Project into 3D imaging creates potential for the aquaculture sector

Experts in underwater imaging technology are trialling the use of a system that could see 3D digital models being used by Scottish seafood producers, to map out and monitor complex marine environments.

Led by Tritonia Scientific with support from the Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt university, seafood producer Mowi and the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC), the company is testing the effectiveness of using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to create digital twins of the seabed.

Over the next 12 months, Tritonia will be developing a digital record of hard substrate found at selected Mowi sites, using a technique known as georeferenced photogrammetry. In comparison to soft seabed – where sediment samples can be taken easily – monitoring hard substrates can prove challenging because of the low visibility of the water when using dives or drop-down cameras. In addition, the hard nature of the seabed makes taking samples difficult.

"Using imaging technology could help the aquaculture sector to gain a much more detailed, accurate picture of the complex seabeds they are operating beside or above," explains Martin Sayer, managing director at Tritonia Scientific. "Our hope is that the system could ultimately support regulation and environmental monitoring in ways that would provide the levels of evidence that would be necessary for future sustainable operations."

The system will be using underwater ROVs linked to water GPS technology and acoustic transponders, all of which will work to capture digital images of the seabed to assess current and future finfish farms and identify the presence of protected habitats and essential ecosystems in Scotland's coastal seas.

Image credit: SAIC

Using these images, Tritonia will then create an accurate 3D model which will display physical characteristics and be used alongside comparison software to monitor changes to the seabed.

The company currently uses 3D photogrammetry to survey and monitor marine renewable installations, piers and harbours, and inform decommissioning programmes in the oil and sector. This project represents their first step into aquaculture and could present significant opportunities for companies in the sector to obtain accurate digital records of the seabed.

From a single ROV dive, a high number of data and images can be captured to provide producers with accurate information, such as the volume and area of geographical features. It can also be used to detect protected habitats which, while difficult to map, are an important consideration when it comes to making decisions about potential fish farm locations.

"Technology is becoming increasingly important for the aquaculture sector and collaborative research projects and trials can be an increasingly valuable demonstration of the real-world applications of new data-led techniques," says Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC. "In this case, we could see ROVs and imaging technology playing a vital role in monitoring the sector's environmental impact and increasing its economic impact by supporting future decisions about farm locations and possible expansion."

"Costal habitats are some of the most physically and biologically diverse ecosystems on our plant … Monitoring the effect of coastal industry and human activity on these habitats is crucial for understanding how best to protect them, but it remains logistically difficult," says Dr Heidi Burdett, associate professor at the Lyell Centre.

"This project will allow us to overcome this using a scalable and flexible approach that brings the seabed into a virtual laboratory," Dr Burdett concludes.

Production update on RAS facilities

NaturalShrimp has issued a production update on its facilities operating in Iowa and Texas, reporting that they are expecting production to increase in both facilities.

The retrofit and ongoing production of 20 percent the Webster City facility in Iowa has confirmed the company's patented treatment technology can adapt to existing aquaculture facilities. Production continues to increase each month and will begin stocking in an additional 20 percent this month, bringing the total production area to 40 percent of the building.

"We continue to focus on the retrofit of our production facility in Webster City and are encouraged by the confirmation of the adaptability of our treatment technology," comments Gerald Easterling, CEO of NaturalShrimp. "As we steadily increase stocking in the completed retrofits, we are confident production will rise."

Retrofit of the facility has included replacing the tank biofiltration with NaturalShrimp technology and upgrading the tank heating system. Retrofit of the remaining 60 percent of the facility will happen next, in order to increase weekly production to approximately eight kilograms by the second quarter of 2023.

Development of a hatchery at the Blairsburg facility is beginning, which will enable the company to control the post larvae supply while lowering the cost for other facilities.

At the facility in Texas, the production team were forced to cut back feeding of the shrimp after a water treatment plant fire damaged electrocoagulation equipment and drum filters. Consequently, growth of the shrimp slowed for two weeks, and production is now back on track. Expectations for production is for it to increase each month and reach a weekly total of almost three kilograms during the first quarter of 2023.

The company's patented electrocoagulation treatment is capable of removing ammonia from tanks before it converts to nitrites, without using a biofilter in a recirculating aquaculture system.

"We are pleased to announce that production has resumed using our emergency mobile treatment system in our Texas production facility with minimal delay," adds Mr Easterling. "Looking ahead, we expect to scale up regular production in the coming months."

This announcement comes a month after NaturalShrimp's report that its hydrenesis technology had been successfully applied to Hanilu Farms. You can read more about that HERE.

For more information on NaturalShrimp visit their website, HERE.

AKVA group's Egersund Net launches net cleaning service station

AKVA group's Egersund Net have announced plans for a net-cleaning service station based in Sandstrand, Norway. The project, which was planned to take place earlier, was held back as the company cited issues relating to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

The results of this have been "difficult contract negotiations, price increases, longer delivery times, and thus delays to the project," according to the company in a press release they put out June 29. The project was planned to happen in May this year but will now happen this August. Work is estimated to take approximately 20 weeks, from start to completion.

Local sports team IL Santor has already carried out demolition work in support of their community.

"They have done a fantastic job so far, and we believe this a good way to support the local community, which in turn benefits Tovik municipality," explains Geir Henning Risholm, service manager at AKVA group, Egersund Net. "We will probably use IL Santor again on a couple of different small projects for AKVA group, Egersund Net."

Image credit: AKVA group

"We are very happy that we are finally getting started with this exciting project at Sandstrand, which will be completed early in January 2023," says Mr Risholm. "The project and new service station will create several new jobs in the region."

In a few years from now, Egersund Net plans to have around 15 employees stationed at Sandstrand, as people have expressed interest in working there. Future new customers in the area can expect an efficient, high-quality service station for net bags and other related equipment.

"Through our best philosophy and thorough training, we shall offer strong professional services by skilled employees. In addition, we have a strong focus on the environment. With our methods and high-tech equipment, we will be running a sustainable facility," adds Mr Risholm.

AKVA group, Egersund Net's history dates back to the production of nets in the 1970s, later becoming a separate company in 1996. In recent years, the company has experienced enormous growth in terms of turnover and the number of locations. Egersund Net is now one of the leading suppliers of net technology, service, and equipment for the aquaculture industry.

For more information on AKVA group visit their website, HERE.