Smart system for the prevention of biofouling on aquaculture nets by ultrasonic wave technology
With an increasing world population, estimated to reach 9 billion in 2020, the aquaculture market (140 billion euros in 2016) is an answer to the need for food supplies. However, aquaculture faces a major issue to reach its full potential, due to biofouling which is affecting products quality, quantity and environment- labour- equipment integrity. According to market experts, current treatment measures represents from 10 to 20% of farm exploitation costs (costs of chemicals, nets cleaning and repair, and fish escapees), or 1,8 billion euros globally. Sofchem, water treatment equipment provider for over 15 years with strong IP portfolio, sees this problem as an additional market for its new technology. Based on ultrasound waves and initially validated to prevent biofouling on large commercial vessel hulls, it’s time to partner with NESNE, an expanding aquaculture integrator, bringing customer knowledge and international sales/maintenance network, to quickly address global market. To facilitate the adoption, the Alfred-Wegener-Institute, with skills and resources in marine life biology, will evaluate the innocuity of the technology on fish’s welfare and health. To become the leading European providers of an economic, chemical-free, labour- and fish-friendly anti-biofouling TWIN-f® system, the consortium is backed up by European industrials and distributors for global scale-up. NetWave will promote the digital transformation of a critical aquaculture process. The smart farming IoT application and autonomously adjusting transducers will adapt to any type of equipment or conditions, improve working conditions and boost operational efficiency. NetWave will not only reduce production costs but suppress the need for anti-fouling chemicals, thus increasing products quality and creating a better image of aquaculture. Together, our innovation will strongly benefit European aquafarms’ competitivity and sustainability, while promoting fish welfare and environmental safety.