This blog post explores the environmental challenges of fish pen net fouling in aquaculture and proposes innovative solutions. Learn about the impact of traditional antifouling methods and discover how eco-friendly coatings and mechanical technologies, like Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), are transforming sustainable fish farming.
Rethinking aquaculture means finding better ways to protect our fish and the environment they live in. Fish pen net fouling has long been a challenge in the industry, leading to reduced water flow, fish health issues, and increased maintenance costs. Traditionally, the solution has been to use copper-based antifouling treatments. However, these have significant environmental downsides. Today, we explore a new approach: combining mechanical solutions with eco-friendly coatings to keep fish pen nets clean and sustainable.
As a dedicated visionary on a journey to scaling sustainable food production, I've spent a significant portion of my career gaining skills in salmon biology and robotics, optimizing fish farming procedures and processes. My last seven years have been dedicated to building autonomous underwater robots to keep fish pen nets clean and, in that way, contribute to healthier fish and more sustainable aquaculture. Today, I want to share my thoughts on this pressing issue in our industry - managing fish pen net fouling.
The Problem with Traditional Antifouling Measures
To Solve the problem of biofouling on fish pen nets, the industry has used copper antifouling as the go-to solution for years!
Antifouling, especially the use of copper, is a poison that kills organisms and, in that way, prevents the growth of marine organisms like algae, barnacles, and mussels on the nets. While effective at preventing biofouling, copper also leaches into the water, leading to pollution and negatively impacting marine ecosystems.
The Question of Eco-Friendly Antifouling
Now the industry is incorporating new "eco-friendly" antifoulings. Still, the question arises: Is there such a thing as eco-friendly antifouling when antifouling works as poison, killing living organisms?
The answer in my opinion is NO. A long is an antifouling that works by killing living organisms. It is basically not eco-friendly. The reality is that replacing copper using other poisonous chemicals is not a real solution. And by just calling something eco-friendly, you don't make that accurate.
I believe the solution now lies in rethinking our approach to antifouling. Instead of relying on toxic substances, we can use mechanical solutions in combination with eco-friendly coatings. Coatings are not the same as antifouling and can be eco-friendly since the purpose is not to kill organisms but rather to protect the net and, in some cases, make the net threads slippery so fouling doesn't get attached as easily. -this approach should function perfectly in combination with constant gentle mechanical cleaning.
The Rise of Mechanical Solutions
In my role at Probotic, I work on developing Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). These AUVs function like underwater robotic cleaners. They navigate the fish pen nets and can clean them precisely, reducing the need for toxic antifouling. I remember the first time I tested the concept with constant net cleaning in 2017. It was a moment of hope for me. And now, years later, I can see how the technology gradually matures and makes it possible to keep fish pen nets constantly clean. It clearly demonstrated the potential of mechanical solutions in the fight against biofouling.
The Promise of Eco-Friendly Coatings
Alongside these mechanical solutions developed by companies like Probotic, research is also being conducted into eco-friendly coatings. These coatings are designed to make the surface of the nets slippery and more robust, preventing the attachment of marine organisms without harming them or the surrounding environment. I've had the privilege of collaborating and discussing with leading researchers in this field. Their work is truly inspiring, and it gives me hope for the future of our industry. With these eco-friendly coatings, we can reduce our environmental impact while still effectively managing biofouling. -in combination with robots.
"As we continue to innovate and strive for sustainability in aquaculture, we can look forward to a future where our industry is not just a source of food, but a model of environmental stewardship. With eco-friendly and mechanical solutions to fish pen net fouling, the future of aquaculture technology looks bright."
Conclusion
As we continue to innovate and strive for sustainability in aquaculture, we can look forward to a future where our industry is not just a source of food but a model of environmental stewardship. The combination of eco-friendly coatings and mechanical solutions like AUVs offers a promising path forward. By embracing these technologies, we can protect our oceans, support fish health, and set a new standard for responsible fish farming. The future of aquaculture technology is indeed bright.
References:
- ScienceDirect. (2023). How good are alternatives to traditional copper coatings?
- ResearchGate. (2023). Efficacy testing of novel antifouling coatings for pen nets in aquaculture.
- Wiley Online Library. (2023). Prevention of biofouling on aquaculture nets with eco-friendly antifouling paint.
- ResearchGate. (2023). Comparing Biofouling Control Treatments for Use on Aquaculture Nets.
- Probotic. (2023). Autonomous Underwater Drones: Inspecting and Cleaning Fish Farms.
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