DCU Water Institute Aquaculture Forum Tackles Key Sector Challenges

DCU Water Institute and DCU Invent recently hosted the Aquaculture Forum, a pivotal event that united experts from academia, industry, and research to address pressing challenges in the aquaculture sector. Esteemed organizations such as Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, the Marine Institute, and Hatch Blue contributed to dynamic discussions. Topics included scalability, environmental impact, regulatory hurdles, and opportunities for collaborative innovation between industry and academia.

Research Highlights:
  • Biofouling Research (Fiona Regan): Focused on reducing biofouling on marine surfaces using innovative materials inspired by the Brill fish’s scale structure. This approach aims to improve the efficiency and lifespan of marine equipment while lowering associated economic costs.
    Environmental Sensing for Invasive Species (Anne Parle-McDermott): Introduced antigen-based water testing, akin to COVID-19 tests, to detect the presence of invasive species, enhancing rapid monitoring capabilities.
  • Fluid Flow Simulations in Aquaculture (Yan Delaure): Explored simulations to optimize aquaculture systems, including algae farming and fish farms, by analyzing water dynamics, aeration, and biofouling resistance. These innovations aim to enhance sustainability and efficiency in aquaculture.
  • Smart Environmental Monitoring (Ali Intizar): Highlighted IoT and machine learning applications for real-time decision-making in climate and environmental management. Innovations include edge computing, predictive analytics, and soil moisture monitoring for improved resource management.
  • Antibody Sensing for Algal Blooms (Paul Leonard): Demonstrated hand-held devices for detecting harmful algal toxins and organic contaminants in marine environments. Initial trials at Lough Neagh validated the technology’s potential for scalable, real-time monitoring.
  • Rapid E. coli Measurements (Ciprian Briciu-Burghina): Presented the “ColiSense” test kit for near-instant water quality analysis, enabling faster decision-making in aquaculture and coastal management.

The forum concluded with valuable insights from leaders in the aquatech sector. Jennifer O’Brien (Sea & Believe), John Cullen (Auranta), and John McGrath (Aquamonitrix® – Online Analysers) shared their challenges and opportunities in advancing innovative solutions. Representatives from Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, Catherine Butler and Damien Toner, highlighted Ireland’s potential in aquatech, while Alan Drumm from the Marine Institute outlined support mechanisms fostering research and commercial growth. These discussions showcased Ireland’s thriving aquaculture ecosystem and its promising future.

DCU Water

DCU Water Institute is a leading technology-focused research body dedicated to sustainable water management. The institute develops innovative solutions for challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and disaster risk reduction, integrating technological and social approaches to address global water crises.

DCU Invent

Funded by Knowledge Transfer Ireland, DCU Invent is the university’s commercialisation and technology transfer unit where we work with companies and organisations to bring university research to the marketplace. To achieve this, we partner with companies of all sizes, talented researchers at DCU and entrepreneurs who have a desire to innovate.

Hatch Blue

Hatch Blue is a global venture and innovation company dedicated to support sustainable aquaculture and seafood alternatives that will create healthier oceans.

BIM

An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, (BIM) established under The Irish Sea Fisheries Act in 1952, is the Irish State agency responsible for developing the Irish seafood industry. With our head office in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, our Seafood Innovation Hub in Clonakility, Co. Cork, as well as regional offices around the coast, we have, for the last seven decades worked to support and develop the Irish seafood industry.

Our vision is to lead the Irish Seafood sector through our effective support and deep expertise so that Ireland becomes the international leader in high value differentiated products that satisfy the growing demand for healthy, safe, responsibly and sustainably produced seafood

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