry Seafish, Tritonia Scientific, Brimmond, SAMS Enterprise, I&C Process Solutions, KelpRing, Aqualife Services, Underwater Contracting, Veramaris, DSM-firmenich, Fish Farmer Magazine, Tritech and the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture.

The Scottish pavilion will be officially opened by Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands. She said, “I look forward to opening the Scottish pavilion at Aquanor, made possible through collaboration by businesses, the public sector and our innovation center, and supported and funded by the Scottish Government. The pavilion showcases the innovation, technology and research of Scottish aquaculture to an international audience and will create economic opportunities for the sector, including Scottish small and medium sized businesses.

(Image credit: Scottish Government)

“Scotland’s aquaculture sector is a significant contributor to our economy, generating approximately £885 million GVA and an estimated 11,700 jobs while producing healthy and nutritious products. Our recently published Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture sets out our ambition to grow the sector, deliver innovation and makes clear the Scottish Government’s support for a sustainable aquaculture industry and supply chain.”

Aqua Nor brings together the latest products, processes and services covering farmed finfish, shellfish and seaweed.

As part of a busy three-day pavilion program, a panel talk between representatives from Scotland, Norway, Canada and the Faroes will explore how different aquaculture-producing nations fund, drive, adopt and commercialize innovation to drive forward sustainable growth in aquaculture.

Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, said: “The return of the Scottish pavilion, bigger and better than ever before, is a fantastic platform for showcasing the impactful marine technology and innovation coming out of Scotland.

“Some of the SMEs joining the delegation may not have otherwise had the chance to come to Trondheim. This is why we have pulled together as Team Scotland, building on our role as a hub for connecting different areas of the sector and the academic community. I hope to see consultancy, new orders, and product and knowledge expertise exported from Scotland, contributing to our country’s international growth.”

Elaine Jamieson, head of food and drink and life sciences at HIE, added: “Aquaculture is an important industry in Scotland. In rural parts of the Highlands and Islands it creates opportunities for a broad and diverse range of businesses that provide vital year-round well-paid employment and support community resilience and prosperity.

“Aqua Nor is the global meeting place for the industry and it’s great to be part of the team bringing together the Scottish pavilion. The event gives Scotland’s public and private sector the opportunity to showcase technology, innovation and products and services.

“Crucially, it also helps to explore new opportunities for international collaboration and trade and will attract further inward investment to the Highlands and Islands.”