SmoltVision indicates when smolt are ready for seawater

SmoltVision is an innovative real-time RT‑PCR analysis that determines when smolt are ready to be transferred to seawater. We measure three genes expressed in the gills and combine this with production data and insights from more than 150,000 completed smolt analyses. Farmers receive comprehensive, detailed information on seawater readiness—before the transition occurs.

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SmoltVision helps producers decide the optimal time to move smolt to seawater. Timing is critical for survival at sea—if fish are released at the wrong time, mortality can increase.

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A growing need

“In recent years, we’ve seen a growing need for new and more accurate analyses to achieve an objective measurement of seawater tolerance,” says Elise Hjelle, Head of Smolt at Pharmaq Analytiq.

“The need is increasing as hatchery production regimes evolve rapidly,” Hjelle explains. “Smolt production is becoming more intensive, smolt are larger, and the biology is under greater pressure as a result. The use of salt-enriched feed is rising, and production systems are becoming more advanced—both in RAS and land-based facilities.”

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How SmoltVision works

SmoltVision measures the expression of three genes that play key roles in salmon gills during smoltification and the development of seawater tolerance:

We quantify gene expression for both freshwater ATPase and seawater ATPase. This provides an early indication of which phase the fish are entering, before this expression is translated into active ATPase enzyme in the gills.
SmoltVision can therefore give early warning of physiological changes, not just document them after they occur. This gives farmers more time to plan and take action.
In addition, SmoltVision measures a third gene—referred to as a cofactor—that can reveal underlying factors influencing smoltification and thus seawater tolerance. This gene can, for example, indicate gill disease, gill damage, or water quality issues.

SmoltVision samples can also be used for pathogen screening, eliminating the need for additional sampling if you want further analyses alongside seawater tolerance monitoring.

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Detecting deviations

The analysis is highly useful when unexpected changes in behavior or appearance are observed in parr and smolt during development. SmoltVision can help identify potential underlying causes and assess whether they may affect the fish’s ability to tolerate transfer to seawater.

Such changes may indicate that smoltification is underway, or that the group is following an atypical smoltification trajectory. Smoltification is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, including light, temperature, and water quality, in addition to fish size.

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Valuable for large-smolt production

Large-smolt production has expanded significantly in recent years. In some regions, such as Norway, notable growth has been observed. SmoltVision is valuable in this context.

Larger smolt often adapt to seawater in less predictable ways than traditionally sized smolt—for example, they do not always respond to light cues as expected. In such cases, SmoltVision can provide more detailed insights than other smolt analyses.

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A comprehensive assessment

SmoltVision was developed by researchers at the University of Bergen in collaboration with Pharmaq Analytiq. Since its launch in 2017, the team has analyzed more than 150,000 fish using the tool.

“Our extensive experience has given us unique expertise in smolt and seawater adaptation. We apply that experience every day when evaluating results from new fish groups,” says Elise Hjelle.

In addition to the analysis results themselves, information about the fish and their environment is included in the assessment to provide a final conclusion. The outcome is a holistic evaluation with tailored recommendations for the fish group.

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It’s this simple

Collect samples from a representative subset of fish and register your order in our customer portal, iWise.
Send the samples to our laboratories (e.g., in Rørvik or Bergen). Freezing is not required; standard mail or courier is sufficient, depending on your location.
We analyze samples on a rolling basis and provide a comprehensive assessment of seawater tolerance status.
Urgent request? Let us know—we can analyze samples the same day we receive them. See our delivery times for details.

Please refer to our sampling guide for more details.

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Learn more about customer projects here

Customers are encouraged to contact us in an early phase of the planning of a project. Our team can advise on sampling and study design in addition to relevant analyses, to optimize project setup and results.

Customer projects