Evaluation of fish behaviour pattern and microbial community dynamics as an early warning tool for prediction of H2S in RAS (DIGIRAS-H2S).
Modern Recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) are highly complex aquatic environments and up to date, a lack of reliable data on individual parameters, interactions, and impact on productivity and fish welfare, still prevents the technology from exploiting its full potential for sustainable aquaculture operations. In RAS systems, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the relevant pollutants that negatively affects the welfare status of cultured fish. The current experiment intends to develop innovative and data-driven solutions for digitalization by systematic acquisition of relevant water quality data, parameterization of fish behaviour, developing new biological and chemical sensors and efficient water treatment technology.
1. Purpose:
The main aim of the project DIGIRAS-H2S is to investigate whether fish behaviour patterns and microbial community dynamics can be used to predict H2S events in RAS based on machine vision and deep neural networks.
2. Harmful effects:
Fish will be exposed to artificial H2S. They will later be PIT-tagged under anesthesia to follow up on their growth and after-effects of the H2S exposure. The PIT-tagging can lead to stress; however, it will not hinder the growth and well-being of the animal.
3. Expected utility value:
The current chemical water quality issues in RASs are often related to toxic H2S. Very little is known about this complex topic, and reliable data are scarce. Furthermore, monitoring of H2S is not implemented in most RASs, and analytical methods used today often cannot detect low concentrations relevant to fish health. The current project will benefit RAS farming by providing relevant data on different H2S concentrations on fish health.
4. Number of animals and species:
The project will employ 470 farmed Atlantic salmon smolt (Salmo salar L.) in total.
5. How to comply with 3R:
All smolt will be randomly allocated to their respective tanks before starting the experiment. Out of 200, only 20 fish will be PIT-tagged and transferred to a regular production tank. PIT- tagging is a non-obtrusive method that will allow us to track the progress and behavior of individual fish for a more extended period. Tagging also benefits accounting for individual variation, growth parameters, and lowering fish numbers. Furthermore, RAS provides a controlled environment for the fish to grow, offering good animal health. The project group has extensive experience in fish handling, anesthesia, and sampling reducing discomfort to the fish as much as possible.
1. Purpose:
The main aim of the project DIGIRAS-H2S is to investigate whether fish behaviour patterns and microbial community dynamics can be used to predict H2S events in RAS based on machine vision and deep neural networks.
2. Harmful effects:
Fish will be exposed to artificial H2S. They will later be PIT-tagged under anesthesia to follow up on their growth and after-effects of the H2S exposure. The PIT-tagging can lead to stress; however, it will not hinder the growth and well-being of the animal.
3. Expected utility value:
The current chemical water quality issues in RASs are often related to toxic H2S. Very little is known about this complex topic, and reliable data are scarce. Furthermore, monitoring of H2S is not implemented in most RASs, and analytical methods used today often cannot detect low concentrations relevant to fish health. The current project will benefit RAS farming by providing relevant data on different H2S concentrations on fish health.
4. Number of animals and species:
The project will employ 470 farmed Atlantic salmon smolt (Salmo salar L.) in total.
5. How to comply with 3R:
All smolt will be randomly allocated to their respective tanks before starting the experiment. Out of 200, only 20 fish will be PIT-tagged and transferred to a regular production tank. PIT- tagging is a non-obtrusive method that will allow us to track the progress and behavior of individual fish for a more extended period. Tagging also benefits accounting for individual variation, growth parameters, and lowering fish numbers. Furthermore, RAS provides a controlled environment for the fish to grow, offering good animal health. The project group has extensive experience in fish handling, anesthesia, and sampling reducing discomfort to the fish as much as possible.