FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY
Sea Feed
Revolutionising feed technology by Rebecca Sherratt, Features Editor, International Aquafeed Scottish marine solutions company Gael Force Group are no doubt a familiar name to many of our readers at International Aquafeed. They are widely known for their innovative SeaQure range, as well as their extensive line up of pen, barge and camera solutions, but they also offer a variety of feed solutions to help users optimise the use of their feed in their aquaculture systems. The SeaFeed product range was created via direct cooperation with fish farmers and professionals, listening to their needs, wishes and wants for the ultimate feeding system for their aquatic species. Gael Force Group discovered that one of the primary features that fish farmers want from their feeding systems is the comfort that they are in complete control, and the SeaFeed system provides this. Each innovation in the SeaFeed range is completely customisable and places the operator in complete control of their farm and their feeding system.
SeaFeed Pellet Detection
One of Gael Force’s latest technological feed solutions is SeaFeed Pellet Detection, a pellet detection software which connects with the on-site SeaFeed System to analyse and optimise feed use in aquaculture. The SeaSight 410 cameras equipped to the on-site systems
relay back to the computer software, enabling users to seamlessly visualise the feed they provide their marine species, as well as how it disperses, how the fish respond to it and how much of the feed is consumed. Through this solution, users can easily discover if they are under-feeding or over-feeding their fish, providing an excellent opportunity to optimise the efficiency of feed intake and potential reduce feed costs, whilst ensuring your species remain healthy and happy. Clarity and simplicity were clearly key features Gael Force Group focussed on when establishing the SeaFeed Pellet Detection system. The SeaSight 410 camera boasts 360-degree continuous pan and tilt, meaning zero blind spots when detecting feed pellets. The lense is also auto-cleaning, removing any build-up of fouling or cleaner fish. The 410 also records in both colour and monochrome and when light levels fall particularly low, infra-red recording takes place. The image is also digitally enhanced, so each tiny speck of feed is perfectly visible through the camera system, combatting the light-filtering effects of seawater. Should the number of feed pellets detected be higher than the operator’s configurable threshold amount, then the alert system is triggered and lights flash to alert the user of this potential issue. Should the incident continue to occur and no action remedial is taken, the lighting system turns from amber to red and an optionally configured alarm can sound out to alert the operator.
46 | May 2020 - International Aquafeed