Australia’s AquaWatch Revolutionizes Water Quality Monitoring in Seafood Hub

Australian scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully testing a world-first water quality monitoring system. Developed by the AquaWatch Australia Mission at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), this innovative technology combines data from water sensors and satellites to provide real-time monitoring and forecasting of water quality. The initial testing took place in the Spencer Gulf, a bio-rich inlet on Australia’s south coast that is known as the country’s seafood basket. With the aquaculture industry in mind, the AquaWatch team plans to implement the system in seafood farms to enhance productivity. The technology employs artificial intelligence (AI) and computer models to analyze environmental data and deliver early warnings of harmful marine events such as algal blooms. The successful trial in the Spencer Gulf sets the stage for the technology to be utilized across the aquaculture industry, potentially preventing major losses for seafood farm operators. The AquaWatch Mission, initiated in March 2023, aims to establish a ground-to-space water quality monitoring system not only for Australia but also for the rest of the world.