SEASTAR test of real time monitoring and surveillance of welfare in commercial size cage culture of Atlantic salmon
1 Purpose: The field experiment aims to test and validate robustness of real-time environmental and biological-related data delivery from a miniaturized implanted sensor on Atlantic salmon. The experiment will be a follow up of two laboratory trials successfully performed at the University of Bergen (FOTS ID 22923). In the initial trials we tested and validated the sensor size and design, assessed the impact of it on the fish physiological welfare, growth and survival and established a method that focuses on the data collection and on their biological significance. In the field experiment we will therefore test and validate the sensor in a semi commercial system, and evaluate and monitor growth, development and performance of fish implanted with a sensor with realistic density of fish in the cage and under common aquaculture operational settings for up to 6 months.
2 Distress: We estimate a moderate distress to the fish following the surgical procedure where the sensor is implanted in the fish intraperitoneal (IP) cavity. While based on our previous trial experience and welfare assessment (FOTS ID 22923), minor distress is expected for the rest of the trial as the fish has been shown to recover quickly from implanting the IP sensor, and no mortalities were registered.
3 Expected benefits: Our previous trials were successful to show the sensored fish with consistent and similar behavioral patterns compared to the control group, feeding behavior, and to the stress trials. In the field test we will investigate the same outcome in a semi commercial sea cage, where we aim to assess the fish welfare and health status in real time, in a more like farm fish density and during farms critical operations in a 6 month trial.
4 Number of animals, and what kind: Atlantic salmon (n=300) at 2 kg start-weight
5 Adhering to 3R:
“Reduce”: To be able to perform a statistical assessment we will use 150 replicate fish with the sensors and 150 fish as control in a 5 x 5 m cage. This is the required minimum standard when significant individual behavior variations are expected. Also, the field trial consists of 3 samplings with 20 fish each to inspect fish health status, and internal organ and tissues growth around the sensor during the six-month trial.
“Replace”: The SEASTAR system is based on real-time assessment of living whole animal performance traits. It will measure and assess variations and deviations in behavior of live Atlantic salmon over time. The measured results and assessment of welfare cannot be obtained nor validated by alternative indirect approaches.
“Refine”: The fish will be reared in a commercial cage with natural water qualities and light, and routine feeding protocols. We will test the sensored fish responses to common human operational intervention, stress, swimming speed and feeding in the sea cages.We will apply the same surgical techniques acquired and improved during the previous trials at UiB. Fish will be anaesthetized, and surgical procedure is expected to be brief with little complications. Quick recovery is expected after the surgery.
2 Distress: We estimate a moderate distress to the fish following the surgical procedure where the sensor is implanted in the fish intraperitoneal (IP) cavity. While based on our previous trial experience and welfare assessment (FOTS ID 22923), minor distress is expected for the rest of the trial as the fish has been shown to recover quickly from implanting the IP sensor, and no mortalities were registered.
3 Expected benefits: Our previous trials were successful to show the sensored fish with consistent and similar behavioral patterns compared to the control group, feeding behavior, and to the stress trials. In the field test we will investigate the same outcome in a semi commercial sea cage, where we aim to assess the fish welfare and health status in real time, in a more like farm fish density and during farms critical operations in a 6 month trial.
4 Number of animals, and what kind: Atlantic salmon (n=300) at 2 kg start-weight
5 Adhering to 3R:
“Reduce”: To be able to perform a statistical assessment we will use 150 replicate fish with the sensors and 150 fish as control in a 5 x 5 m cage. This is the required minimum standard when significant individual behavior variations are expected. Also, the field trial consists of 3 samplings with 20 fish each to inspect fish health status, and internal organ and tissues growth around the sensor during the six-month trial.
“Replace”: The SEASTAR system is based on real-time assessment of living whole animal performance traits. It will measure and assess variations and deviations in behavior of live Atlantic salmon over time. The measured results and assessment of welfare cannot be obtained nor validated by alternative indirect approaches.
“Refine”: The fish will be reared in a commercial cage with natural water qualities and light, and routine feeding protocols. We will test the sensored fish responses to common human operational intervention, stress, swimming speed and feeding in the sea cages.We will apply the same surgical techniques acquired and improved during the previous trials at UiB. Fish will be anaesthetized, and surgical procedure is expected to be brief with little complications. Quick recovery is expected after the surgery.