Water Quality Monitoring for Aquaculture

Aquaculture is a key component of Scotland's economy, providing significant employment opportunities and contributing substantially to the UK's overall aquaculture industry, valued at over £1 billion. However, with rapid industry growth comes the increased risk of environmental impact, and it has become evident that a careful balance must be struck between economic gains and sustainable practices.

In the last 30 years, the aquaculture industry has seen a five-fold increase globally and is projected to grow by an additional 64% over the next decade. As the industry expands, so does the need for precise environmental monitoring to ensure sustainable operations and maintain high-quality stock. The role of sensors in monitoring water conditions and providing reliable, real-time data is crucial to achieving this balance. The SWIG Water Quality Monitoring for Aquaculture workshop will explore the latest advancements in sensor technologies, discuss current legislation, and showcase new innovations tailored for the sector.

Different aquaculture systems—whether open-pen netting in offshore waters or highly controlled recirculating systems—require tailored approaches to water quality monitoring. With growing pressures on profit margins, the need for cost-effective yet sophisticated monitoring solutions is more important than ever. This workshop will delve into how new sensor technologies can help operators make informed decisions, optimise stock health and yield, and support the industry’s sustainable development.

The event will offer a comprehensive review of current and emerging monitoring systems, addressing the unique needs of aquaculture while highlighting innovative approaches to water quality data collection. By attending, stakeholders will gain a deeper understanding of how these technologies can be leveraged to protect the environment, promote sustainable growth, and ensure the continued success of this vital industry.

Draft Agenda:

09:15   Refreshments & Registration

09:45   Andrew Chappell – Environment Agency & SWIG: Introduction

10:00   TBC

10:30   Beth Osborne – Loch Duarte: Salmon Aquaculture in a changing environment: an overview of salmon biology and the risks to health and welfare in a dynamic environment

11:00   Refreshments & Networking

11:30   Callum Whyte – SAMS: Innovative AI Solutions for Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms in Aquaculture

12:00   Kevin Quillien – Krucial:

12:30   Nathan Lawrence – ANB Sensors:

13:00   Lunch & Networking

14:00   Ryan Mowatt – RS Aqua: Real-Time Underwater Sensors for Sustainable Fish Farming

14:30   Jack Jarvis – University of Exeter: Water Chemistry Conditions Experienced by Farmed Rainbow Trout

15:00   Panel Discussion

15:30   Close

Nearby Hotels:

• easyHotel Glasgow City Centre
• Travelodge Glasgow Queen Street
• Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel
• DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central
• Maldron Hotel
• Citizen M Glasgow

Public Transport routes from Glasgow City Centre to C7 Conference Centre:

• Take the 25 Milton bus from Hope Street to Dawson Road (9 minute journey) then walk 9 minutes to C7 Conference Centre.
• Take the 6A Drumchapel bus from Theatre Royal to West Graham Street (2 minute journey) then walk 17 minutes to C7 Conference Centre.
• Take the 60A Castlemains bus to New City Road (2 minute journey) then walk 15 minutes to C7 Conference Centre.
• Take the train to Glasgow Central Station or Glasgow Queen Street then walk 25 minutes to C7 Conference Centre.