This research group is focusing on biotic and abiotic factors influencing the growth and flesh quality of harvested fish, were the economical aspect of different production regimes also are considered. The factors investigated include effect of environmental factors as light and temperatures regimes, feed and feeding regimes on quality parameters such as, texture, liquid holding capacity, muscle structure, enzymatic degradation of tissue, pigmentation, fat deposition and distribution. The biological mechanisms and factors influencing the quality upon harvest such as stress and processing such as ice and freeze storage are elucidated. Development of new analytical tools using molecular biological methods for prediction and analysis of muscle growth and functional properties.

Current research focus on: "Development of molecular biomarkers for flesh quality in farmed Atlantic halibut and cod". "Study the effect of different feed and feeding regimes on the growth and deposition characteristics of under yearling and yearling salmon during the whole production cycle". This trial on salmon will also explore the link between appetite and growth endocrinology, fat accumulation and the expression of other quality attributes such as muscle cellularity, collagen and crosslink concentration and the flesh pigmentation. "Elucidating the effect of different light regimes on the growth and harvest quality of farmed cod". The impact of maturation on the fatty acid and amino acid composition in muscle, liver and gonads is also analysed. The on growth trials on salmon and cod are performed in full scale at production plans close to Bodø.

The group collaborate with several national and international institutions. The latter includes. "Fish muscle research group" at St. Andrews University in Scotland, "Fish endocrinology laboratory" at Gøteborg University in Sweden.  Whenever possible work is carried out in collaboration with the industry. Resent partners are: GIFAS (Salmon and Cod), Codfarmers ASA (Cod), Dønna Marine (Halibut), Nordlaks ASA (Salmon). Projects are also developed within the frame of "Norwegian Centres of Expertise in Aquaculture".