The three year project involving Pulcea and the Institute of Aquaculture began in 2019, having received funding of UK£189,878 by Innovate UK, which explored the use of acoustics to improve the outcomes of medicinal treatment in Atlantic salmon farming.
"Our KTP with the University of Stirling has been a great success, delivering impressive results and allowing our innovative technology to be developed so it can make a real difference to the aquaculture industry in the future," says Ian Jamieson, technical director at Pulcea.
"The support of SAIC has been invaluable and we are delighted with the recognition from Innovate UK, which highlights the progress that is possible when business and academia work together."
The appointment of a veterinarian, Rachel Brown, was key to the success as Ms Brown is experienced in ultrasound in other food producing sectors and was keen to transfer that knowledge into aquaculture. Leading the academic parts of the project were the Institute of Aquaculture's Professor James Bron and Dr Armin Sturm, along with Pulcea's Ian Jamieson.
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| Rachel Brown, global innovation manager for APG. |
Initial research was funded by a UK£99,000 grant from the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre's (SAIC) Rapid Response in 2016, which had confirmed the concept of using ultrasound for treating sea lice.
By using hydrogen peroxide tarpaulin bath treatments with Pulcea's acoustic-based technology, the KTP has proved it possible to improve treatment efficiency, thereby improving fish welfare.
"Pulcea uses underwater physics to enhance fish welfare and better manage the perennial challenge of sea lice," explains Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC. "It's fantastic to see the progress and this award for the KTP is a true testament to the excellent work of the individuals involved."
KTPs are funded by Innovate UK and aim to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through knowledge exchange, technology and skills development with support from the UK's leading universities.
"This project has provided the perfect opportunity for the transfer of my skills and experience in veterinary ultrasound to the aquaculture industry," says Rachel Brown, global innovation manager for Aqua Pharma Group (APG). "The knowledge triangle between associate, company and academic partner enabled the acceleration of the development of Pulcea's innovation beyond what would have been otherwise possible. I am now focused on helping my international APG colleagues with the commercialisation of this research."
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