Aeration is a critical intervention in open-net-pen salmon aquaculture, used to maintain water quality and support fish welfare during periods of environmental stress. Conventional diesel-powered aeration systems, while effective, are energy-intensive, costly, and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we evaluate a novel electric-powered smart aeration unit (Pneuma) as a low-cost, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable alternative.
A trial was conducted at a commercial salmon net-pen site in Scotland to benchmark the performance of the Pneuma system against a standard diesel compressor, both running continuously. Over a two-week period in November 2024, two pens were aerated using the two systems, with air diffusers deployed at 7m depth. The trial aimed to assess operational efficiency, air delivery, and environmental impact in commercial aquaculture conditions.
Water quality was monitored using sensors deployed at multiple depths and locations within each pen capturing high-resolution data on dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll. Power consumption and air output were recorded using inline airflow meters and power monitors, and diesel consumption was recorded manually. Additional environmental data, including tidal regime, turbidity and weather conditions, were also collected to contextualise system performance.
The trial provides a robust dataset for comparing the operational efficiency and environmental footprint of electric versus diesel aeration systems. The findings will inform a life-cycle assessment of the two systems. Building on this work, a second trial will run over 12 months to evaluate the impact of on-demand electric aeration on fish health, welfare, and performance compared to conventional diesel aeration. Outputs from this project will support the development of sustainable, scalable aeration strategies for the salmon aquaculture sector.