Light and current generation system for measuring the behaviour of the Norway lobster

Abstract

Patterns of how the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus L.) emerges from its burrow in relation to sea currents at different times of the day-night cycles is currently unknown. The degree of influence of these variables when simulated in controlled laboratory conditions entails great technical and technological difficulties. This paper presents the development of an integrated control system that manages a set of aquariums generating water currents and patterns of light. The solution proposed combines the use of commercial equipment and a custom electronic design in order to achieve the required specifications with cost-minimization. The control system has circulation pumps and visible and infrared LED lighting to recreate different currents and light conditions. Preliminary results show the control system works properly and all components responded as expected during the experiments. © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.