SBIR-STTR Award

Current methods for assessment of biomass and size of fish for aquaculture companies require excessive handling of the fish. This induces mortality, slows growth and causes illness. Results produced by these methods are inaccurate, labor intensive and increase production costs. Assessment of biomass and fish size in aquaculture is needed for a number of reasons, including: (a) determining feed rates according to the number and size of fish in each pen, (b) appraisal of growth rates and food conversion factors, ©) inventory of fish required by banks and insurance companies, (d) early detection of fish losses, and (e) determining proper dosages for the treatment of disease. Acoustic systems are used to estimate fish biomass and size in marine and freshwater environments. Attempts to apply acoustic technology to the monitoring of fish biomass and size in the aquaculture industry have failed to produce a cost-effective system for industrial application. We propose to demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative acoustic system based on digital sonar technology using split beam transducers with rotators. Our work plan focuses on modeling and experimental verification of acoustic techniques. Preliminary experiments using analog technology produced results indicating that the new generation digital sonar system is feasible.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
We anticipate developing a method for the assessment of biomass and fish size in sea pens. We expect to test the model using simulation techniques and a series of controlled experiments on live fish in sea pens using digital sonar technology. Results of these experiments will enable us to design and integrate an acoustic system for application in aquaculture. Phase II will focus on necessary modifications and the building of a prototype for industrial implementation. Potentially, this acoustic digital system could increase both the efficiency and profitability of salmon farms in the United States and worldwide.

Assessment of biomass and fish size in aquaculture is needed for a number of reasons, including: 1. Determining feed rates according to the number and size of fish in each pen. 2. Appraisal of growth rates and food conversion factors. 3. Inventory of fish required by banks and insurance companies. 4. Early detection of fish losses. 5. Determining proper dosages for the treatment of disease. Current methods for the assessment of biomass and size require excessive handling of the fish. This induces mortality, slows growth and causes illness. Results produced by these methods are inaccurate, labor intensive and increase production costs. In Phase I we demonstrated the feasibility of an innovative acoustic system for the estimation of fish size, mapping of fish density and estimation of biomass in an aquaculture net-pen. Phase II of the project will focus on the development of a prototype of the instrument to be deployed on a self-propelled platform, as well as on controlled experiments and testing at a fish farm. The Acoustic Biomass Monitor provides a vital solution for the monitoring fish growth and assessing biomass. The commercialization of the Acoustic Biomass Monitor will modernize and enhance fish farming technology, increasing both the efficiency and profitability of fish farms. A portable, non-intrusive and easy to use instrument should be easily accepted by the fish farming industry in the USA and worldwide. This technology is suitable for application to both conventional net-pen aquaculture and future installations of offshore aquaculture.