The conference Smolt Production of the Future will take place from October 16-17, 2024 at Sunndalsøra, on the west coast of Norway. The conference is an arena for knowledge exchange between fish farmers and researchers packed with facts from the researchers and experiences from industry players. It focuses in the production of smolt and post-smolt, whether it takes place in closed facilities on land or at sea.

"Since the last conference, we have gained more knowledge about smolt production, and our experience with solutions in the industry is increasing. Political leadership in the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries is also in place, and we hope that the conference will be a fruitful meeting point," said Trine Ytrestøyl, senior scientist at Nofima who is leading the conference. The conference has attracted 200-300 participants every year since it started in 2008.

"There is a rapid development towards increased production of large smolt, at the same time as there are challenges with welfare and mortality in the sea. Good smolt quality is part of the solution to these challenges," said Ytrestøyl.

The main topics for this year's conference will be experiences with the production of large smolt, smolt quality, fish health and welfare, water quality and feed and feeding in RAS. New this year is a panel debate.

Professional interpreters will translate Norwegian lectures into English simultaneously.

Conference sponsors will have stands in the exhibition area. "There is room for many exhibitors here in addition to the sponsors," said Ingrid Lein, who coordinates the companies that want to present their products and expertise during the conference. "We try every time to make this an even better meeting place for suppliers and conference participants. It's social and tends to be a very nice meeting place as well.”

Registration is open at smoltproduksjon.no. The conference is organized by Nofima and Sunndal Næringsselskap (Suns).