To advance the AquaWind aquaculture technology, the team at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) is making waves with the introduction of newly designed components for aquaculture cages.
In the past months, the team has been successfully working on the design of the AquaWind aquaculture system, including the design of the cage to accommodate the cage structure to the W2Power prototype, the design of the cage net, and the fish feeding system.
In particular, the final cage design is composed by an octagonal cage with a useful inner diameter of 5 metres (m). The selected net according to fish size requirements is a copper alloy net, with a total surface area of 100 m2 and an estimated weight of over 700 kg.
The net, making use of new material alternatives to nylon, promises to bring about a paradigm shift in aquaculture by addressing challenges related to durability, maintenance, biological benefits and overall effectiveness. The net is engineered to withstand harsh marine conditions while providing a conducive environment for aquatic life.
The set-up of the copper alloy nets has almost been finalised, and the cage testing is planned to be carried out in Taliarte Harbourside R&D area, located in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain).
Adding to the excitement, the CEO of the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) has joined forces with the ULPGC team, overseeing and advising on the installation of the aquaculture cage and nets. This collaborative effort is expected to yield valuable insights and propel the project towards successful testing phases.
As the aquaculture sector witnesses a transformative moment with this pioneering project, stakeholders and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the results of the testing of the AquaWind aqualculture system, anticipating a positive shift towards more efficient and sustainable aquaculture practices. Stay tuned for more technical updates!
