AquaBlock
Innovative solutions protecting salmon farms
Problem
Toxic algae and jellyfish blooms are increasingly approaching and infiltrating salmon farms. Blooms can have a direct impact on fish by causing either physical or toxin damage, with an indirect impact by causing oxygen depletion in the water as the bloom dies off. This has a massive impact on farms and can result in a massive livestock loss, which is bad for both the farm and the animals themselves.
Value proposition
This innovative system is aimed at organic salmon farms in Ireland. These farms are in more exposed areas and often encounter rough conditions. Unlike any other competitors, AquaBlock uses individual 5M modules that work together in a system. This factor helps with installation, repairability, maintenance and durability, especially in winter months. AquaBlock is user focused and works with the farm to stop algae and jellyfish, while simultaneously keeping the ocean environment in mind.
Research
Problems related to blooms
Some interesting points that advanced the project were; overfishing can cause more jellyfish to be present near fish farms, algae blooms are increasing due to climate change, lastly blooms are harmful to fish as they can be extremely toxic. Fish farming can often make localized blooms much worse.
Further research was conducted into algae and the risks it can cause in salmon farms. The presence of harmful algae blooms presents a growing global threat to marine aquaculture. Algae blooms have detrimental effects on aquatic environments as well as causing mortality and severe problems with fish welfare. The frequency and severity of harmful algae blooms have increased dramatically on a global scale in recent decades. this trend may continue due to climate change. There is also evidence that these blooms are causing economical loses to fish farms. Bloom controlling is crucial for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.
Interviews
It was vital for this project to gather a more direct view on the issues surrounding salmon farms. The best way was through interviews with people who experience these problems first hand. This consisted of marine biologists, farm managers and engineers. These quotes focus on insights around problems with algae and jellyfish.
Journey Map
A visual journey map of a normal day on a fish farm was completed to pinpoint the main pain points identified in the routine. This was represented in images in order to visually understand and see the farms in action.
The obstacles noted, included; Divers getting ready for the day, equipment turning on, water samples being taken, salmon being monitored by the divers, divers checking the surrounding water, fish being fed, salmon coming to the surface, checking dissolved oxygen levels, checking plankton levels, checking for sea lice and lastly gill health. These activities were rated, the most annoying to complete being Plankton monitoring and divers having to manually check the surrounding area. This map helped pin point some areas that need improving for the users.
conceptualisation
Brief
“ To create healthier salmon farms by reducing the impact that algae and jellyfish blooms have on salmon “.
Development
Anchored barrier
This design uses an anchoring system, the same as the farms use. The barrier sits at the same level as the bottom of the nets holding the salmon. The product will be located 15m to 20m outside the farm. The barrier will be located at the same depth as the cage, but can be placed as low as 40m deep. The barrier uses chains to connect. The buoy design is a simple one connection, HDPE buoy.
Metal barrier
This design uses stainless steel bars to hold the design in the ocean. The design incorporates a snap fit part that creates an air tight pipe. This design is 20M long, with the perforated holes, 2mm wide every 200mm. This design is located 2M away from the farm. The barrier is placed 10M below the ocean.
Testing
Pressure testing with and without algae in a small tank was conducted.
Prototyping
Final product
AquaBlock is a system that stops poisonous algae and jellyfish from entering salmon farms and harming the fish. The system is centered around the blocking device which uses compressed air, fed through a perforated pipe that creates a vertical current of bubbles. This current acts as a bubble wall, blocking and protecting the salmon. Its modular design includes multiple barriers that work together. AquaBlock has an accompanying app that displays information regarding the monitoring of algae and jellyfish. The device will insure that the barrier is switched on, only when necessary in an effort to reduce power consumption.
Benefits
The primary benefit of the barrier system, is that it stops toxic algae and jellyfish from entering the farm and killing salmon. Other benefits include; it's modular design makes it easier to maintain or even repair in the case of damage. The modularity means the product is easily scalable for any farm size, the device is designed with ease of installation In mind, it uses renewable energy, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of salmon farms and lastly the bubble barrier also provides additional, high performance aeration which is essential for maintaining healthy aquatic environments.
How it works
This bubble wall stops algae and jellyfish from entering farms. Each module will be connected and will sit outside the salmon nets. When algae are present the device will turn on. It will remain on until the algae is gone, or the levels are low enough to not endanger the fish. This device is designed to be used only when the problem exists. The main reason for this is to reduce power consumption. Algae and jellyfish are mostly only present in the summer months, when the water is warmer. Therefore this design is intended to be taken out of the water in rougher winter months. The device can be easily disassembled, packaged away taken, out of the water and stored on the mainland.
AquaBlock manufacturing
System Design
In addition to the product, there is an assistive app that predicts and monitors plankton levels in the water. The app works in tandem with Irish Marine institute weekly HAB (harmful algae blooms) updates as well as using satellite prediction systems. The app will also help control the device by displaying the power output and the system overview. The app was included in AquaBlock in order to make the whole system more user-friendly.
