Commercialization of Mooring and Site Engineering Software for the Aquaculture Industry

Summary:
The purpose of this project was to enhance a computer software program called ProteusDS to enable open water finfish farmers to select appropriate equipment (i.e. nets, ropes, buoys, etc) that will withstand the wind, waves and current present at their aquaculture sites, thereby preventing fish escapes and costly maintenance. Prior to the project, ProteusDS could only be used by a select number of Dynamic Systems Analysis’ (DSA) in-house personnel and the software did not have suitable documentation. By the conclusion of the project, DSA had released a software package that was tailored to the needs of the aquaculture industry, the software was significantly easier to use, and extensive documentation had been generated. In addition, DSA showed that the software could be used to predict extreme loads at aquaculture sites during hurricanes.

During the project DSA created several software components to enhance ProteusDS. First, DSA created the ProteusDS Simulation Toolbox (PST). PST enabled users of ProteusDS to rapidly set up simulations. Next, DSA enhanced the ProteusDS solver and made it more robust by ensuring better error checking. DSA also created an independent software program called the Autotester to automatically test the software for deficiencies and ensure that all features in the software are continuously validated. DSA created PostPDS to visualize and post-process simulations. DSA created a general software usage manual and tutorials for new users. Lastly, DSA created a document that outlines the theory behind key features in ProteusDS and shows the validation cases that are run to check those features.

To show that ProteusDS is capable of simulating complex fish farms, DSA worked with Cold Water Fisheries in Liverpool, NS to analyze their fish farm site during a hurricane. DSA measured the tensions in mooring lines at the site during hurricane Earl, and then simulated those conditions in ProteusDS. The comparison of the results showed that ProteusDS accurately predicted the tension ranges expected in mooring lines. This means that ProteusDS would be an effective means for engineers to predict the behavior of fish farms during extreme storms.

The AIMAP project, and the commercialization of ProteusDS, has added tremendous value to DSA's business. The project has enabled DSA to develop a tool that will make the aquaculture industry in Canada more sustainable economically and environmentally. DSA has made the ProteusDS software available to the aquaculture industry by offering software licenses and consulting services. The key contribution of the project is that the industry now has a key tool that can help them improve the safety and reliability of their fish farm sites. It is anticipated that ProteusDS could enable the aquaculture industry in Canada to grow into more exposed and offshore environments. Offshore aquaculture is often touted as the future of aquaculture, and through the AIMAP's support of DSA and ProteusDS, Canadian producers will have the ability to take part in that future.

Recipient: Dynamic Systems Analysis Ltd.

Total Project Cost: $179,200
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $87,500

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Dynamic Systems Analysis Ltd.
• Government of Nova-Scotia: Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA)
• Cold Water Fisheries
• Open Ocean Systems Inc.

For more information please contact the regional coordinator
Maritimes Region: Cindy.Webster@dfo-mpo.gc.ca