PEBL-Hatch: Modular, semi-automated high-value seaweed seed production system

Https://www.sams.ac.uk/about/covid-19/\]In-Hatch的目标是设计和实施一个模块化的、半自动的海藻种子生产系统，旨在为英国各地的海洋水产养殖企业孵化高质量的海藻种子材料。社会距离措施和旅行限制意味着英国单一的海藻种子生产设施无法提供服务\[FoodNavigator.com，2020年5月\]由于对健康凭证、产地、透明度和食品包装作为对新冠肺炎的回应。缺乏英国生产的供应迫使客户从国外购买(增加了生物安全并发症)。其他机会：证据突出了海藻作为对抗冠状病毒的有效免疫疗法的潜力[多迪克，自然通讯，2020年7月]。该系统将改进现有的设施；1。为培养高价值的海藻种子而优化了设施，重点放在增强免疫力的食品应用上。通过模块化、低影响、半自动的设计，减少运营成本、能源使用和环境足迹，同时允许社会距离，该项目将传感器和自动化技术(特定于水质测量和控制)转化为新的水产养殖协议，以创建商业上可行的海藻种子生产操作。

PEBL-Hatch aims to design and implement a modular, semi-automated seaweed seed production system that aims to incubate high-quality seaweed seed materials for marine aquaculture businesses across the UK.Social distancing measures and travel restrictions have meant the UK's single seaweed seed production facility is unable to deliver its services \[https://www.sams.ac.uk/about/covid-19/\]In addition, demand for health products relating to seaweed sourced from Europe has seen up to triple-digit growth \[foodnavigator.com, May 2020\] due to increased attention on health credentials, provenance, transparency and food packaging as a response to COVID-19\. Lack of UK-produced supply has forced customers to buying from abroad (raising bio-security complications).Additional opportunity: Evidence highlights the potential of seaweed as an effective immunotherapy against coronavirus \[Dordick, Nature Comms., July 2020\].This system will improvement on existing facilities; 1\. Facilities are optimised for culturing high-value seaweed seeds focusing on immunity-boosting food applications 2\. Through a modular, low-impact, semi-automated design that reduces operational cost, energy usage and environmental footprint whilst allowing for social distancingThis project translates sensor and automation technologies (specific to water quality measurement and control) to a new aquaculture protocol in view of creating a commercially viable seaweed seed production operation.