Meet the salmon doctors: Safeguarding fish health from fjord to lab

Meet Mari and Hanna, DNV’s fish health experts in Norway, who safeguard salmon through inspections and early disease detection, supporting sustainable aquaculture and global food security.

When we think of aquaculture, we often picture calm fjords, rows of floating pens, and silver flashes of salmon beneath the surface. But behind every thriving fish farm is a team of dedicated professionals working to safeguard the health and welfare of the fish and ultimately, the future of sustainable seafood.

At DNV, fish health is more than a checklist. It’s a calling.

Meet Mari Viken Kjønstad, a veterinarian, working on critical research, and Hanna Fylling Ellingseter, a fish health biologist, who spend their days crisscrossing the Norwegian coastline to visit farms, analyse fish behaviour, and conduct health checks.

 

Fish health inspection
Fish health inspection

 

"Fish health personnel are like local doctors for the salmon," Mari explains.

Their role includes monthly health inspections at salmon farms, where they observe behaviour, evaluate production data, score welfare, and look for early signs of disease. It’s meticulous work, blending scientific precision with hands-on care.

Today, Mari and Hanna are at a fish farm in Western Norway, an hour’s drive from Ålesund. The view is stunning, but the task at hand is serious.

"Early detection is everything," says Hanna.

"Our job is to identify problems before they escalate, not only to treat disease, but to prevent it."

Beyond their day-to-day tasks, both women are deeply involved in projects that push the industry forward. Whether it’s improving biosecurity measures, evaluating the effectiveness of salmon lice treatments, or collaborating with universities and research institutes, they bring a research-driven mindset to practical challenges.

 

Open pen fish farm
Open pen fish farm

 

They also act as knowledge bridges by sharing insights with farmers, equipment suppliers, and vessel operators across the aquaculture value chain.

"It’s not just about diagnostics. It’s about communication, education, and trust," Hanna adds.

As the demand for sustainable protein rises worldwide, aquaculture is emerging as one of the most vital solutions for feeding a growing global population, while also reducing pressure on wild fisheries, preserving ocean biodiversity, and safeguarding the long-term health of marine ecosystems.

At DNV, we believe operational excellence in aquaculture starts with science, trust, and empathy – combining robust standards with real-world insight. That’s why we invest in people like Mari and Hanna. Their work doesn’t just improve fish welfare; it builds resilience into the food systems we all rely on.

Fish health may be invisible to many, but it’s essential to everyone.

Building trust in aquaculture from sea to supply chain
Learn how DNV supports sustainability and integrity across the aquaculture supply chain. 

6/3/2025 10:53:00 AM

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