Dealing with a perennial problem

Foul play

Biofouling is a problem, but there are many alternative solutions

BIOFOULING is a problem for ship operators, fi sh farmers and anyone else who relies on man-made structures in the sea. It can also lead to the spread of invasive species around the world, with harmful eff ects for the local ecosystem.

An interna� onal ini� a� ve, the GloFouling Partnership Project, aims to build capacity in developing countries for implemen� ng the Interna� onal Mari� me Organisa� on Biofouling ini� a� ve and to help prevent invasive species hitching a ride on vessels.

The project states: “Biofouling of cages and nets in fi nfi sh aquaculture is a signifi cant opera� onal problem to the sector, resul� ng in the restric� on of water exchange that may adversely aff ect fi sh health by the reduc� on in dissolved oxygen and the accumula� on of metabolic ammonia. Biofouling is of further concern because it signifi cantly decreases cage fl ota� on, increases structural fa� gue and cage deforma� on, and may act as a reservoir for pathogens.”

Net cleaning is a regular chore for aquaculture businesses. Fortunately, there is a range of solu� ons on the market to help them deal with it.

One example is the Yanmar net cleaner off ered by Osterbo, which uses a high water fl ow with just six nozzles. Osterbo says the Yanmar robo� c cleaner is easy for farm staff to maintain and has good fuel economy.

The AutoBoss, distributed by Trimara Services, is a “smart” machine that quickly covers the net surface using a fl exible range of operator-set washing cycles. Situated in a compact, fully self-contained fl oa� ng pontoon, the machine runs close to the net surface using hydraulically driven thrusters, minimising the loss of high-pressure water while maximising cleaning power and effi ciency.

The StealthCleaner from Norwegian based Ocein AS was designed in collabora� on with remotely operated vehicle specialist Kystdesign. Ocein describes the electrically powered cleaner as “probably the most effi cient and gentle net cleaner on the market, combining a large volume of water with low pressure to reduce wear and tear of the net.”

Net cleaning equipment that uses water at high pressure requires a reliable pump. For example, NLB’s 225 and 325 series pump systems are designed for the kind of tough environments in which fi sh farmers typically operate, with durability and ease of maintenance a priority. And when it’s appropriate to clean nets by taking them out of the water – at the end of a produc� on cycle, for instance – then specialist business NetKem has a number of solu� ons, including the company’s giant universal netwasher, which operates on adjustable programmes and is available in sizes from 9m³ to 70m³.

Of course, reducing fouling in the fi rst place helps cut the � me and cost required for cleaning. Net and cage suppliers have been developing materials that resist biofouling, such as Garware’s V2 composite yarn, which is combined with extruded copper.

Meanwhile, scien� sts at the University of New Hampshire have found that Ectopleura, a jellyfi sh-like genus or organisms, which are a menace to oyster farms in the state, are deterred from a� aching to structures where there is a surface texture and no biofi lm – and they don’t like red light. FF

“Net cleaning is a regular chore for aquaculture businesses”

From the top: The AutoBoss washing automa� cally; The AutoBoss being li� ed into a pen for washing; NetKem giant netwasher; The StealthCleaner from Ocein AS

Net washing revolution

The AutoBoss is changing net cleaning for the better

The AutoBoss is an automatic net washing machine that is easy to use and easy to maintain. There are no video cameras, no ROV controls, no monitors, and no sensitive or complex electronics. Place the AutoBoss in the pen, select the cleaning mode and press start. The robot will then wash the net automatically. It is that simple.

The AutoBoss operator’s role is not to wash nets but to maximise effi ciency. The machine itself does the washing. This means that you get reliable results, every time.

“At Trimara our approach has always been to deliver an effective net washing solution that does what we say,” said Jamie Clark, Product Support Engineer for Trimara Services. “Our goal is to ensure that every operator can work independently of Trimara. We want to support them through training and with technical expertise so that there is no requirement for expensive on-going on-site service. Because the AutoBoss is uncomplicated with a robust design it is inherently reliable. Trimara focuses on commissioning, training, and 24 hour technical support to ensure that the on-farm experience is productive.”

Any competent diesel mechanic can be trained to maintain the AutoBoss. The machine itself is superbly engineered, but the post-sale support is also critical to effective deployment. Trimara provides a comprehensive wrap-around commissioning, training, and support package with every unit sold. This support enables operators to be independent of Trimara for ongoing routine servicing and machine management.

There are now more than 40 AutoBoss units working in Scotland, Canada, the USA, Greece, Norway and New Zealand. The machines are working with Atlantic salmon, Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, sea bass and sea bream. Cleaner fi sh, which are used in some salmon nets, are not affected by the AutoBoss washing machine.

For more info: www.trimaraservices.com

Contact: stewart@trimaraservices.com +44 7445 280108. FF

AutoBoss: quick facts

• Fuel Effi cient: 11 litres per hour • Fast and effective: 1.5hrs to wash side walls / 2.5hrs to wash the complete net (120m circle, 20m side wall, max depth 26m) • Fully self-contained – no vessel required once deployed in the pen • Automatic – lift it into the pen, select the washing mode, press start • Weight: 1.1 tonnes • Washing Depth: >50m • App and radio based remote control options.

Grieg Seafood BC – an AutoBoss revolution case history

GRIEG Seafood started with the very fi rst commercial AutoBoss machine in 2015 and now have a fl eet of 11 AutoBoss cleaners. “The incorporation of the AutoBoss technology into our operating strategy cleared the way for adopting a more inclusive business model. Through our partnerships with local Nations and communities, we have been working together to fi nd opportunities for First Nations businesses and communities. The AutoBoss technology is easily adaptable to existing vessels, making it easy to retrofi t and providing a relatively quick start up. To date, we have two independent First Nation’s owned and operated companies carrying out our net cleaning services and we hope to expand that in the coming years,” says Orland Hansen, Reconciliation Director for Grieg Seafood. “Trimara has shown support to both us at Grieg and our First Nations partners. The AutoBoss is reliable, effi cient, and effective, and we continue to be impressed with the results.”

From the top: AutoBoss being deployed; Jamie Clark; AutoBoss passing under mort li� up; The AutoBoss washing automa� cally Left: Orland Hansen