Storms, high winds, and icy temperatures make regular feeding and observation of fish in the Gulf of Maine a substantial engineering challenge. As a result, developing remotely-operated systems for reliable feed delivery in an unpredictable environment has been a Project priority.

The first series of prototypes for a remotely-operated feed buoy was based on a cylindrical spar-shaped design. Researchers were able to monitor video and telemetry data streams from the buoy on 900 megahertz radio frequency systems. The system allowed them to monitor the fish, check the buoy’s position, and control and monitor feeding operations.

Working with Net Systems, Inc.—which received a grant from NOAA’s Small Business Innovative Research program—Project engineers are finalizing the development of a new automated feeder. Capable of servicing multiple, commercial-size crops of fish the feeder will be built and launched in 2006.

Feed formulation is also an important economic and environmental issue for offshore farming. Fishmeal and fish oil, when combined with other ingredients, are palatable and nutritious for the fish. However, the populations of fish that are used to make fishmeal are finite, therefore finding alternatives to these protein and lipid sources is a worldwide priority.

The new crop of cod are being fed a formulated diet that substitutes 30% of the fish meal with poultry by-products. Project researchers are also evaluating seaweeds, microalgae and soy as potential sources of protein replacements for fishmeal.

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