From Oceanbox to operations: Turning ocean dynamics into aquaculture performance

Understanding and managing the physical–biological environment is fundamental to modern aquaculture. Along the Norwegian coast, complex hydrodynamics govern site connectivity, pathogen dispersal, and environmental impact. Translating these processes into operational decisions requires robust, validated modelling frameworks.

DNV’s Oceanography team is applying Oceanbox’s Atlantis modelling system to resolve complex ocean dynamics at spatial and temporal scales relevant to aquaculture operations. The system simulates currents, temperature, salinity, and particle transport, enabling quantitative assessment of:

  • Dispersal pathways for planktonic stages such as salmon lice.
  • Transport of viruses and bacteria between sites.
  • Emission plumes and nutrient distribution.
  • Sedimentation patterns and benthic loading.
  • Hydrodynamic connectivity across farming regions.

Model outputs are delivered through an interactive web platform, supporting rapid interrogation of scenarios and visualization of system behaviour across large multiple sites and production cycles.

From hydrodynamics to biosecurity and site performance

A key challenge in aquaculture is managing connectivity-driven risk. Sites that are hydrodynamically linked can act as sources and sinks for lice and pathogens, with implications for both production performance and area-based management strategies.

By combining high-resolution circulation modelling with particle tracking, Atlantis provides:

  • Quantitative estimates of cross-site exposure.
  • Identification of dominant transport corridors.
  • Time resolved analysis of infection pressure.

This enables more informed decisions on site placement, fallowing coordination, and treatment timing – moving beyond reactive management toward predictive planning.

Supporting site design and environmental compliance

Hydrodynamic conditions directly influence both production efficiency and environmental footprint. Atlantis supports site development and optimization through:

  • Site suitability assessments: Evaluating current regimes, stratification, and water exchange to inform location selection and carrying capacity considerations.
  • Layout optimization: Assessing how cage positioning and orientation interact with local flow conditions.
  • Benthic impact analysis: Predicting deposition patterns and identifying areas of risk of exceeding regulatory thresholds, including AZE (Allowable Zone of Effect) requirements.
  • Scenario testing: Comparing alternative configurations and production strategies prior to implementation.

Operational decision optimization

Beyond planning, model outputs can be integrated into day-to-day operations. For example:

  • Identification optimal treatment windows based on current and dispersion forecasts.
  • Evaluation of mitigation strategies before implementation.
  • Improved timing of interventions to reduce reinfection risk and increase treatment efficacy.

This type of decision support is increasingly important in large-scale operations, where small improvements in timing and coordination can have significant biological and economic impact.

Regulatory compliance

For modelling to be actionable, it must be robust. Atlantis is applied in combination with:

  • Observational data for calibration and validation.
  • Established oceanographic methods for resolving fjord and coastal dynamics.
  • Sensitivity analyses to quantify uncertainty in predictions.

This ensures that results are not only descriptive, but reliable enough to support operational and regulatory decision-making.

Enabling data-driven aquaculture

As regulatory expectations tighten and biological risks increase, aquaculture is becoming more dependent on quantitative, system-level understanding. Hydrodynamic modelling is no longer a specialist tool – it is a core component of responsible site management and sustainable growth.

By integrating applied oceanography with digital delivery platforms, DNV enables customers to move from qualitative interpretation of conditions to data-driven, scenario-based decision-making.

The result is improved control over biological exposure, more efficient site utilization, and a stronger basis for long-term planning in complex coastal environments.

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With more than 500 experts in fish health, biodiversity, infrastructure, and digital innovation, we deliver services that ensure best practices, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience across the entire value chain.

From certification and risk management to advanced analytics and digital solutions, DNV supports producers, authorities, and investors in meeting the demands of consumers and society for safe, sustainable seafood and healthy oceans. Our veterinarians, biologists, engineers, and oceanographers combine deep technical expertise with global standards to help customers navigate complexity and build trust in their operations.

3/23/2026 6:02:00 AM