New lab to strengthen research on probiotics for the aquaculture industry
On 23 March, Previwo opened a new and modern fish health laboratory at Solbergstrand in Drøbak. - With this facility, we can strengthen our research on natural bacteria. Our goal is to contribute to improved fish health in the aquaculture industry says Lars Kristian Bredahl, CEO of Previwo.
Previwo has opened a new, state-of-the-art fish health laboratory, marking an important step in the company’s commitment to research aimed at improving fish health in the aquaculture industry.
The official opening was carried out by Municipal Director Georg Smedhus.
Ten years of research on natural bacteria
Previwo is a research-driven innovation company with roots in the academic environment at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). The company began exploring the use of natural probiotic bacteria in aquaculture more than ten years ago.
Its research is closely linked to the facilities of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) in the Inner Oslofjord.
“We are seeing increasing demand for microbiological solutions that can improve fish health. This makes it essential to develop knowledge and solutions that can reduce the challenges facing the industry,” says Lars Kristian Bredahl, CEO of Previwo.
Responding to stricter industry requirements
The investment is driven by clear industry needs: aquaculture is facing increasing requirements to reduce mortality and disease burden.
Sea lice remain one of the most significant challenges. In 2025, they represented the most widespread parasitic issue in Norwegian aquaculture, alongside bacterial diseases.
Previwo believes probiotic solutions can be part of the answer to strengthening fish health in the industry.
Significantly upgraded research facility
The new laboratory has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, including:
- New fish tanks
- Modern feeding systems
- Upgraded water intake system
- Reinforced floors, walls and ceilings
These improvements provide entirely new opportunities for research activities.
“We now have a modern laboratory that enables us to carry out more and increasingly advanced research projects. It is an important complement to our lab at Adamstuen,” says Aud Kari Fauske, Head of Research at Previwo.
40 million fish treated in 2025
Previwo treated more than 40 million fish last year—equivalent to around 10% of all farmed fish in Norway.
The method is based on exposing fish to natural probiotic bacteria prior to vaccination. This helps establish a beneficial microbiota and strengthens fish robustness before transfer to sea.
A field still in its early stages
Although the results are promising, Previwo emphasizes that research on natural bacteria is still at an early stage.
“Natural bacteria represent a complex and important field of research. All organisms host extensive microbial communities, and we need more knowledge about how these function—both individually and in interaction,” says Fauske.
Well established in other industries
The use of probiotics is already well established in other livestock industries, such as poultry and swine, where they are used to promote health and prevent disease.
Similar types of bacteria are also well known in human health, for example lactic acid bacteria.
Close collaboration with NIVA
Previwo utilizes NIVA’s research facilities in the Inner Oslofjord, and the collaboration between the organizations is key.
“We greatly value our long-standing collaboration with Previwo. We can now offer even more modern facilities to support their research,” says Kristoffer Kalbekken, Chief Technology Officer at NIVA.
He emphasizes the broader impact of the work:
“This contributes to developing solutions for a large and important Norwegian industry.”
