Through a new research project at the Nansen Center, the aquaculture industry will be better equipped to deal with problems related to harmful algal blooms and salmon lice outbreaks. The project will also contribute to better land utilization in coastal zones. Solutions for more sustainable aquaculture will be developed for the benefit of both the aquaculture industry, the authorities, and other stakeholders associated with the industry.
Earth observation data obtained via satellites can be of great benefit to the aquaculture industry. In the new project “Earth Observations for Sustainable Aquaculture” (EO4SA), researchers at the Nansen Center and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML-UK) will develop satellite products that will be tailored to the aquaculture industry, authorities, financial communities, and research. The project involves eleven different industry players in Norway, Spain, and the Philippines. To ensure that the solutions to be developed are relevant and useful to users from both the industry and the authorities, they are involved early in the development process. Both user needs and the opportunities offered by satellite data are in focus in the four applications to be developed in the project.
Earth observation data provides valuable information about ocean conditions such as temperature, wind, algae blooms, and pollution. Satellite data covers large areas in a very efficient way and therefore provides complementary information, supplementing direct measurements made by and in the ocean. Through the ongoing EO4SA project, satellite information will be made available and applicable to the aquaculture sector.
Forecasting salmon lice outbreaks through the use of satellite data
Salmon lice are one of the biggest challenges in fish farming, affecting both farmed and wild salmon. Both the authorities and the industry continuously monitor the incidence and count the number of lice on fish in the free-floating cages. Factors such as wind, temperature, and salinity in the sea affect the outbreak and spread of salmon lice and can be monitored using satellite data. In the EO4SA project, artificial intelligence is used on such data to predict the probability or risk of salmon lice outbreaks. Early warning can help to implement measures that reduce both financial losses and the need for chemical treatments. The latter poses a risk of pollution of the marine environment. The forecasting tool is initially being developed for the Norwegian coast and can easily be adapted to other geographical areas.
Forecasting harmful algal blooms
Mussel farming is a sustainable industry with a low climate footprint. Harmful algal blooms are challenging for operations. Certain species of microalgae produce toxins that accumulate in the mussels and make them potentially dangerous to eat. Non-marketable crops regularly lead to major financial losses for the industry. To contribute to food safety, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority monitors toxic algal blooms along the entire coast of Norway, mainly through weekly measurements of seawater and mussels. Satellite data is not yet in use for this purpose. Through the EO4SA project, short-term alerts for harmful algal blooms will be developed so that the necessary measures can be taken quickly to protect both the environment and economy.
Better land use in coastal areas
In Spanish coastal areas, the mussel farming industry is challenged by multi-use conflicts, where tourism, fisheries and maritime traffic compete for the same coastal areas. The EO4SA project will develop maps and models that will be able to optimize the location of such farms, based on environmental conditions and access to phytoplankton and other nutrients. This can contribute to a more planned and efficient use of coastal areas.
Along the coast of the Philippines, the lack of an overview of aquaculture facilities is a major challenge, and the Philippine authorities have not yet mapped all aquaculture infrastructure in the coastal areas. This makes it difficult to regulate the industry and protect the environment. The researchers in EO4SA will develop a method for mapping fish farms to support good management and sustainable development of the industry in the area.
User focus and further development
The users will have access to testing of the new products, which will be further developed in line with their feedback to ensure that they meet the information needs of the industry and the authorities.
The EO4SA project will also develop a roadmap for the future use of earth observation data in aquaculture. The aim is to provide the industry and authorities with the necessary tools, which through the use of new technology will ensure more sustainable operations and management.
Key personnel: Lasse H. Pettersson, Edson Silva, Antonio Bonaduce, Cat Downy
