Ava Ocean, a pioneering company in the seafood industry, was honoured with the prestigious Innovation Award at the bi-annual Nor-Fishing Conference for its revolutionary scallop harvesting technology. The company’s Ava Ray harvesting system is set to transform the way seafoods are harvested from the seabed and aims to drive green innovation in the seafood industry.

"Operating in the challenging Arctic environment of the Barents Sea, our team of fishermen, researchers, and engineers has done an incredible job pushing the boundaries of innovation," said Øystein Tvedt, CEO of Ava Ocean. "Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and it brings well-deserved recognition to our entire crew and partners."

Reopening a fishery closed for over 30 years

Ava Ocean's award-winning technology was developed over eight years in collaboration with SINTEF, a renowned Norwegian research organization, supported by the Norwegian Institute for Marine Research. This unique system uses precision water flow technology to harvest scallops without damaging the seabed. The innovation preserves the delicate marine ecosystem and it’s documented low impact enabled Ava Ocean to reopen the Norwegian Arctic scallop fishery after 30 years’ of closure.

"In early 2023, we successfully conducted our first commercial fishing trip using our new system, marking a significant milestone for our company," Tvedt explained. "Developing a completely new harvesting method from scratch is resource-intensive, but our team's efforts have paid off. We've managed to accomplish a great deal of innovation and development work, and this award highlights our achievements."

A year of fishing – proving the technology’s potential

The vessel "Arctic Pearl," used by Ava Ocean for scallop harvesting, has now completed one year of commercial fishing with the Ava Ray harvesting technology. The company has a five year research quota of up to 15,000MT per annum, and in its first year Ava Ocean landed roughly one third of this, proving the capability and potential of the harvesting system.

"Our journey has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly rewarding," Tvedt continued. "We are grateful to the regulators, partners, and especially our talented employees who have been integral to this project. This award belongs to all of them."

Reintroducing Norwegian Arctic Scallops

Through the historic reopening of the Norwegian Arctic scallop fishery, Ava Ocean has been able to reintroduce the unique Chlamys Islandica from the Barents Sea to the global seafood market and the Norwegian seafood export portfolio. These scallops are known for their delicate sweet taste and firm texture – a result of their slow growing in ice cold, Arctic waters.

“We are proud and excited to have been able to bring these delicacies back to the market. With our special story and sustainable harvesting method, these scallops represent something new and unique to the marketplace that fits well with many of the consumer trends at the moment,” says Anette Grøttland Zimowski, CMO of Ava Ocean.

The potential quota of 15,000MT per annum would represent a significant contribution to the scallop market, and will place Norway among the top scallop producers in Europe.

Ava Ocean's innovative technology represents a significant step forward in sustainable seafood harvesting. By preserving marine habitats while efficiently harvesting shellfish, Ava Ocean is setting a new benchmark for green practices in the seafood industry. As the company looks ahead to future seasons, it remains focused on driving positive industry change and enhancing the sustainability of global seafood supplies.