OptoSwim - a technology to improve production of fish in intensive aquaculture systems
Published: 6 October 2014
The OptoSwim technology, created by Dr Sunil Kadri and Dr Neill Herbert, employed electronics and software designed and developed by staff of the College's Bioelectronics Unit. The device creates moving light pattern within a fish farm cage, creating the illusion of a moving background that the fish respond to by swimming together as a shoal. The lights are configured to trigger the optomotor response of the fish, which provides an important visual cue to help coordinate schooling.
The OptoSwim technology, created by Dr Sunil Kadri and Dr Neill Herbert, employed electronics and software designed and developed by staff of the College's Bioelectronics Unit.
The device creates moving light pattern within a fish farm cage, creating the illusion of a moving background that the fish respond to by swimming together as a shoal. The lights are configured to trigger the optomotor response of the fish, which provides an important visual cue to help coordinate schooling.
By ensuring optimal exercise using this method, the fish can grow faster, have less fat and more meat. The fish also have an improved food conversion efficiency of around 20 percent, resulting in a £1,000 saving per month on fish feed, per average-sized salmon net pen.
The idea was later developed using Proof of Concept funding from Scottish Enterprise and the company subsequently signed heads of terms with Glasgow-based business angel firm Barwell plc for equity investment, with Scottish SEED fund support.
See more information in a University press release issued at the time.
First published: 6 October 2014