Cut Chemical & Maintenance Costs!
24–60 Month Rent-to-Own
Our History and Where It All Began:
Norway in collaboration with the VAL Aquaculture School.
Ultrasound for Aquaculture and Net Fouling
ALGAEFREE’s Focus: Reducing Net Cleaning and Controlling Salmon Lice since 2006
OUR FIRST TRIAL WITH MARINE HARVEST:
REDUCING NET CLEANING AND CONTROLLING SALMON LICE
This photos was taken during the first salmon-farming trial conducted in
2014 for Marine Harvest in Norway – now Mowi:
PICTURE FROM SALMAR INSTALLATION 2019.
TEST RESULTS 48% LESS NET CLEANING WITH ALPHA 4-WAYS!
YOU CAN SAVE APPROXIMATELY US$52,000 PER CAGE PER YEAR?
We’re ready to design and deliver a solution tailored to your needs, backed by excellent service and ongoing support.
Results from the 2019 SalMar Trial
June 1 – 30 Algaefree ultrasound cage 1 Flushing. All other cages 2 Flushes
July 1 – 31 Algaefree ultrasound cage 1 Flushing. All other cages 3 Flushes
August 1 – 22 Algaefree ultrasound cage 0 Flush. All other cages 1 Flush
REDUCE NET CLEANING BY UP TO 50% WITH ULTRASOUND
LESS NET CLEANING — LESS STRESS ON FISH
SAVE THOUSANDS PER CAGE EACH MONTH WITH ULTRASONIC FOULING CONTROL
HOW ULTRASOUND ELIMINATES SALMON LICE
Laser vs Continuous
ultrasound for Salmon-Lice control:
Warm-water treatment vs Continuous
ultrasound for Salmon-Lice control:
The 8-step Ultrasound proses for cleaning fish-farm nets!
VEOLIA 100m x 100m IRRIGATION DAM
93% PROVEN RESULTS — SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN PICTURES
READ VEOLIA’S OUTSTANDING TEST RESULT
Veolia Ref Algae Ultrasound Trial – 98% algae cell reduction
SEE FISH FARMING SUCCESS STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
SALMAR HATCHERY
ALGAEFREE Alpha 4-ways at salmon hatcheries and smolt production in Trickling Filter Sump
SUPPORTING SALMON HEALTH, SURVIVAL AND GROWTH
In 2020, SalMar in Finnsnes, Norway, began testing four ALPHA 4-Way ultrasonic transducers at its juvenile salmon facility.
After just a few weeks, SalMar reported clean salmon gills, an encouraging observation for fish health and welfare.
The results exceeded expectations and gave SalMar the confidence to expand the system.
Later that year, SalMar purchased an additional eight ALPHA 4-Way transducers.
RESULTS THAT INSPIRED FURTHER INVESTMENT
From an initial four-unit trial to eight additional transducers—SalMar’s reinvestment speaks for itself.
Independent testing conducted by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Beacon demonstrated a 70–75% reduction in algae and slime buildup on fish-farm nets at THARAWAT Fish Farm. These results highlight the technology’s antifouling performance and its potential to reduce net cleaning and maintenance requirements.
Three SunSonix solar panels and six ALPHA 4-Way ultrasonic transducers were deployed in January 2024 for aquaculture testing at THARAWAT Fish Farm in the Red Sea. Each solar unit is supplied fully pre-assembled, with integrated batteries for straightforward plug-and-play installation.
Three months into the trial, the net remains largely free of biofilm and algae buildup
and the frequency of net cleaning has fallen by approximately 75%.
ALPHA ULTRASOUND TRIAL WITH HUON IN TASMANIA, 2022
Tasmanian salmon farm trial: see the difference after 8 weeks with alpha ultrasound
The trial recorded a 73% reduction in net cleaning.
Ultrasound is designed to control algae and biofilm, helping reduce the need for costly net cleaning.
Algae-related gill and breathing problems were also reported to have resolved during the trial.
STILL CLEAN AFTER 28 DAYS — NO NET CLEANING NEEDED!
These photos show the fish-farm net 28 days after installation, with no net cleaning during that period.
The net remains remarkably clean, with some fouling visible on the transducer and suspension rope.
The rope’s rough surface can trap biofilm and organic material, while buildup can occur around
the transducer’s edges, fittings and attachment points. Simply wipe the transducer and rope
with a soft cloth once a month. Transducer antifouling protection
available since 2023 to help extend cleaning intervals
20 EXTRA DAYS WITHOUT NET CLEANING
ALGAEFREE TRIAL EXTENDS THE CLEANING INTERVAL FROM 41 TO 61 DAYS
The control pen reached the net-cleaning trigger score of 4 after 41 days, while the pen
equipped with ALGAEFREE ultrasonic units reached the same score after 61 days.
The initial score of 4 recorded on day 59 was reassessed as 3 by the net-cleaning ROV staff,
so that day was excluded as a cleaning trigger.
The trial pen achieved 20 additional days between net cleanings compared with the control pen.
MURRAY DARLING TRIAL REPORT
Murray Darling Fisheries — Wagga Wagga, NSW
ALPHA 2-way ultrasonic units help reduce algae growth and cage fouling in freshwater grow-out ponds.
A trial at Murray Darling Fisheries in Australia’s Riverina region reported strong results using
a single ALPHA 2-way ultrasonic unit from ALGAEFREE.
During the previous season, the cages required cleaning every 2–3 days to maintain water flow and oxygen levels.
After each cleaning, the fish stopped feeding for a full day. Frequent cleaning increased labour costs and contributed to slower fish growth.
The following season, an ALGAEFREE unit was installed in the pond. The cages remained clean for three months without cleaning.
The farm reported reduced labour requirements and improved fish growth, resulting in a shorter grow-out period.
To assess the unit’s effect, it was switched off after three months of operation.
Just ten days later, the cages were completely blocked by fouling and required cleaning.
ONE ALPHA 2-WAY UNIT — THREE MONTHS WITHOUT CAGE CLEANING
ROCKY POINT — Woongoolba, QLD, AUSTRALIA
Rocky Point breeds beautiful cobia and has experienced significant algae problems in its freshwater pond.
Peter from Rocky Point Aquaculture inspects the ALGAEFREE ALPHA ultrasound unit.
They installed an ALPHA 2-way ultrasound unit in 2019, and their Processing Manager, Peter Cummings, told us the results were amazing! Following this success, they invested in additional ALPHA 2-way units in 2020, placing them on different sides of their pond.
The net before installation of the ALPHA ultrasound system
BEFORE ALPHA INSTALLATION: The fish net was heavily fouled with mussels.
AFTER ALPHA INSTALLATION: There are almost no mussels on the net.
Trinity Bay Barramundi – Cairns, QLD
Saltwater Cages
Clean cage after 4 weeks with ALPHA ultrasound 1 week after the ultrasound was switched off
Australian Bay Lobster Producers Ltd
Tweed Vally Way, Chinderah NSW AUSTRALIA
2017
In 2017, we supplied Australian Bay Lobster with two ALGAEFREE ALPHA Ultra Q 4-way ultrasound systems for a trial. They had previously tested other methods without success to eliminate the biofilm associated with severe sponge growth in their water tanks. Although initially sceptical, they accepted our trial offer.
After just 21 days of continuous operation, the biofilm was completely eliminated, resolving the sponge problem in the treated system.
2018
In 2018, ABLP installed five ALGAEFREE ALPHA Ultra Q 4-way ultrasound systems. These successfully restored water quality by controlling biofilm, algae and bacteria and resolving extensive sponge infestations in the water tanks.
The results are documented in five independent reports prepared by ABLP Design Biologist Huw Griffiths, supported by before-and-after photographs.
2022
In 2022, Australian Bay Lobster purchased another ALGAEFREE ALPHA 4-way ultrasound system, demonstrating their continued confidence in the technology’s performance and reliability.
2016
2016 Milestone: ALGAEFREE ALPHA 4-way Ultrasound System Installed in a Norwegian Salmon Farming Cage in China
During construction, 25 ALGAEFREE ultrasound transducers were strategically installed to provide continuous biofouling control and support optimal operating conditions.
ALGAEFREE played a key role in SalMar’s construction of the world’s largest offshore fish farming facility in China, with our advanced ultrasound technology integrated into the facility’s design.
ALGAEFREE CEO Odd Rolfsen at the construction site of the Norwegian Ocean Farming salmon cage in China, supervising the installation of 25 ALGAEFREE ultrasound transducers in 2016.
2006
Our First Successful Salmon Farming Net Trial — Norway, 2006
In 2006, ALGAEFREE conducted its first major salmon farming net trial in Norway in collaboration with VAL Aquaculture School.
To evaluate our ultrasound technology, VAL Aquaculture School built two salmon farming net cages without antifouling coatings specifically for the trial. The objective was to determine whether ultrasound could prevent biofouling and algae growth without traditional antifouling coatings.
The results demonstrated ultrasound’s potential to help keep fish farming nets clean. Wider commercial adoption could reduce maintenance costs and reliance on antifouling coatings, supporting more sustainable salmon farming.
The Remarkable Results of Ultrasound in a Fish Farming Cage After Six Months
After just six months of continuous operation, our ultrasound technology delivered outstanding results,
significantly reducing biofouling and demonstrating its effectiveness in maintaining cleaner fish farming
cages without the use of chemicals or antifouling coatings.
How Ultrasound Fights Salmon Lice
Ultrasound is used as a method to combat salmon lice in fish farming cages by disrupting the lice infestation early in its development.
The technology, which has been under development for ten years, can reduce lice infestation by up to 60 percent, making it a preventive tool in the fight against the parasite.
The system consists of ultrasound units that are easily mounted in the cage.
Ultrasound Fights Salmon Lice
Preventive method: Ultrasound equipment is used as a preventive measure to stop the lice at an early stage of its life.
Interrupting the life cycle: The goal of the technology is to disrupt the salmon louse’s life cycle so that it cannot attach and reproduce.
Reduced infestation: Tests show that the technology can reduce the amount of salmon lice by around 60 percent.
Complementary method: Although ultrasound reduces lice infestation, it still serves as a supplement to other methods used in combating salmon lice.
Ultrasound for Lice Control
Ultrasound and Lice Detachment: Ultrasound waves can cause disruption in the attachment mechanism of salmon lice, making it harder for them to cling to the fish, leading to a decrease in lice population over time.
Ultrasound’s Impact on Lice Movement: The ultrasonic sound waves disorient salmon lice, disrupting their movement and feeding behavior, which can prevent them from effectively attaching to or infesting the fish.
Ultrasound as a Repellent: Salmon lice tend to avoid areas treated with ultrasound, as the sound waves interfere with their sensory systems, acting as a deterrent to their attachment and survival.
Ultrasound for Lice Control: By emitting high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound can damage the sensory organs of salmon lice, interfering with their ability to find and infest the fish, resulting in reduced lice numbers.
Ultrasound’s Effect on Lice Reproduction: The application of ultrasound waves can interfere with the reproduction and egg-laying process of salmon lice, limiting their ability to reproduce and helping to control the overall population.
The Benefits of Ultrasound in Fish Farming Go Beyond Fish Welfare
Our ultrasound technology not only improves fish welfare but also helps keep nets cleaner, reduces
biofouling, lowers maintenance costs, minimizes the need for antifouling coatings and chemicals,
improves water flow and oxygen exchange and supports more sustainable aquaculture operations.
All ALGAEFREE SYSTEMS are 100% environmentally and fish friendly!
It is a onetime investment!
It kills algae growth that is already stuck on the net!
Prevents new algae growth!
Achieve massive cost savings to your maintenance budget yearly
ALPHA SYSTEMS are useful wherever there is fouling problems!
Tested for over 6 years with amazing results!
Electronics work year after year!
Cheapest ways of antifouling- ever!
Easy to install!
No maintenance!
The system is flexible!
Heavy Duty transducer
The Effects of Ultrasound Algae Control Technology on Fish Health and Welfare
As of June 16, 2022, through the published (Taylor & Francis) report by Cornell University, HBS Ultrasonic technology is the only
peer reviewed, American made, ultrasonic algae remediation product on the market. This report proves both in field and lab
tests that our technology does not detrimentally affect fish. Abstract Getchell RG, George E, Rice AN, Malatos JM, Chambers BM,
Griefen A, Nieder C, Rudstam LG. 2022. Effects of ultrasonic control devises on fish. Lake Reserv Manage. 38:240–255.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can have serious impacts on both ecosystem services and human health, and several mitigation
techniques have been developed to control them. Ultrasonic sound sources can disrupt developing algal mats, causing
concern that the acoustic energy emitted from these devices may have deleterious health or behavioral effects on nearby fishes.
We conducted field and laboratory studies on the effects of ultrasonic control devices on resident fishes. Field observations in
Oneida Lake, New York, of the behavioral response of fish to the ultrasonic sound were conducted in shallow water using
line transects, and in deeper water using hydro acoustics. No avoidance behavior was detected in either shallow or deep
water while the ultrasonic devices were operating. Under controlled laboratory conditions, 7 recreationally or ecologically
important fish species and local wild tadpoles were exposed to sound produced by the ultrasonic control devices for a 2 week period.
No behavioral effects were noted while fish and tadpoles were monitored during the exposure interval. Finally, no significant
or harmful histological or morphological alterations to the skin, fins, gills, or internal organs were observed on either fish
or tadpoles when specimens were examined after the 2 week exposure period.
ULTRASOUND PUBLICATIONS
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279499297_The_effectiveness_of_chemical-free_water_treatment_system_combining_fibre_filters_ultrasound_and_UV_for_fish_farming_on_algal_control
ULTRASOUND KILLS SALMON LICE
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2017044985A2/en
Algae Toxins in Pond Aquaculture
https://thefishsite.com/articles/algal-toxins-in-pond-aquaculture
As of June 16, 2022, through the published (Taylor & Francis) report by Cornell University,
HBS Ultrasonic technology, is the only peer reviewed, American made, ultrasonic algae remediation
product on the market. This report proves both in field and lab tests that our technology does not detrimentally affect fish.
Abstract
Getchell RG, George E, Rice AN, Malatos JM, Chambers BM, Griefen A, Nieder C, Rudstam LG.
2022. Effects of ultrasonic control devises on fish. Lake Reserv Manage. 38:240–255.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can have serious impacts on both ecosystem services and human health, and several
mitigation techniques have been developed to control them. Ultrasonic sound sources can disrupt developing algal mats, causing concern
that the acoustic energy emitted from these devices may have deleterious health or behavioral effects on nearby fishes. We conducted
field and laboratory studies on the effects of ultrasonic control devices on resident fishes. Field observations in Oneida Lake, New York,
of the behavioral response of fish to the ultrasonic sound were conducted in shallow water using line transects, and in deeper water
using hydroacoustic. No avoidance behavior was detected in either shallow or deep water while the ultrasonic devices were operating.
Under controlled laboratory conditions, 7 recreationally or ecologically important fish species and local wild tadpoles were exposed to
sound produced by the ultrasonic control devices for a 2 week period. No behavioral effects were noted while fish and tadpoles were
monitored during the exposure interval. Finally, no significant or harmful histological or morphological alterations to the skin, fins, gills,
or internal organs were observed on either fish or tadpoles when specimens were examined after the 2-week exposure period.
This illustrates where HBS technology works in frequency range and amplitude compared to other common
ultrasonic applications as well as maximum volume levels of dolphins and whales.