Blue technology

Spain has the largest whale reserve in Europe and the third largest in the world. However, every year part of these mammals die due to collisions with ships. In ARQUIMEA Research we are developing a layered technology system with the objective of protecting and tracing the routes of cetaceans and ships so that they do not come into conflict. The first technological layer is based on the processing of bioacoustic data and passive acoustic technology, while during this year we are deepening in the detection of cetaceans through infrared systems. In this way, we will achieve effective protection of cetacean reserves, one of the world’s greatest biodiversity assets.

Another of our research areas is focused on the blue economy, which calls for the use of technological innovations that optimize costs, take advantage of waste and promote the growth of seas and oceans as economic engines. Therefore, our goal is to combine this circular and blue economy through the creation of micro-islands of a few meters of aquaponic crops based on halophyte plants. These plants will be able to clean up marine pollution, based on agricultural waste or fertilizers, as well as generate edible vegetables for consumption or processed food, allowing the improvement of water quality, and contributing to the increase of animal and plant biodiversity in the marine environment.