Pilot Site 1: Smart Mussel Farm
Smart Mussel Farm
A Testbed for Sustainable Aquaculture
Located in Šibenik, the Smart Mussel Farm is designed to accelerate innovation in aquaculture by serving as a real-world testing ground for researchers and industry partners. This pilot site features an anchored platform equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring systems, allowing the development and validation of advanced technologies that aim to optimize mussel growth, improve water quality assessments, and enhance the sustainability of marine farming operations.
Wet Lab: Real-Time Data and Analysis
Central to the pilot site is a wet lab housed in a specialized container. Outfitted with essential scientific equipment—including a microscope, water activity meter, multi-parameter analyzer, and spectrophotometer—the lab enables on-the-spot inspection of mussels and precise water quality assessments. Data from these instruments can be shared instantly with remote teams via secure digital connections, offering continuous oversight and enabling rapid responses to changing marine conditions.
Smart Mussel Cage: In-Situ Monitoring and Management
The platform hosts a full-size 10m x 10m smart mussel cage, designed with a circular opening and an overhead bridge for efficient handling. A 2D crane allows partial lifting of the cage or individual mussel-growing units for closer inspection. Cameras and sonar systems integrated into the cage provide real-time imaging and continuous environmental monitoring, helping scientists track mussel health and growth with minimal disruption to the habitat.
ROV Deployment and Underwater Observation
To further enhance operational insights, a medium-sized ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) can be deployed directly from the moored platform. A crane and winch system manage the ROV’s safe launch and retrieval. The ROV is localized through an acoustic positioning system, ensuring precise navigation for underwater inspections, feeding trials, and maintenance of farm structures. Data gathered from the ROV—visual, acoustic, and sensor-based—feeds back into the wet lab, enabling a holistic overview of the ecosystem.