WEBINAR: 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, making it essential to strike a careful balance between economic gains and sustainable practices.

In the last 30 years, the global aquaculture industry has grown five-fold and is projected to expand by an additional 64% over the next decade. As this industry evolves, so does the demand 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 webinar 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, cost-effective yet sophisticated monitoring solutions are more important than ever.

This webinar will delve into how new sensor technologies can empower operators to make informed decisions, optimise stock health and yield, and support the industry’s sustainable development. Attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of current and emerging monitoring systems that address the unique needs of aquaculture while highlighting innovative approaches to water quality data collection. By participating, stakeholders will gain insights into leveraging these technologies to protect the environment, promote sustainable growth, and ensure the continued success of this vital industry.

Draft Agenda:

• 10:30 - Mike Strahand - welcome, overview of SWIG, and introduction of Prof. Trevor Telfer
• 10:40 - Trevor Telfer / SEPA contact - Overview of aquaculture
• 11:00 - Beth Osborne, Loch Duart - Salmon Aquaculture in a Changing Environment: An Overview of Salmon Biology and the Risks to Health and Welfare in a Dynamic Environment
• 11:25 - Callum Whyte, SAMS - Innovative AI Solutions for Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms in Aquaculture
• 11:50 - Kevin Quillien, Krucial - Encouraging large scale digital transformation across aquaculture
• 12:15 - Lunch break
• 13:00 - Nathan Lawrence, ANB Sensors - Advancing Aquaculture: Calibration-Free pH and Salinity Sensors for Sustainable Fish Health
• 13:25 - Ryan Mowat, RS Aqua - Innovasea Sensors and the Revolution of Aquaculture Site Management
• 13:50 - Jack Jarvis, University of Exeter - Water Chemistry Conditions Experienced by Farmed Rainbow Trout
• 14:15 - Michaela Hogan, Aquamonitrix - Continuous Nitrite & Nitrate Monitoring in RAS: Benefits & Value Added
• 14:40 - Panel Q&As
• 15:15 - Closing remarks by Trevor and Mike