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Description
The primary objective of this project is to partially develop (using already proven technologies) and demonstrate an aerial platform for offshore fish farm monitoring.With this project, the technology readiness of the proposed approach as well as the relevance and cost saving effects of having a stationary environmental surveillance and monitorization platform that can provide remote surveillance of an offshore fish farm with significant gains in the operational results of such production units will be demonstrated.The proposed project will consiste on developing the high altitude platform from Omnidea to accomodate the wide range of sensor that will enable remote monitoring of offshore fishfarms following a standard aproach of project development, defining: systems requirements, systems architecture, platform development, assembly integration and system testing and finally the operational tests.Using Omnidea’s extensive experience on stationary aerial platforms, it is envisioned, within the scope of this project, to develop an effective monitoring tool that can support the offshore fish farm’s and port monitoring needs and its aims:improve accuracy, precision and repeatability in farming operations and port traffic control;facilitate more autonomous and continuous biomass/animal monitoring;provide more reliable decision support;reduce dependencies on manual labor and subjective assessments, and thus improve staff safety. This project will be developed by Omnidea, a Portuguese SME, Omnidea AS a Norwegian startup, and CEiiA and NORCE, respectively a Portuguese and Norwegian research institutes, therefore contributing to the enhancement of bi-lateral relationships between the EU and the donor countries, both on and entrepreneurial and science development components.
Summary of project results
Aquaculture, a rapidly growing global food sector, supplies nearly half of the world''s consumed fish. In Europe, it contributes less than 20% to total fish production, yet sustains 91,000 jobs. Particularly vital in the Atlantic Area and remote rural regions, there is potential for improvement, especially through offshore and ocean aquaculture.This project focuses on Precision Fish Farming (PFF) to enhance offshore aquaculture. Objectives include improving accuracy, enabling autonomous monitoring, providing reliable decision support, and reducing manual labor dependencies for staff safety. The shift offshore minimizes contamination of the benthic ecosystem.The project employs remote monitoring technology, utilizing autonomous aerial vehicles and remote sensing. It addresses key variables affecting fish farms, such as weather, water currents, and pollutants. Notably, wave monitoring, algal bloom monitoring, and meteorological monitoring are incorporated for better farm management.Wave monitoring aids fisheries, offshore aquaculture, and coastal studies, utilizing a cost-effective video-monitoring system. Algal bloom monitoring is crucial for timely intervention to prevent economic losses. Continuous meteorological monitoring informs farm management decisions.Introducing port monitoring as a novel concept, the project recognizes its relevance in the maritime sector. The integrated tool proposed for real-time monitoring and surveillance of ports enhances efficiency in managing port activities, offering a broader view of operations.In essence, the project seeks to revolutionize aquaculture through technological advancements, promoting sustainability, economic resilience, and improved monitoring practices across offshore and port operations.The main goal of this project is to create a prototype, partially develop, and showcase an autonomous system designed for monitoring offshore fish farms. Leveraging proven technologies, the project aims to demonstrate the technological readiness of this approach.
In the initial stages of development, a comprehensive evaluation of potential aerial platforms was conducted, comparing them against each other. Following this assessment, it was determined that a drone would be the most advantageous solution for achieving the project''s objectives. Subsequently, the drone solution became the baseline for the aerial vehicle in the project.The base station underwent a comprehensive design process to ensure autonomous operation and accommodation of all requisite subsystems. Consideration was given to the station''s stability in adverse weather and sea conditions, with a specific focus on meeting rolling stability requirements. Structural analysis confirmed the station''s ability to withstand maximum forces identified during hydrodynamic analysis, revealing a safety factor exceeding the proposed one.Regarding the aerial vehicle, the team opted for a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solution from Beyond Vision, specifically the HEIFU hexacopter. The HEIFU, known for its autonomous capabilities, power, and stability, emerged as a suitable choice for the proposed missions. Utilizing a Commercial Off-The-Shelf solution for the aerial vehicle offers a cost-effective and efficient option, eliminating the need for custom design and development.Post-implementation, a comprehensive testing regimen was executed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated sensors and various components, including the gimbal stabilization and vibration damper. Test flights were conducted on two distinct surfaces to ensure the sensors'' proper functionality. Analysis of these test flights yielded positive results, confirming the accuracy of the data and validating the payload''s readiness for the testing phase.
The tests collectively affirm that the complete system, encompassing both the Aerial Vehicle and Aerial Vehicle Payload, establishes a robust platform in line with the project''s primary objectives. The payload contributes essential visual capabilities for monitoring specified targets and provides valuable insights into detecting algae activity. The chosen aerial vehicle''s automation features have proven effective and reliable. The use of open-source software enhances the system''s flexibility, enabling autonomous missions to be initiated proactively or on-demand.This integrated system demonstrates its potential as a viable platform for advancing the development of an autonomous vehicle tailored for offshore fish farm surveillance.
Summary of bilateral results
The Ocean Vision project, led by Omnidea with NORCE and CEIIA as partners, marked a successful collaboration in the realm of EEA projects, with NORCE serving as the donor party.The inclusion of NORCE as a donor project partner proved instrumental in enhancing the overall project outcomes.The importance of NORCE''s role as a donor project partner was multifaceted. Firstly, their support played a pivotal role in ensuring the project''s continuity and comprehensive execution. This backing facilitated the implementation of innovative technologies and methodologies, amplifying the project''s potential impact. Additionally, NORCE''s expertise and resources contributed to a more robust research framework, enabling a more nuanced exploration of Ocean Vision''s objectives.At the bilateral level, the collaboration yielded noteworthy, shared results. The synergy between Omnidea and NORCE (and CEIIA) led to an amalgamation of diverse perspectives and competencies, fostering an environment conducive to enhanced knowledge and understanding. This collaborative approach facilitated a more integrated exploration of ocean-related challenges and solutions, generating insights that surpassed the sum of individual contributions.The partnership also resulted in tangible advancements, such as the development of novel technologies and methodologies. This shared expertise translated into improved project outcomes, demonstrating the efficacy of a bilateral approach in tackling complex issues. Furthermore, the collaboration had wider effects, promoting cross-border exchange of ideas, and fostering a network of professionals dedicated to advancing ocean-related initiatives.