Land-based aquaculture is evolving—and lighting is playing a surprisingly crucial role.
At Havlandet in Florø, Norway, the future of sustainable salmon farming is being shaped. Supported by INC Gruppen, the company launched a land-based RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) pilot facility with an eye toward large-scale production of 20,000–25,000 tons of salmon annually by 2026. Their journey started with a modest 200-ton pilot plant, funded in part by a NOK 15 million grant from Innovation Norway.
"Bringing salmon farming onto land is exciting. We wanted to start full-scale, but it made sense to begin with a pilot project where we could test everything we needed," says Fredrik Grahl-Jacobsen, Operations Manager, Havlandet RAS Pilot.
The Challenge: Too Little Light in the Tanks
Initially, the RAS facility was equipped only with surface lighting. It soon became clear that the light wasn't reaching deep enough into the tanks. Salmon were clustering in the darker, deeper areas, around three meters down—an issue not just for fish welfare but also for production efficiency.
Brackish, slightly murky water at the facility contributed to light scattering. This environment risked early sexual maturation in salmon, a major concern because it negatively affects growth and product quality.
Also, lighting that was too rich in red wavelengths could increase fish stress and promote algae blooms—both critical challenges in aquaculture.
The Solve: Partnering with Signify for Aquaculture Lighting
Searching for a partner, Havlandet connected with Signify, a global leader in lighting solutions. Signify’s expertise allowed them to develop a custom lighting plan based on the pilot facility's design that would evenly illuminate the tanks.
"The collaboration with Signify has been excellent. They are easy to reach, provide quick responses, and offer skilled support," says Kristian Hovland, Department Manager, NBN Elektro (INC Gruppen).
The new system installed included Philips Aquaculture LED lights for both above and below the water surface, along with an advanced control system. The patented light spectrum is specially tailored for salmon, making it appear 30% brighter to the fish without increasing stress.
With uniform lighting throughout the tanks, dark spots were eliminated, reducing salmon stress and helping control factors linked to premature sexual maturation.
The Results: Faster Growth and Healthier Fish
Today, Havlandet’s salmon are thriving. They are growing quickly, health indicators are excellent, and mortality rates are remarkably low. Notably, the new lighting setup has helped eliminate sea lice infestations—without the need for handling or chemical treatments.
The system runs on a constant 24-hour light cycle at a fixed intensity, although the control system allows for fully customizable programs if needed. Each tank can be individually monitored and managed, offering flexibility for future scaling.
"Fish exposed to longer periods of light eat more and grow faster. Our system can even dim lighting down to 0.3% without flicker, which helps adjust conditions as needed," says Steinar Grønnerud, Sales Manager Aquaculture, Signify.
A Better Future in Aquaculture
The success at Havlandet RAS Pilot shows the critical role light plays in modern aquaculture. With the right lighting system—customized to tank depth, water clarity, and fish biology—operators can enhance fish welfare, speed up growth, and drastically reduce reliance on treatments for parasites like sea lice.
Contact our team to learn how tailored lighting solutions can help your aqua operation thrive.
