SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking advancement for aquaculture, the Ocean Electronics group of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has successfully conducted sea trials of an innovative feeding system designed for use in open-sea, submerged fish cages. This pioneering technology, which operates at a depth of 10 meters in rough sea conditions, represents a significant leap forward from existing systems, which are limited to shallower depths.
The system developed by NIOT leverages a water ejector mechanism to dispense fish feed, marking the first time such technology has been effectively tested at these depths worldwide. Unlike the systems by AKVA-USA, which have only been operational at depths of 4-5 meters, NIOT’s solution pushes the boundary to 10 meters. This advancement is crucial for aquaculture in regions prone to harsh weather conditions, where traditional surface-level feeding can be disrupted.
The heart of this new technology is the water ejector, which uses available seawater as a motive fluid. This fluid is pumped into a specially designed ejector with a venturi nozzle that features both convergent and divergent cones.
This design not only enhances the feeding process but also significantly reduces the energy consumption compared to traditional methods that might require more complex machinery or higher pressure systems.
The future of this technology looks promising, with potential applications not just in India but globally for aquaculture industries looking to move operations into more challenging marine environments. NIOT’s initiative could set a new standard for how aquaculture is conducted, potentially revolutionizing fish farming practices worldwide.