Introducing the SAIC Science Panel: meet Byron

Dr Byron Morales-Lange, Scientific Researcher, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, the Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway.

The SAIC Science Panel is a group of highly experienced scientists who will help us drive innovation in Scottish aquaculture. In this interview series we introduce you to each panel member, providing insight into their opinions, interests, and predictions for our sector’s future.

Here, we get to know a bit more about Dr Byron Morales-Lange: a biologist specialising in the health and welfare of aquatic organisms, whose career has taken him all the way from Valparaíso in Chile – via several of the world’s oceans – to Ås in Norway.

FROM SOUTH TO NORTH

Byron comes from Chile, a country with one of the longest coastlines in the world and a major hub for global aquaculture, particularly salmon farming. “Growing up next to the Pacific Ocean and later training as a biologist, I became fascinated by how aquatic species survive multi-stress environments.” This led Byron to study algae, echinoderms, and fish from an immunological perspective.

“Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to conduct research across both Polar Regions, as well as work in the Pacific, Atlantic, Southern, and Arctic Oceans throughout my career. Today, I am based in Norway, another world-leading aquaculture country, bringing together perspectives from different regions and production systems.”

PUSHING BOUNDARIES

“Scotland’s aquaculture sector is at a point where sustainable industrial growth depends heavily on evidence-based innovation,” Byron explains, and SAIC’s position at the intersection of research and industry is what motivated him to join the Science Panel. As a panel member, Byron’s wish is to contribute to achieving practical, high-impact research that directly addresses the industry's most pressing needs.

He continues: “My background in fish health and immunonutrition allows me to bring a solid scientific perspective to project evaluations, ensuring that funded initiatives are both scientifically relevant and commercially viable for Scottish producers.”

Byron hopes the Science Panel will act as a strategic catalyst by identifying key research gaps early and directing resources toward high-impact, actionable solutions. “By promoting scientific rigour and practical feasibility, the Panel can strengthen Scotland as a global benchmark for sustainable aquaculture,” he says. “Internationally, the frameworks, welfare standards, and technological innovations validated through SAIC-funded projects can serve as blueprints for responsible aquaculture worldwide.”

From past experience, we at SAIC also know that the Science Panel provides a good forum for discussion with academic and industry stakeholders across disciplines, age groups, and geographies. This aligns well with what Byron tells us is the best piece of advice he has received in his career so far: “More than fifteen years ago, while finishing my bachelor’s degree in Chile and trying to publish my first scientific paper, my mentor told me that we should always enjoy discussing ideas and results with people from different backgrounds, because that is the only way to push the boundaries of knowledge.”

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

“Over the next decade,” says Byron, “the primary challenges facing aquaculture will centre on climate change resilience, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. Specifically, rising water temperatures, dissolved oxygen fluctuations, novel emerging pathogens, and more frequent natural outbreaks will put increasing pressure on intensive farming systems.” He also predicts that the industry will keep facing supply chain pressures regarding feed ingredients and the need to develop alternatives to reduce competition between feed and food, while maintaining public trust through transparent and responsible farming practices.

However, alongside new challenges tend to come fresh opportunities, and we ask Byron what he sees as the most promising areas of collaboration in the sector going forward. He replies: “The greatest opportunities lie in cross-sector data sharing and multi-disciplinary partnerships. Combining expertise from host physiology, operational engineering, and data science can revolutionise predictive health modelling and automated farm management.” Furthermore, says our new panel member, “bringing together fish and feed producers, technology providers, and academic institutions to conduct multi-site farming trials will accelerate the transition from lab research to field application.”

CATCHING TORPEDOES

Finally, we would like to know what Byron’s favourite aquatic species is, and it turns out he has several. For instance, he loves brown algae: “I find them fascinating from a physiological perspective and because of their unique bioactive compounds,” he enthuses. “As for fish, my favourite is the snoek (Thyrsites atun), which is built like a torpedo with razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed. Catching one is such a memorable fight on a fishing line!”

We’re very grateful to Byron for sharing his thoughts and insights with us. You can read his bio on the SAIC website here.