In a landmark advancement for the aquaculture industry, a pioneering collaboration between Arctic Fish, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), and Aquabyte has resulted in the approval of an innovative, non-invasive method for monitoring salmon maturation—ushering in a new era of improved fish welfare.
After a rigorous development and validation process conducted at Arctic Fish’s harvest facility in Bolungarvík, MAST has officially approved Aquabyte’s automated maturation scoring method for farmed salmon. This decision marks a significant step forward for sustainable aquaculture practices in Iceland.
Traditionally, salmon maturation assessment has required the dissection of up to 200 fish per site—a process that is both labor-intensive and harmful to the animals. The newly approved system changes that paradigm. Using Aquabyte’s technology, Icelandic salmon farmers can now accurately collect and report maturation data without the need to handle, stress, or sacrifice the fish.
“This is not only a technological milestone but a meaningful improvement in how we care for aquatic life,” said a representative from Aquabyte. “The approval from MAST underscores the system’s reliability and the country’s commitment to sustainable innovation in aquaculture.”
This achievement represents a major win for fish welfare, setting a new standard for how the industry monitors biological data while aligning with ethical and environmental goals. The collaboration highlights the power of partnerships across the value chain. Special recognition goes to Karl Steinar Oskarsson, Head of the Aquaculture Department at MAST, and John Gunnar Grindskar, COO Farming at Arctic Fish, for their instrumental roles in bringing this initiative to fruition.
As Iceland continues to lead in sustainable aquaculture, this development stands as a testament to what can be achieved when regulators, farmers, and technology providers unite to innovate for the betterment of both industry and animal welfare.