[ Architecture ]
[ Architecture ]
Floating in view of the rugged , mountainous coastline of Norway ’ s Hardangerfjord , the Salmon Eye looks like it was warped in from another dimension . Silver , ellipsoidal , and 26 meters in diameter , it ’ s been described as “ UFO-like ”. In fact , the Eye is officially registered as a boat . Viewed from above , the structure is an anatomically accurate model of the eye of a salmon . Danish firm , Kvorning Design , brought the fjorddwelling flying saucer to life . Only accessible by boat from the nearby town of Rosendal , the Salmon Eye lives tethered to the seafloor with three long ropes . Molybdenum is indispensable in maintaining the iconic appearance of this installation in the great rust maker of the sea . Technically , Hardangerfjord is an inlet , carved by glaciers , connected to the open ocean . Its salinity varies seasonally , being low when snow and ice are melting , but comparable to seawater several months out of the year .
Overlapping shingles that follow the Salmon Eye ’ s elliptical shape brave the harsh environment with minimal upkeep . Photo © Kvorning Design
Sustainable aquaculture The world ’ s stocks of wild fish are under extreme pressure . The share of fish populations that are overexploited has more than doubled since the 1980s . Nearly 90 % of the world ’ s fish stocks are fished at or beyond their limits . Farming seafood , or aquaculture , is a growing alternative . 50 years ago , aquaculture was uncommon . But now , over half of all fish consumed are farm-raised . Of course , growing seafood as livestock isn ’ t inherently sustainable : farmed fish raised in natural bodies of water often cause significant pollution , spread disease , and rely on wild fish catch for feed . With the spectacular visitor attraction and art installation , Eide Fjordbruk , the local aquaculture company that commissioned the Salmon Eye , wants to draw attention to all aspects of aquaculture and how it can be improved to feed more people with less impact on the planet .
Two electric shuttle ferries are key to ensuring a sustainable expedition for all visitors . Photo © Knorning Design
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