What is Blue Tech?
Blue Tech (Blue Technology) refers to a wide range of industries and innovative technologies focused on promoting sustainable ocean activities and addressing a variety of marine environment-related challenges. It includes technologies, systems, and platforms designed for use above, on, or below the sea surface. Blue Tech aims to improve our oceans through the use of innovative, science-based technologies, while promoting sustainable investment and knowledge of our oceans.
Blue Tech is important because it helps to change the one-sided relationship that humans have had with the oceans, making sure that we can continue to use the oceans and also take part in their health. It deals with problems like climate change, protecting coastal resources, and making defenses stronger. It also creates economic opportunities and jobs.
Blue Tech applications
Marine debris intervention devices
These devices help remove waste from oceans, beaches, and waterways without harming marine ecosystems.
Aquaculture
The cultivation of shellfish, fish, and plants, driven by a growing global demand for seafood and the lack of a domestic supply.
Ocean monitoring
Undersea/unmanned vehicles, sensors, IT communications, data transfer, cybersecurity, digital twins, modeling & simulation, composite materials, electronic systems, oceanographic research, materials certification, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.
Blue Tech applications in aquaculture
Using advanced technologies in aquaculture improves the sustainability, efficiency, and productivity of aquatic food production systems. Here are some specific examples.
Digital feeding systems
These systems, such as eFishery, help monitor the hunger level of fish and optimize feeding schedules, thereby reducing waste and improving the overall efficiency of fish farming operations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision
AI and computer vision technologies can be used to monitor fish health, growth, and behavior, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions and improve overall farm management.
Smart sensing
Sensors can be used to monitor water quality, temperature, and other environmental parameters in real-time, enabling farmers to maintain optimal conditions for fish growth and health.
Underwater drones and data collectors
These devices can be used to collect data on fish populations, water quality, and other factors, providing valuable information for aquaculture management and research.
Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
RAS are closed-loop, land-based systems that minimize water usage and waste discharge, reducing the environmental impact of fish farming.
Integrated seawater farming
This approach involves rearing fish alongside algae and shellfish, promoting a more sustainable and efficient use of resources.
Disease prevention and vaccine delivery
Innovations in disease prevention, such as new vaccines and delivery methods, can help improve the health and productivity of farmed fish while reducing the need for antibiotics and other treatments.
Blue tech company
Some blue tech companies in aquaculture use advanced technologies to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and productivity of aquatic food production systems.
Aquabyte
Aquabyte uses machine learning and computer vision technologies to improve fish farming efficiency by monitoring fish health, growth, and behavior, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions and improve overall farm management.
ReelData AI
ReelData AI offers a suite of AI-driven products, including artificial intelligence-informed feeding systems, biomass estimation, and health and stress analytics, to increase the profitability, sustainability, and scalability of land-based aquaculture.
Unibio
Unibio manufactures Uniprotein®, a close substitute to high-quality fishmeal and soybean meal, which are both becoming increasingly scarce. This product is produced using their unique U-Loop® fermentation technology, addressing the world’s growing need for animal protein.
Blue Ocean Gear
Blue Ocean Gear provides intelligent tracking buoys for aquaculture farms, commercial fishing fleets, and ocean observers, helping them save time and money while gaining critical operational insights.
ViAqua Therapeutics
ViAqua is developing the first orally administered treatment in aquaculture to stop diseases from developing and to prevent viral epidemics. Their solution provides protection of the RNA in the aquatic environment, withstands barriers in the digestive system to ensure effective delivery of the RNA, and integrates the coated particles for delivery via feed to achieve the maximum effect and reduce costs.
Blue Economy
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates the size of the Blue Economy (market value of Blue Tech) at over $1.5 trillion and expects it to double by 2030.
The global aquaculture market is valued at around $290 billion and is projected to reach $421 billion by 2030.
The digital maritime industry is worth $159 billion in 2021 and is projected to be worth $345 billion by 2030.
