Global Seafood Alliance’s Aquademia Podcast
We’re thrilled to share that GenusWave recently had the honour of being featured on the Global Seafood Alliance’s Aquademia podcast. University of St. Andrews Research Scientist and Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) inventor, Dr. Thomas Götz, and GenusWave Director of Special Projects, Kylie DaCunha, delved into the fascinating world of TAST and its groundbreaking applications in the seafood industry and beyond.
The Genesis of TAST
Dr. Götz recounted the intriguing journey that led to the development of TAST. As a student at the University of Tübingen in Germany, his initial fascination was with echolocation behavior in dolphins. However, it was the seemingly “boring” research on the acoustic startle reflex that would later prove pivotal in his work.
Years later, during his Ph.D. at the University of St. Andrews, Dr. Götz revisited the concept of the startle reflex. This led to a series of experiments that revealed a surprising finding: seals exposed to startle-eliciting sounds not only didn’t habituate but became more responsive over time.
The Science Behind TAST
TAST operates on the principle of the acoustic startle reflex, a simple reflex arc in the brainstem. This evolutionarily old part of the brain responds to sudden, unexpected sounds, triggering a flinching response. The key advantages of TAST include:
1. Brief, isolated signals: Roughly 1% of the time is spent producing sound, minimizing overall noise pollution.
2. Taxon-specific tuning: The technology can be adjusted to target specific taxon based on their hearing sensitivity.
3. Localized effect: TAST deters animals from conflict areas without causing wider or long-term habitat exclusion.
4. No harm: TAST operates on the startle reflex, rather than by causing pain, and requires reduced noise doses compared to conventional Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs).
Applications in Aquaculture
One of the most exciting applications of TAST is in salmon farming. Kylie DaCunha highlighted an unexpected benefit observed by a Scottish salmon farming company. After implementing TAST devices, they noticed a significant reduction in sea lice outbreaks and other diseases.
This serendipitous discovery points to a potential link between reduced seal presence around fish farms and decreased chronic stress in farmed salmon. The implications for fish welfare, mortality rates, and product quality are profound and warrant further research.
Overcoming Challenges
The journey from scientific discovery to practical application wasn’t without hurdles. Dr. Götz emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and creativity in problem-solving. Some key challenges included conducting experiments on underwater animals, developing technology for harsh marine environments, and transitioning from scientific results to commercial products.
Recognition and Future Directions
GenusWave’s innovative approach was recently recognized with the Responsible Fisheries Innovation Award at the Responsible Seafood Summit. This accolade not only validates years of research and development but also opens new doors for collaboration and implementation in the seafood industry.
Kylie DaCunha commented, “Winning this award underscores our commitment to developing technology that enhances operational efficiency while promoting marine conservation. This recognition is not just a win for our team, but a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone aligned with our mission to advance sustainable seafood production practices and create practical solutions that balance industry needs with environmental health.
Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) is modular, scalable, and designed to foster healthier ecosystems while improving operational outcomes. We believe that even a small Scottish company can have a global impact, and we’re helping to build a world where businesses don’t have to choose between profit and purpose.
Recognition from the Global Seafood Alliance reflects GenusWave’s dedication to innovation and sustainability in seafood production. As our company continues to expand partnerships globally, we will further mitigate harmful marine mammal interactions.”
As GenusWave continues to refine and expand the applications of TAST, the potential for positive impact in the seafood industry is immense. From reducing bycatch to improving fish welfare and product quality, TAST represents a significant step forward in sustainable seafood production practices.
We’re excited to continue our research and development, always seeking new ways to benefit both the seafood industry and marine ecosystems. Listen to the full podcast on the Aquademia website and stay tuned for more updates on our journey to revolutionize human-wildlife conflict mitigation in the marine and aquatic realm.
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