Aquaculture is an ancient food production system, but has been modified (industrialized) beginning in the 1980's. While aquaculture has been intensified from a food production standpoint, the monitoring and data collection capabilities have not followed suit. We are developing programs to use sensors to monitor the environment and collect data.
Real-time detection of Vibrio for oyster aquaculture
Summary: We will create a sensor that can detect the presence of Vibrio bacteria in a pathogenic state. Vibrio can limit oyster production, and this sensor will allow for better management of hatchery production, allow farmers to manage production techniques to limit Vibrio blooms, and to also manage harvests pre- and post- bed closure. This sensor can be used down the value chain to wholesalers and retailers for a quick, real time assessment of oyster safety, and also for researchers seeking to understand Vibrio blooms. This sensor will be a demonstration project in our program to develop new tools to improve aquaculture production beginning with a NE regional focus, but ultimately applicable to production nationally and globally.
Background: One of the greatest impediments to aquaculture production is disease. Diseases caused by vibrios limit the potential for aquaculture production in a myriad of species including but not limited to oysters and shrimp. Vibrios are a major pathogenic concern beyond aquaculture as they are directly implicated in the loss of human life. The challenge of vibrios to aquaculture is that Vibrio species are ubiquitous and at low abundance in marine environments. Being able to detect vibrios as they become pathogenic will help ensure the safety of aquaculture products as well as allow better research and management of aquaculture operations.
Background: One of the greatest impediments to aquaculture production is disease. Diseases caused by vibrios limit the potential for aquaculture production in a myriad of species including but not limited to oysters and shrimp. Vibrios are a major pathogenic concern beyond aquaculture as they are directly implicated in the loss of human life. The challenge of vibrios to aquaculture is that Vibrio species are ubiquitous and at low abundance in marine environments. Being able to detect vibrios as they become pathogenic will help ensure the safety of aquaculture products as well as allow better research and management of aquaculture operations.
ALGAE AND HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS
We have been working to create a sensor for algae that can identify species and harmful blooms. Our design goal was an open source sensor for <$100. Right now we are at $150. Stay tuned for more details
PLATFORMS FOR USING PAPER SENSORS
Paper sensors are the easiest to build, but they don't lend themselves to automatic and remote measurements. We are working on platforms to make this easier. Check back for details.