To date, fish for consumption are bred in large pens, thus making it easier come harvest time. This might not prove a sustainable process so the Velella Research Project is currently testing a new method involving an Aquapod. As pictured below, it’s a hexagonal submersible structure that moves with the ocean current. It’s still a prototype though and has no concrete results indicating it’s a viable replacement for traditional saltwater fish farming.
Testing the Aquapod
The Aquapod is currently being tested off the Hawaiian coast where it’s moored to a boat. This allows scientists to monitor whether the caged fingerlings (seen above are Kampachi fish) inside the Aquapod are doing fine and populate accordingly. The location off the Hawaiian coast was chosen due to its favorable conditions for marine life and the relative stability of the ocean currents in the area. There’s a smidgen of opposition to the experiment though, as a local environmental group aren’t exactly convinced that the Aquapod is a good idea. They argue that introducing such structures could disrupt local ecosystems and potentially harm native species.
The Velella Research Project team, however, is optimistic. They believe that the Aquapod could revolutionize the way we approach fish farming by providing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. Traditional fish farming methods often lead to issues such as water pollution, disease outbreaks, and the overuse of antibiotics. The Aquapod, by contrast, allows for a more natural and less intrusive way of raising fish, as it moves with the ocean currents and disperses waste more effectively.
Future Prospects and Challenges
If the lone Aquapod works well enough, it may possibly motivate further testing on a larger scale. The ultimate goal is to raise fish on numerous Aquapods—an underwater fleet of them—and leave them to drift, though the pods will be traceable via GPS. They’ll be tethered to a buoy or ship as well, since an Aquapod drifting in an ocean won’t be easy to find. This fleet of Aquapods could potentially cover vast areas of the ocean, providing a scalable solution to meet the growing demand for seafood.
However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed before this vision can become a reality. One of the primary concerns is the durability and maintenance of the Aquapods. Being constantly exposed to harsh ocean conditions, these structures need to be robust enough to withstand strong currents, storms, and potential collisions with marine debris. Additionally, the logistics of managing and monitoring a large number of Aquapods spread across the ocean would require significant advancements in technology and infrastructure.
Another important aspect to consider is the impact on marine life. While the Aquapod is designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional fish farming methods, it is crucial to ensure that it does not negatively affect the surrounding ecosystem. Continuous monitoring and research will be necessary to assess the long-term effects of deploying Aquapods on a large scale.
Here’s a video of the Valella Research Project’s work:
Source Gizmag
The Velella Research Project’s Aquapod represents a promising step towards more sustainable fish farming practices. While still in its experimental phase, the potential benefits of this innovative approach could address many of the issues associated with traditional methods. Continued research, testing, and collaboration with environmental groups will be essential to ensure that the Aquapod can become a viable and eco-friendly solution for the future of fish farming.
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