The Problem with Traditional Oxygenation
Fish farming operations, especially during stressful treatments like delousing or transport, depend on a steady oxygen supply. Historically, farmers relied on oxygen cylinders or generators connected to diffuser hoses. These systems released streams of bubbles into the water, but most of the oxygen was lost before fish could benefit.
Why? Because traditional bubbles rise rapidly to the surface and escape into the atmosphere. Studies have shown that conventional diffuser systems achieve only about 28% oxygen dissolution. This means the majority of oxygen supplied never actually supports fish health.
For companies like Beitveit Holding, which operates delousing vessels in Norway’s salmon industry, this inefficiency was both costly and operationally demanding. Replacing oxygen cylinders was expensive and time-consuming, while large generators required constant servicing and heavy energy use.
Enter Nanobubbles: Tiny Bubbles, Big Impact
Nanobubbles are approximately 100 nanometers in diameter—2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt. This tiny size gives them unique physical and chemical properties that set them apart from traditional bubbles:
They don’t rise to the surface. Nanobubbles remain suspended in the water column instead of escaping to the atmosphere.
They dissolve more efficiently. Research from UCLA found that nanobubbles can achieve up to 86% oxygen dissolution, more than three times the efficiency of diffuser systems.
They act as an oxygen reservoir. Nanobubbles can persist in water for weeks, providing a stable buffer of oxygen even after the system is switched off.
For Beitveit Holding, installing nanobubble generators on their vessels was a turning point. The company reported a dramatic reduction in oxygen usage—down to just one-quarter of what was previously required. The result: lower costs, less generator wear, and reduced diesel consumption.
Improved Fish Welfare and Operational Benefits
The impact of nanobubbles goes beyond efficiency. Fish welfare improves significantly when oxygen levels are stable. During delousing, crowding, and transport, oxygen fluctuations can stress fish and reduce survival rates. Nanobubbles ensure oxygen is evenly dispersed and maintained throughout the water, minimizing stress and improving outcomes.
Other key benefits include:
Cost savings – lower oxygen consumption and reduced servicing costs.
Energy efficiency – less power needed from onboard generators.
Simpler maintenance – cleaning nanobubble systems requires minimal effort compared to diffuser hoses.
A New Standard for Aquaculture
For many operators, nanobubbles have proven to be not just an upgrade but a complete transformation of how oxygen is managed. Farmers who have made the switch describe it as a “night and day” difference. Customers are seeing healthier fish, lower costs, and more reliable operations.
The Future of Nanobubbles in Aquaculture
While the technology is already transforming salmon farming, its potential extends to all areas of aquaculture, including land-based systems, shrimp farming, and even water quality management. With the combined benefits of efficiency, sustainability, and fish welfare, nanobubbles are poised to become the gold standard for oxygen delivery in the industry.
In short, what started as a technological innovation is quickly becoming a necessity. For aquaculture companies seeking better results, lower costs, and healthier fish, nanobubbles represent the future.
