Bioled and US university seek to shed light on RAS illumination
Aquaculture lighting supplier Bioled has initiated a research project with the University of Maryland to study how irradiance interferes with the growth and control of early maturity in Atlantic salmon farming in full-cycle recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
The research forms part of Bioled’s international expansion plan and its work to analyse the characteristics of land-based farming systems.
“We are very pleased and proud to conduct this research with the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) at the University of Maryland. We are confident that this project will be a milestone at both national and international levels,” said Ximena Navarro, R&D manager for Bioled, which is based in Puerto Veras, Chile.
Remotely operated
The project is co-funded by Chilean state business development agency Corfo’s ‘Consolidate and Expand’ programme for international validation and scaling of products.
Navarro and Bioled project manager Cristián Robles will be travelling to IMET in Baltimore in the coming days to meet with international researcher and institute director, Yonathan Zohar, who will lead the research together with Bioled’s deputy R&D manager, Ana Fernández.
The luminaires and cabinets for the research have already been shipped to Maryland. Some of this equipment will be remotely operated from Chile due to the implementation of the Bioled Automation System (BAS).
“Working on a project with the University of Maryland is a major milestone for our company, positioning us as global experts in fish photoperiod,” said Navarro.
“I thank the R&D team, who see opportunities and seize them promptly. I especially want to highlight the leadership and drive of our colleagues Ana Fernández, Vanessa Mella, Alejandro Sáez, and Patricia Catalán. Without them, this would not be possible.”
Bioled has made R&D a cornerstone of its operations. Over its 18-year lifespan, the company has led 18 research projects (practically one per year), with eight fully funded by the company and 10 co-funded by Corfo programmes.
Aquaculture UK
It is one of seven innovative Chilean fish farming suppliers that were last year selected to participate in an initiative to help them establish themselves in the UK.
The Blue Bridge programme is organised by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and the British Embassy in Santiago and offers the companies a six-month “soft landing” during which they will be taught all they need to know to set up a presence in the UK.
It culminates with a five-day trade mission to Scotland next month, which includes the opportunity to showcase innovations in a presentation at the Aquaculture UK trade show in Aviemore from May 14-15.
