In order to satisfy new requirements from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, MøreNot Karmsund has developed a new lice treatment tarpaulin. The tarpaulin was recently tested in a test tank in Hirtshals, Denmark. The test results are extremely satisfactory, as is the feedback from participating customers.

The problematic effects of widespread salmon lice have received a lot of media attention in recent years. At the same time the Norwegian Food Safety Authority has intensified regulations relating to measures to counteract diseases in fish. New stipulations require fish farmers to use  enclosed tarpaulins. Previously, fish farmers only used a "skirt" around the net cages. The new enclosed tarpaulins are fundamental in allowing delousing in a more controlled environment. This way the fish get a more exact dosage when receiving therapy treatment.

The General Manager of MøreNot Karmsund, Roar Østebøvik, has been responsible for the development of the new lice treatment tarpaulins. Naturally, he had significant expectations prior to the pilot project in the test tank.

"During the pilot testing in Hirtshals, we got to see how the new tarpaulins work in strong currents. The customers that participated were very satisfied and also contributed with relevant input regarding the new product," says Østebøvik.

Increasing production

The new lice treatment tarpaulins have been developed on the basis of geo textiles used by contractors to cover substances at sea in order to prevent pollution.

Up until now, the biggest delivery from MøreNot Karmsund, is a canvas covering an ocean floor of 40,000 m², weighting as much as 16 tons.

During the test day in Hirtshals, MøreNot received several orders for the new tarpaulins.

"As a consequence of new regulation, we expect a high demand for the lice treatment tarpaulins during 2011. For that reason we have purchased new machines in order to handle increased production," says Østebøvik.