Waive provides acoustic data to new research project on fish welfare
The research project Bølge & Blikk brings together technology suppliers and fish farmers to develop a common framework for automated welfare assessment. Waive contributes acoustic measurements.
Automated sensors provide increasing amounts of information about farmed salmon welfare. Camera systems detect sea lice, wounds, and disease at the individual level. Acoustic sensors — such as sonar — provide an overview of fish behaviour, positioning, and how fish utilise the cage volume.
These technologies complement each other, but there is currently no shared method for understanding and comparing their outputs. Much of welfare assessment is still based on manual observations. This is what Bølge & Blikk (FHF 910481) aims to change.
About the project
The project name reflects the two technology types it bridges: "bølge" (waves — sonar/echosounder) and "blikk" (gaze — optical sensors/cameras).
Bølge & Blikk is led by Akvaplan-niva in collaboration with Aqua Kompetanse, using a participatory research approach where both technology suppliers and fish farming companies contribute actively.
Project partners:
- Technology suppliers: Aquabyte, OptoScale, CageEye and Waive
- Fish farming companies: Nova Sea, Sinkaberg and Lerøy Aurora
The goal is to develop a technology-neutral framework that enables validation, comparison, and systematisation of welfare data across different sensor types — while respecting suppliers' intellectual property.
Waive's contribution
Waive provides acoustic data and measurements to the project. Our sonar technology covers the full cage volume regardless of light conditions, visibility, or weather. The data provides insight into fish behaviour and distribution, complementing the detailed information that camera systems offer on individual fish.
We believe the path to better welfare assessment lies in allowing different sensor types to complement each other. A shared framework for understanding data across technologies is an important step in the right direction.
The project started in March 2026 and runs until May 2027. Results will be published through open reports and presentations at relevant industry events.
Read the press release from Akvaplan-niva
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