Knut Nesse: – We must create growth on the fish’s premises

In 2018, Knut Nesse returned to Norway after a long stay abroad. As CEO of AKVA group, he has a clear goal, and that is to contribute to creating growth in farming on the fish’s terms. Nesse highlights three success criteria: post smolt, deep operation and digital solutions.

As former CEO of Skretting Group and Nutreco, he has a unique understanding of global trends and local needs. After living and working on several continents, he chose to bring his knowledge back to Norway, as CEO of AKVA group.

– Coming home and using my experience to drive forward an industry that is so vital for Norway, and at the same time global, is incredibly motivating, says Nesse.

Future-oriented aquaculture
Under Knut Nesse’s management, AKVA group has come up with many innovations in post smolt, deep operation and digital tools. His approach addresses current and future challenges, and positions AKVA group as a leader in technological development with commitment from smolt to harvest.

– Good cooperation between breeder and supplier is important. Our approach is to offer holistic solutions that not only address today’s challenges, but also prepare breeders for the demands of the future, he explains.

Fighting salmon lice with submersible cages
One of the most important challenges for the industry is to improve fish welfare. The Nautilus deep drift concept has proven to be effective in combating salmon lice. Deep operation is supported by water-borne feeding and specialized equipment that contributes to an energy-efficient transition to this operating method. The collaboration with research environments, breeders and industrial partners has been central to the development of deep farming, where the goal is a more sustainable and profitable future for salmon farming.

– Our work with far-sighted breeders shows how technological solutions can lead to gains, says Nesse.

Knowledge and competence
AKVA group has invested significantly in knowledge and expertise. Initiatives such as the land-based recycling aquaculture system (RAS) for Laxey in Iceland, the partnership with Nordic Aqua Partners in China, and the recent collaboration with Inseanergy for the implementation of liquid solar cell technology, underline the company’s commitment to sustainability through innovation and the use of renewable energy.

AKVA group’s land-based department tells of interest in sensors for land-based breeding facilities.

– Breeders want more data and more accurate data, so that they can use this in their daily operations to optimize the well-being and welfare of the fish. It’s about the fish having the best conditions, and now we have solutions that can give an accurate picture of the water quality, says Nesse.

An essential component of the AKVA group’s portfolio is Production Advisory Services (PAS), a team dedicated to delivering specialist expertise and support to land-based aquaculture projects. Through the PAS team, AKVA group commits to innovation and sustainability by ensuring that customers have access to knowledge and practical guidance to maximize efficiency and environmental friendliness in operations.

Better efficiency and sustainability with AI
On the digital front, AKVA group’s collaboration with Observe Technologies has resulted in the development of AKVA observe, a platform powered by artificial intelligence. This solution improves feeding processes by providing precise data analysis, leading to optimized feeding strategies, reduced waste and improved fish health.

– This type of innovation is the key not only to better fish health, but also to increasing profitability in the entire sector. The results from AKVA observe show a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR), higher growth and easier standardization of feeding processes, explains Nesse.

Together with AKVA submerged, a solution for digital camera surveillance, AKVA group offers tools for accurate assessment of fish weight and lice numbers, which contributes to better decision-making processes and financial results.

A personal goal
For Nesse, involvement in aquaculture is more than just a job. It has become part of his identity. He sees it as part of the effort to produce sustainable food and develop local communities, not only in Norway, but in all countries where AKVA group has offices or production.

– Contributing to shaping the future of this industry with a focus on sustainability and technology is incredibly rewarding, says Nesse.

Knut Nesse and AKVA group have a vision to develop aquaculture with sustainability and innovation at the core on the premises of the fish. Through Nesse’s leadership, the company looks towards a future where aquaculture can grow in a responsible and profitable way.