Australia trials water quality test system

CSIRO, the country’s science agency, has developed AquaWatch Australia Mission to help arm the seafood and aquaculture industries with important data about events such as algal blooms.

The system combines data from water sensors and satellites then runs it through computer algorithms to predict such harmful events. Initial trials took place in the Spencer Gulf in South Australia, the country’s ‘seafood basket’.

“The region’s aquaculture will put seafood on the table for thousands of Aussies these holidays, with the local industry’s production worth over $238 million a year,” said CSIRO senior scientist, Dr Cherukuru.

“We’re reaching out to the industry to be early adopters of AquaWatch, allowing them to monitor and forecast water quality as we build the system.”

The Spencer Gulf test site is the first in Australia to demonstrate the AquaWatch technology works, a milestone achieved in partnership with SmartSat CRC and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

SARDI oceanographer Dr Mark Doubell said AquaWatch significantly boosted water quality monitoring needed to support the ecologically sustainable growth of aquaculture in the region.

“The delivery of real-time data and improved satellite observations on water quality provides new information that complements existing operational oceanographic models to inform on the ecologically sustainable use and development of our precious marine systems,” he said.

CSIRO is now inviting Traditional Custodians and industry partners to help co-design the next phase to extend water quality monitoring in the gulf and deliver data to decision-makers and Elders.