Jenoptik' laser technology to combat sea parasites

Jenoptik’s Lasers & Material Processing division is supplying the Norwegian company Stingray Marine Solutions AS with lasers to combat parasites that attack farmed salmon. To successfully rid farmed salmon in Norwegian waters from parasites, the company Stingray Marine Solutions AS is using the extremely precise Jenoptik laser JenLas D2.8 with green laser beam. This is installed into a barrel-like casing that is submerged directly into the net pens. While the salmon swim past this device they are scanned by highly complex camera systems. Whenever the outer shape of the so-called sea lice is recognized on the fish’s skin, a short laser impulse is released that destroys the tissue of the parasite without damaging the fish. The reaction in real time is enabled by real time software that has been specifically adapted for this purpose. The system is controlled and monitored online which allows this technology to be used permanently. The cooperation with the Norwegian company began at the end of 2012. Since then the idea of combating sea lice with laser has developed into a system which has received several awards for its design and process. One main reason for this is that the use of Stingray units has a positive effect on the environment and the health of the consumers. Previously the around 8 to 12 millimeter large parasites that cling to the skin of fish and weaken the salm...