December 13, 2023

CSIRO tests new technology to monitor water quality in Australia

Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has successfully completed initial testing of a 'weather service' designed to assess water quality in the Spencer Gulf, a key aquaculture production region, Global Seafood Alliance reported.

The AquaWatch Australia Mission, a collaboration with SmartSat CRC and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), employs data from water sensors and satellites, combined with computer models and artificial intelligence, to offer near-real-time water quality monitoring and forecasts.

Nagur Cherukuru, CSIRO senior scientist, said the region's aquaculture will put seafood on the table for thousands of Australians, with the local industry's production worth over AUD 238 million (US$156 million) a year.

The AquaWatch technology is aimed at providing early warnings to the thriving aquaculture industry in the Spencer Gulf, alerting them to potential harmful marine events like algal blooms before they occur. CSIRO, in partnership with SmartSat CRC and SARDI, is urging the industry to become early adopters of AquaWatch, enabling them to monitor and forecast water quality as the system continues to develop.

Andy Koronios, CEO of SmartSat CRC, emphasised the significance of AquaWatch in establishing critical infrastructure through a state-of-the-art data system and national water sensor networks. He said the technologies and capabilities that are being developed will result in commercial opportunities in aquaculture, in fisheries, and in making Australia a high-tech nation.

Mark Doubell, SARDI oceanographer, highlighted how the AquaWatch partnership significantly enhances water quality monitoring, supporting the ecologically sustainable growth of aquaculture in the region. Kirsten Rough, research scientist at the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association, said there is the potential of real-time monitoring to improve industry practices, particularly in responding to threats like algal blooms.

-      Global Seafood Alliance