Non-lethal sampler devised

The project is called MicroNIR, and is collaboration between Ewos, Ewos Innovation and Aqua Gen. The objective is to develop non-destructive methods of measuring body composition in Atlantic salmon. The project was recently approved as SkatteFUNN-project, a funding scheme through the Research Council of Norway which provides financing through tax deductions.

The main objective is to develop a method for measuring body fat percentage and pigment content in the fillet of Atlantic salmon while it is alive, using an ultra-compact near-infrared spectrophotometer, namely the MicroNIR. An additional objective is to use the method for evaluation of the fat distribution, and to assess the general energy status of the fish.

“Today, conventional fish sampling methods means scarifying the fish to obtain quality samples, which are then ground and analyzed. This is both costly and labor-intensive. With merely low pressure, our new method makes it possible to scan the fat level and color content in only a few seconds. In addition, we can send a happy, live and kicking salmon right back into the cage after measuring,” says Product Manager Ernst Hevrøy.