Marine Current Monitoring: An Essential Practice for Operational Efficiency and Production in the Aquaculture Industry

Current monitoring not only ensures the well-being of the fish, but also contributes to compliance with environmental regulations and improving the profitability of operations. It is therefore essential for the aquaculture industry in Chile to incorporate appropriate technologies that provide accurate current measurements to improve the efficiency of aquaculture operations, foster growth and ensure the sustainability of the industry.

The importance of marine current measurements in aquaculture

Currents are a determining factor for water quality, food dispersion, organic waste and available oxygen in fish farms. Monitoring these currents is therefore crucial to fish farm operations.

Main effects of currents on production:

• Food and waste dispersion
  Currents influence how fish food is distributed in cages and how waste is dispersed, affecting the impact fish farms have on the environment.
• Oxygen flow
  Currents ensure the flow of oxygenated water, vital for the well-being of the fish.
• Control of adverse conditions
  Monitoring currents allows for the prediction of phenomena such as accumulations of organic matter or hypoxic zones.

The design of aquaculture structures also depends heavily on the correct assessment of marine currents. Currents directly influence the hydrodynamic loads acting on cages, nets, mooring lines and anchoring systems. Ignoring or underestimating these forces can compromise both the stability of the structures and the safety of operations.

In the fjords and channels of Chilean Patagonia, oceanographic conditions can vary dramatically, with currents changing depending on tides, depth and geography. Current monitoring is therefore crucial in the design and operation phases.

Key aspects in mooring engineering:

• Structural safety
  A design based on accurate current data reduces the risk of accidents, such as cage displacement or structural failure.
• Environmental sustainability
  Safe and stable anchoring minimizes the impact on the seabed, avoiding damage to benthic ecosystems.
• Economic efficiency
  Accurate and optimized designs reduce costs associated with structural oversizing, maintenance, repairs and replacement of damaged equipment.

Real-time current monitoring: a fundamental tool for increasing operational efficiency and salmon production.

Dissolved oxygen is essential for the health and growth of salmon. Ocean currents determine the water turnover in the cages, directly affecting oxygen availability. In areas with low turnover, oxygen levels can decrease dramatically, impacting growth and increasing stress on the fish.

Studies in Norway have shown that constant monitoring of currents improves oxygenation in open cage culture systems, especially in sites with high fish density. In Chile, various studies carried out by researchers and government entities have identified that areas with moderate and constant currents present greater stability in oxygen levels, which translates into lower mortality and higher productivity.

Feed Optimization

Feed accounts for up to 60% of operational costs in aquaculture. Currents play a key role in feed distribution within cages. By measuring currents in real time, it is possible to synchronize feeding operations with optimal conditions, minimizing waste and maximizing uptake by the fish.

Regulatory compliance: accurate measurements for the sustainability of the aquaculture industry in Chile.

The aquaculture industry is one of the most regulated industries in the world, and Chile is no exception. With a regulatory framework that seeks to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability, companies face increasing challenges to meet rigorous standards. In this context, the measurement of marine currents becomes an essential tool to ensure regulatory compliance, optimize production and reduce environmental impact.

Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura (SUBPESCA) is the governing body which establishes regulations about the aquaculture industry in Chile. Current monitoring is a key piece of compliance with two SUBPESCA resolutions.

R.EX. 1821/3362: regulating structural elements of aquaculture facilities

SUBPESCA Resolution R.EX. 1821 is legislature establishing strict requirements for monitoring currents and waves at fish farms. This regulation seeks to ensure that aquaculture operations do not generate significant negative impacts on the marine environment.

The design and operation of culture systems, such as cages and anchor systems, rely heavily on information obtained through hydrodynamic measurements.

Accurate current measurements allow for:

• Determining the maximum loads that structures must withstand.
• Selecting optimal materials and designs that reduce wear and the risk of structural failure.
• Sizing anchors, ropes and chains to withstand extreme site conditions.
• Avoiding shifting structures and subsequent environmental damage or economic loss.

Current measurements also help identify sites with suitable natural conditions, such as sufficient water flow to disperse organic waste, prevent build-up on the seabed and improve fish welfare.

R.EX. 3408: regulating environmental monitoring of aquaculture facilities

SUBPESCA Resolution R.EX. 3408 establishes specific parameters for monitoring currents in fish farms. This regulatory framework is essential to ensure sustainable operations and minimize environmental impact.

In addition to complying with the provisions of this regulatory instrument, flow monitoring provides tangible benefits that reinforce the sustainability of the industry:

• Current measurements enable operations to be adjusted to reduce the impact on the seabed and nearby ecosystems, contributing to compliance with international environmental standards.
• With accurate data, companies can optimize feed and waste management, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. For example, adjusting feed based on flows can reduce feed waste and improve feed conversion rate.
• The implementation of a Comprehensive Monitoring Network not only strengthens regulatory compliance, but also contributes to resilience to increasingly occurring phenomena such as changes in water temperature, hypoxia, harmful algal blooms (HABs) and variations in marine currents.

Nortek oceanographic solutions: innovation and efficiency for the aquaculture industry in Chile

In the aquaculture industry, success depends largely on the ability to measure and understand the marine environment to optimize operations and comply with regulatory frameworks. Nortek, with more than 10 years of experience in the aquaculture sector in Chile, has consolidated its position as a leader in advanced technological solutions, offering robust, precise and reliable equipment.

Nortek provides technological solutions that respond to the specific needs of the aquaculture sector. Its equipment is designed to operate in demanding environments, delivering accurate and reliable data even in adverse conditions.

• High precision and reliability
Equipment with state-of-the-art Doppler technology, offering consistent current measurements in different marine conditions.

• Durability
Designed to withstand long periods of immersion in aggressive marine environments.

• Easy integration
Compatible with real-time monitoring systems and advanced analysis software.

• Specialized technical support
Global and local technical support (Chile and South America) to responsively meet the needs of our customers.

AWAC: Precise current and wave measurements for R.EX. 1821/3362 SUBPESCA

The AWAC is an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) designed to measure currents and waves at different depths. Its accuracy and reliability make it an ideal tool to meet the requirements of R.EX. 1821 SUBPESCA, which requires environmental impact studies based on accurate oceanographic data.

AWAC main features:

• Simultaneous measurement of currents and waves.
• Wave measurement range up to 100 m.
• High temporal and spatial resolution.
• Resistance to adverse marine conditions.

Signature series: Superior technology for high-resolution current and wave measurements and integration in oceanographic buoys

Nortek's Signature line is recognized for its ability to provide high-resolution oceanographic data, as well as a huge variety of possibilities for integrating additional tools for the study of turbulence, sediments, plankton migrations, among others.

In addition, Nortek's Signature series has established itself as one of the best tools for integration into oceanographic buoys thanks to its ability to provide accurate, reliable, high-resolution data on critical variables of the marine environment.

The Signature stands out for:

• Low power consumption: Allows for long-term operations without the need for frequent maintenance.
• Robust and durable design: Ideal for withstanding the harsh conditions of the marine environment.
• Integration of AHRS sensors: Compensates for buoy motion to ensure accurate measurements of currents and other parameters, even in heavy wave conditions.
• Multiple parameter measurements: Measure currents, waves, turbulence, and echosounder (biomass) from a single instrument.

Aquadopp series: Real-time monitoring for fish feeding and oxygen systems

The Aquadopp is a compact Doppler profiler designed for continuous real-time current monitoring, making it an essential tool for fine-tuning feeding and oxygen injection systems in salmon farms.

Aquadopp main features:

• Compact Design
  Compact design and easy to install in cages or floating structures.
• Real-Time Data
  Real-time data transmission.
• Energy Efficiency
  Low power consumption for extended operations.
• Accuracy
  High accuracy in measuring current speed and direction.
• • High Resolution in Upper Layers
  Aquadopp models with Z-Cell technology eliminate the blind zone (“blanking distance”) found in other ADCPs, providing accurate data from just below the surface.

Nortek instruments, such as the AWAC, Signature and Aquadopp, have proven to be indispensable tools for the aquaculture industry in Chile. Their ability to provide accurate and reliable data has allowed companies to advance with improvements in their oceanographic measurement processes for both marine currents and waves and have been key to actively supporting changes in regulatory compliance, optimizing operations and strengthening the industry's commitment to sustainability.

A commitment to sustainability

Nortek's approach is not only focused on precision and efficiency, but also on promoting sustainable practices in aquaculture. Its technologies help minimize environmental impact, optimize resource use, and improve productivity of marine operations.

Adopting these technologies is not only a response to current challenges, but an investment in a more sustainable future for the aquaculture industry.

Are you looking for oceanographic and subsea navigation solutions for your aquaculture operation? With more than 10 years of experience in the sector worldwide, Nortek offers the expertise and tools necessary to take your operation to the next level. Contact one of our global offices today to learn more about how our ADCP solutions can assist with efficient aquaculture operations or meeting local regulations.