SBIR Phase II: Innovative control of ectoparasites: key to expansion of open ocean fish farming

这项SBIR第二阶段研究的目标是在公海水产养殖中控制体外寄生虫害虫的创新方法。近海养鱼业提供了巨大的增长机会。近海适应性鱼类健康管理仍然是这一潜在利润丰厚的产业的无害环境扩展的挑战。PEDICURe（被动体外寄生虫装置在逆流水下水库）原型显示出很大的效果，在治疗体外寄生虫害虫的海洋鱼类在坦克试验。第二阶段的研究将完善治疗方法，PEDICURe设计和使用协议。商业规模的原型将在海上笼中部署和测试。Pedicur可以出售或许可给世界各地的养鱼场。PEDICURES还可以提供令人信服的竞争优势，以推动在夏威夷、美国沃茨或全球扩大生产。这项研究的更广泛影响是增加了优化公海水产养殖中鱼类健康的环保手段，从而有助于这一创新，令人兴奋和潜在利润丰厚的行业的增长。近海养殖场可以生产高价值的海洋鱼类，而不会对水质、海底生境或其他海洋用户群体产生重大影响。美国10亿美元的海上养殖业每年可节省1.15亿美元的成本。在全球范围内都有潜在的应用。

This SBIR Phase II research targets innovative means for controlling ectoparasite pests in open ocean aquaculture. Offshore fish farming offers tremendous growth opportunities. Adaptive fish health management offshore remains a challenge for environmentally sound expansion of this potentially lucrative industry. PEDICURe (Passive Ectoparasite Device In Counter-current Underwater Reservoir) prototypes showed great efficacy in treating ectoparasite pests in marine fish in tank trials. Phase II research will refine therapeutic treatments, PEDICURe designs and protocols for use. Commercial-scale prototypes will be deployed and tested in offshore cages. PEDICURes could be sold or licensed to fish farms worldwide. PEDICURes could also provide compelling competitive advantages to drive expanded production in Hawaii, U.S. waters, or globally. The broader impacts of this research are in increasing the environmentally sound means for optimizing fish health in open ocean aquaculture, and thereby aiding the growth in this innovative, exciting and potentially lucrative industry. Offshore farms can produce high-value marine fish without significant impacts on water quality, benthic habitats or other ocean user groups. Cost savings to a $1 billion U.S. offshore farming industry could be $115 million p.a. There are potential applications worldwide.