Marine ecology surveys and EIA for The London Resort
The Environmental Dimensional Partnership Ltd commissioned APEM to undertake the marine ecology elements of an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) for...
APEM Group - Case Study
Aqua Pharma Group approached APEM to carry out an MMO (Marine Mammal Observer) role during the testing of their innovative sonic treatment for sea lice at a Scottish sea fish farm in Shetland.
Aqua Pharma were testing the use of innovative sonic technology to solve fish parasite problems. An alternative, low-chemical approach to standard medical treatments, the technology treats fish lice, improving fish welfare and reducing the amount of chemicals put into the water and the food chain. APEM were employed as MMO as part of environmental trials to see whether the technology can be safely operated in an open marine environment.
Matt Geen, Matt Geen Consulting; Stuart Ferguson, Aqua Pharma; Ashleigh Kitchiner, APEM; Stephen Mark, S and A Techs; Steve Ellis, Industrial Noise & Vibration Centre; Ian Jamieson, Pulcea
The Fighter getting in position to run the sonic treatment trials
The treatment uses oscillating bubbles in low concentration hydrogen peroxide using innovative sonic technology. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 or oxygenated water) is naturally present in rainwater, fresh fruit and the human body, and is known to decompose into water and oxygen. The bubbles help to kill fish lice, particularly adult gravid females, reducing the parasitic load and chance of lice breeding again.
Marine mammals are sensitive to sound. And by its nature, sonic technology introduces noise into the marine environment. It is vital, therefore, that projects adhere to the conditions on the project’s European Protected Species licence, which includes the requirement to follow strict marine mammal mitigation protocols as defined in relevant guidance documents covering best practices, issued by JNCC and other statutory nature conservation bodies (SNCBs).
APEM deployed a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) to coordinate and implement mitigation during the research trail. Mitigation measures included pre-watches, shut-downs and/or delays to operations where needed. The MMO made sure that the project adhered to all licence conditions, with no non-compliances occurring.
The morning commute to the Shetland sea farm
The result
Rachel Brown, global innovation manager of Breeze consortium partner and project activity leader, Aqua Pharma Group, said:
“These recent in-situ trials are a momentous milestone in this project. We know from our many years of treatment experience that the marine environment is challenging, and we know from our research so far that this system has the potential to be an effective treatment against sea lice. So it is great news that the equipment has performed well in these trials and we are a step closer to bringing a system to market that can really help make a difference to fish farmers.”
This innovative solution considers environmental impact and animal welfare, contributing to the successful scaling of sustainably managed fish and shrimp, to meet the growing demand for healthy proteins. We’re delighted to play a part in progressing sustainability in aquaculture and fisheries.
APEM’s MMO for the trial was Ashleigh Kitchiner, who said:
“It was a pleasure for APEM to work with the Aqua Pharma Group and Pulcea team on this research trial. It is clear they have placed a great deal of emphasis on protecting the marine environment whilst trying to ensure an efficacious treatment against sea lice. We are looking forward to working with them on future trials across Scotland.”
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