Krill ingredient is shown to boost salmon health during sea transfer 

A new study has found that feeds containing krill meal product QRILL Aqua can help Atlantic salmon perform better during one of the most challenging phases of their lifecycle: the transition from freshwater to seawater.

Conducted by feed manufacturer Skretting in collaboration with Aker QRILL Company, this is the first study on the impact of QRILL Aqua from a commercial-scale field trial during the seawater transfer period.

The seawater transfer period is known to be marked by appetite suppression, osmoregulation stress, increased disease risk, and higher mortality rates. Industry figures show that a large share of losses occur during the first months at sea, creating both economic and fish welfare concerns.

Real farming conditions

“By combining Skretting’s feed expertise with QRILL Aqua’s proven nutritional benefits, we were able to test under real farming conditions. This is a strong example of how collaboration can advance solutions for the industry,” said Skretting R&D leader Kjetil Berge.

The 116-day trial, conducted at a commercial salmon farm in Harstad, Norway, compared a commercial diet containing 15% fishmeal to one in which 10% krill meal (QRILL Aqua) was used, thereby reducing the fishmeal by two-thirds to 5%.

Fewer losses

Salmon fed the QRILL Aqua diet:

• Consumed 3% more feed
• Achieved 22% lower mortality 
• Exhibited 4.8% higher growth

Mortality during the 116-day trial was 0.49% in fish fed with the 10% krill meal diet and 0.63% in the control group.

The researchers said the results point to trends that could make a meaningful difference to both fish welfare and farm productivity.

Essential nutrients

“As feed formulations shift toward more plant-based proteins and novel ingredients, farmers face challenges like reduced palatability, nutrient imbalances, and competition with human food,” said the study’s lead, Dr Kiranpreet Kaur, aquaculture R&D director at Aker QRILL and parent company Aker Biomarine.

“QRILL Aqua is a sustainable, functional marine ingredient that delivers high-quality protein, omega-3s, and essential nutrients, helping address these challenges so fish can stay healthy and perform well while supporting environmental goals.”

The study, Krill Meal Boosts Growth and Survival in Atlantic Salmon Smolts After Seawater Transfer, is published in the Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.