Kelson Marine Engineers Publish Research on Structural Demands for Open-Ocean Aquaculture
Kelson Marine Co. is proud to announce that our team of engineers has published a new study in Frontiers in Aquaculture, exploring how simple indices for quantifying a site's exposure can (and can't!) predict the structural demands of open-ocean aquaculture systems. The study, titled "The effect of site exposure index on the required capacities of aquaculture structures", provides critical insights into how ocean site exposure impacts aquaculture infrastructure.
Understanding Structural Challenges in Offshore Aquaculture
As offshore aquaculture expands into high-energy environments, understanding how wave forces, currents, and depth impact fish farms, shellfish operations, and seaweed cultivation is essential. This study, authored by Tobias Dewhurst, Samuel Rickerich, Michael MacNicoll, Nathaniel Baker, and Zachary Moscicki, quantifies the structural requirements for aquaculture systems based on exposure indices such as:
- Significant wave height
- Peak wave periods
- Current speeds
- Water depth
- Wave orbital velocity
By analyzing 36 offshore sites in the North Sea, the research team evaluated how different site exposure indices correlate with the structural loads required to maintain resilient offshore aquaculture systems.
Key Findings for Sustainable Open-Ocean Fish Farming
The study’s results highlight that certain exposure indices can be strong predictors of structural demands, which is crucial for designing cost-effective and resilient offshore aquaculture systems. Among the indices tested, the Exposure Velocity Index proved to be the best predictor of the forces that aquaculture structures must withstand.
This research provides valuable guidance for fish farmers, aquaculture engineers, and investors looking to expand sustainable seafood production in offshore environments. Understanding site-specific ocean conditions can help operators choose the right technology and infrastructure for successful open-ocean fish farming, shellfish aquaculture, and seaweed production.
Advancing Offshore Aquaculture Technology
At Kelson Marine Co., we specialize in marine engineering solutions for offshore aquaculture, wave energy, and maritime infrastructure. By advancing hydrodynamic modeling and finite element analysis (FEA), our team helps ensure that open-ocean aquaculture systems can thrive in high-energy marine environments.
We are thrilled to contribute to the growing body of research supporting the future of offshore aquaculture. Read the full study at Frontiers in Aquaculture.