In situ cleaning and disinfection process for aquaculture systems using laser radiation underwater

J Leschke, B Emde1, J Torno, H Wilke, B Daehne, L Kuhn, S Kraus, D Maerkl-Bilger, A Rose

21st International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling (ICMCF) //// Poster without presentation | Poster exhibition //// Poster ohne Vortrag | Posterausstellung //// 28. Juli 2026, 17:00 - 19:00

Introduction: Aquaculture is a rapidly growing sector of food production. A wide variety of production systems are used, which differ mainly in terms of water supply. Land-based systems use waterfrom adjacent flowing or spring waters, while net pens are used in large bodies of marine or fresh water with moderate flow conditions. Both are affected by biofouling: Indoor systems only by microorganisms forming a biofilm, outdoor freshwater installations and especially marine farms also by macroorganisms. In net systems in the field, biofouling ultimately leads to a significant reduction in water exchange, which endangers the oxygen supply for the fish and hinders the removal of fish excrement. To prevent this, nets need to be replaced on a regular basis, and surfaces need to be cleaned. Pressure washers or brushes are used for cleaning, and their use requires the relocation of the cultured organisms. This results in high personnel and cost expenses. In addition, it causes stress for the fish and interrupts the continuous production process