Archive for the ‘Growout’ Category


Aquaculture Cage System

November 12th, 2008 by Andrew

Existing containment systems use large nets that extend vertically from the water surface.  A containment pen can be up to 100m in diameter and weight up to 20 tonnes.  With such systems, the logistics of maintenance, in regards to cleaning and repair, can pose problems and mean that the net has to be taken out of service.

A proposed technology outlined in the US patent 7284501 describes a system that is comprised of a number of removable net panels.  The panels are ideally arranged in a sphere shape so that the pen can be rotated easily. 

The panels can be accessed from the surface when the pen is in use and removed by hand.  The modular nature allows spares to be replaced quickly without taking the pen out of service.  The idea overcomes many of the problems associated with todays operations and represents an easy solution that could be implemented today.

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Netless Aquaculture System

November 6th, 2008 by Andrew

The containment of fish is commonly associated with net systems that provide a physical barrier that prevent fish from escaping, prevent contamination from other species and stops predators from entering.

  The set-up and maintenance of such containment can be expensive and labour intensive.  With the growing demand for fish into the future, increasing the sizes of these containment systems is only going to grow the problem.

 One possible solution is the use of technology that removes the need for a containment system altogether.  Shark deterrent systems are a commercially sold product (Shark Shield) and have documented evidence on success. 

The technology however is not suited for fish.  Upon further investigation I discovered a patented technology (US Patent 5730086) designed originally to deter fish.  The device generates water motion that generates a low frequency sound to which fish exhibit an avoidance response.  

While this type of system is probably still a long way off, its need is only going to get greater. 

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Free Range Aquaculture

September 16th, 2008 by Andrew

One of the possibilities for aquaculture that has been in the back of my mind is the notion of free range.

While I thought this was a bit far fetched I’m finding more and more reference to this possibility and development of dovetailing technologies. These include; SINTEF use of cybernetics to research remotely operated freerange fishfarming, MIT use of sound to train fish to feed, Tagging and virtual fencing(cattle) development by CSIRO and the constant development of automated underwater and airborn vehicles.

While this possibility may seem futuristic today, the idea  of capturing 150 ton of tuna at the head of the Great Australian Bight and towing it to Port Lincoln for grow out is to my mind still impressive.

While the technology is not quite there it all seems to be pointing in the right direction. This possibility would need to be carefully scrutinised for innovation quality as at first glance it doesn’t appear to cover off on immitation and uncertainty criteria, but in an increasingly crowded world seeking quality organic foods these criteria may be easily met by developing technologies.

This concept also poses some interesting dilemas for our legislators although it must be said we have been droving cattle across the country for the best part of 2 centuries.

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