Since the 1970s the cultivation of fish, shellfish and crustaceans has steadily expanded, but so have the objections to these forms of aquaculture. Reports mention serious environmental pollution, excessive use of feed supplements, outbreaks of disease and damage to the biodiversity and natural biotopes. Warnings are issued against the introduction of genetically modified salmon. In addition, the demand for fish meal and fish oil for use in fish feeds is steadily increasing, thus putting a further burden on natural fish populations. The identified problems, but also the disappointing quality of the products and their price development, are prompting a search for alternatives to current fish cultivation methods.

The ‘InnoFisk’ concept was originally inspired by the idea of cultivating fish on board a closed system anchored to a fixed spot (a stationary ship or a floating container or tank). But besides fish farming, this form of aquaculture also seeks to promote animal welfare, sustainability and biodiversity as well as the consumer’s interests. Another important tenet of the concept is that non-land-based activities (such as fish farming) should not be performed on land.