On-demand, electric-powered aeration for improved fish welfare in salmon aquaculture
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Stirling
Department Name: Institute of Aquaculture
Abstract
Throughout the commercial Atlantic salmon production cycle in open cage systems, aeration is necessary during some periods when fish may be compromised to ensure health and welfare and promote good performance. Usually, diesel compressors are used for aeration, which are inefficient and have poor environmental credentials. Their use is limited to short-term critical periods due to their expensive operating costs. This project will field-test a prototype electric-powered aeration unit (Pneuma), which is designed to be a low-cost, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional diesel compressors. Due to the reduced operating costs, the system can be used for longer periods to promote optimal fish performance throughout the production cycle and opens the possibility of being powered by renewable energy sources.
In this project, the performance and efficiency of the Pneuma system will be compared with diesel aeration in commercial salmon net pens, and a full life-cycle assessment will be performed. The impact of the Pneuma system on fish health, welfare and performance will be assessed over 12 months of a commercial salmon production cycle. Results will determine the environmental credentials and operational advantages in salmon aquaculture compared to diesel-powered aeration. If successful, it is envisaged that electric-powered aeration will rapidly replace diesel compressors to contribute to improving the sustainability of the Scottish Seafood sector.
Once the system has been proven in commercial conditions for salmon aquaculture in this project, its application in other aquaculture systems where dissolved oxygen is a limiting factor, such as Asian shrimp and African tilapia, will be explored through the partnership developed in this project between University of Stirling and Garrett Brothers.
This project relates directly to the funding call scope "Environmental sustainability and climate change, including water quality, biodiversity, and climate adaptation of farmed species" and "Improving the health of farmed animals in a changing climate".
In this project, the performance and efficiency of the Pneuma system will be compared with diesel aeration in commercial salmon net pens, and a full life-cycle assessment will be performed. The impact of the Pneuma system on fish health, welfare and performance will be assessed over 12 months of a commercial salmon production cycle. Results will determine the environmental credentials and operational advantages in salmon aquaculture compared to diesel-powered aeration. If successful, it is envisaged that electric-powered aeration will rapidly replace diesel compressors to contribute to improving the sustainability of the Scottish Seafood sector.
Once the system has been proven in commercial conditions for salmon aquaculture in this project, its application in other aquaculture systems where dissolved oxygen is a limiting factor, such as Asian shrimp and African tilapia, will be explored through the partnership developed in this project between University of Stirling and Garrett Brothers.
This project relates directly to the funding call scope "Environmental sustainability and climate change, including water quality, biodiversity, and climate adaptation of farmed species" and "Improving the health of farmed animals in a changing climate".
| Title | Diesel- vs. electric-powered aeration systems efficiencies and impact on water quality |
| Description | A dataset from a 2-month trial at a commercial salmon farm comparing standard diesel aeration with a new prototype smart, electric-powered aeration unit. The dataset includes (a) water quality sensor measurements of dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and chlorophyll blue (b) measurements of operating parameters of the aeration units, such as power/fuel usage, air output and different depths and (c) standard farm records of fish performance, feed, health and welfare. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The dataset will be used to benchmark the performance of standard diesel-powered aeration with the smart, electric-powered aeration in terms of energy usage, air output and systems efficiencies. This will provide evidence for the effectiveness of the electric-powered aeration system for further research and development as a new method of aeration at commercial salmon farms. |
| Description | AIRLECTRIC project collaboration |
| Organisation | Bakkafrost |
| Country | Faroe Islands |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | University of Stirling is leading this collaboration to trial a new electric-powered, on-demand aeration system in Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Work to date has involved carrying out a trial of the aeration system at a commercial salmon farm and organising a second trial to be initiated in early 2025. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Pneuma International have developed a prototype electric-powered, on-demand aeration system and have contributed to setting up field trials. Bakkafrost have provided access to a commercial salmon farm to allow the aeration system to be tested. |
| Impact | Dataset of electric aeration system performance compared to standard diesel-powered aeration. |
| Start Year | 2024 |