Finnish researchers revolutionise aquaculture with new solutions for off-flavours, water mould  

FINLAND – A group of Finnish researchers have unveiled a game-changing solution to two of aquaculture’s most significant challenges—off-flavours in fish and water mould. 

The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed innovative cellulose-based materials that promise to boost global profitability and sustainability in fish farming.

Unpleasant off-flavours, caused by compounds accumulating in fish, can deter consumers and drastically lower market value. 

Similarly, water mould is a persistent issue leading to significant losses, particularly in salmonid farming, where it is responsible for up to 10% of annual production losses. This also poses a danger to endangered fish stocks maintained in aquaculture facilities.  

Recognising these hurdles, Luke and VTT collaborated to create chemically treated fibre materials capable of capturing off-flavour compounds and water mould spores. 

“We have developed promising capture solutions to address the problems of off-flavours and water mould in aquaculture. Our solutions can significantly impact the industry’s profitability,” said Jani Lehto, Director of Luke’s Bioeconomy and Environment Unit.  

Breakthrough results from trials  

Trials conducted at Luke’s Laukaa experimental aquaculture facility revealed that the chemically treated fibre material is highly effective in removing off-flavours. 

In a recirculating aquaculture environment, the material captured up to 1,000 times higher concentrations of off-flavour compounds than untreated water. 

As a result, the fish had off-flavour levels well below sensory detection thresholds, enhancing their market appeal.  

At Luke’s Enonkoski facility, the fibre material was tested for its ability to combat water mould spores. Tanks equipped with the treated material experienced a significant reduction in mould spores compared to untreated tanks. 

“The method we have developed is based on the use of harmless capture material,” explained Petra Lindholm-Lehto, Luke’s Research Manager and Senior Scientist. “The results are exciting, as previous treatments for water mould have often been unsafe or ineffective.”  

 Patents and the road ahead  

Luke and VTT have filed patent applications for both innovations, marking a crucial step toward commercialisation. These solutions could soon be implemented in aquaculture operations globally, providing a safer, more effective alternative to existing treatments.  

“Our results are encouraging and show that these solutions have a lot of potential,” said Lehto. “The next steps involve scaling up these technologies for use in commercial fish farms. We are also looking to collaborate with industry stakeholders who share our vision of a more sustainable future for aquaculture.”  

With this innovation, Luke and VTT are addressing long-standing challenges that have hindered the profitability of aquaculture. 

Their solutions offer hope for fish farmers struggling with the dual burden of off-flavours and water mould while supporting global efforts to produce food sustainably.  

This groundbreaking work reinforces Finland’s reputation as a leader in aquaculture innovation and provides a roadmap for tackling some of the industry’s most pressing issues today. 

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