BioMar acquires full ownership of LetSea to strengthen aquafeed research

NORWAY – BioMar, a leading producer of sustainable aquafeed, has signed an agreement to fully own LetSea, one of Norway’s premier aquaculture research centers, increasing its stake from the current 34%.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in Norway and is expected to be finalised in the second quarter of 2025.

The acquisition, which involves purchasing the remaining shares from KapNor, is set to bolster BioMar’s innovation capacity and reinforce its position as a global leader in fish feed research and development.

With this strategic investment, BioMar aims to consolidate and accelerate its research efforts, focusing on key areas such as waterborne feeding, developing novel feed ingredients, and continuous enhancements in fish performance, health, and welfare.

“This acquisition creates a unique position for BioMar as we secure access to further R&D capacity in Norway. At the same time, we will welcome a team of very competent research staff into our organisation, with an already established collaboration,” said Carlos Diaz, CEO of BioMar Group.

Founded in 1996, LetSea offers a broad range of controlled trials and research projects, featuring infrastructure that includes 5x5m tanks and full-scale sea cages. 

Located on the Helgeland coast in Dønna, its state-of-the-art facilities provide an optimal environment for assessing feed and technology performance throughout the entire aquaculture production cycle.

“LetSea’s unique facilities and expertise complement our existing research efforts, enhancing our ability to innovate and test new solutions under real-life seawater conditions,” said Simon Wadsworth, Global R&D Director at BioMar. 

“Our long-standing collaboration has already delivered significant value to our customers, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”

Pioneering waterborne feeding systems

In parallel with the acquisition, BioMar is making significant advances in aquafeed nutrition tailored for waterborne feeding systems. 

This emerging technology, increasingly adopted by salmon farmers, offers potential benefits such as reduced energy consumption, minimised microplastic pollution, and lower exposure to sea lice.

Unlike conventional airborne methods, waterborne feeding systems deliver feed directly into aquaculture tanks underwater, improving feed distribution and fish welfare. However, this approach introduces new nutritional challenges, as feed must retain its integrity and nutritional value for extended periods under water.

Through extensive research, BioMar has identified key factors contributing to nutrient loss in submerged feeding environments. These insights have guided the company in optimising its formulations to enhance digestibility, stability, and feed performance.

By leveraging its ORBIT product range and POWER grower diets expertise, BioMar has refined raw material selection and production processes to maximise efficiency in submerged conditions. 

Early validation trials conducted in commercial systems have yielded promising results, further strengthening confidence in BioMar’s innovative approach.

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