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The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has created a Photarium using cutting-edge 3D printing technology to safely identify and measure fish species inhabiting New Zealand’s waterways. Photariums, essential tools employed by photographers, researchers, and educators around the world, for safely observing live fish in the field, are presently exclusively manufactured in the United States and are not available for shipping to New Zealand.
A Photarium is a small plastic rectangular box featuring a transparent side and a built-in ruler. It enables the study of small fish without requiring them to be handled or removed from water. Additionally, it has a hinged flap to block out light, providing fish with privacy during transportation to reduce stress.
NIWA Freshwater Ecologist Peter Williams developed a Photarium and is producing it easily and affordably using the newly acquired industrial-grade 3D printer at NIWA. Drawing upon his 14 years of field experience, Williams’ Photarium is adapted and modified for the sampling of small fish species specifically in the waterways of New Zealand.
“An older 3D printer would have only produced a prototype quality unit and we would have needed a costly specialist manufacturer to make the finished product,” he explained. The advanced capabilities of NIWA’s 3D printer enable the production of a high-quality product at a low cost, making it accessible to those in the country. Moreover, the advantage of the 3D printer is that it enables NIWA to create Photariums on demand and continually enhance the design based on the insights gained from field use.
As per Statistics NZ, 76% of the 51 indigenous freshwater fish species in New Zealand face the threat of extinction or are at risk of becoming threatened. Therefore, education, data, and research play a crucial role in comprehending how to better identify, protect, and sustainably manage these species.
Williams mentioned that several of the native species are climbing fish, and the top part of the lid can be closed to prevent the fish from jumping out. A mesh that is printed into this hatch cover enables researchers to replenish the water level for better photography.
The NIWA Photarium enhances the accuracy of fish identification by facilitating collection and release with minimal handling, eliminating the need for anaesthetics. The improper use of anaesthetics can result in fish mortality. The tool allows for better observation and photography of small and delicate life stages of fish without harming them.
NIWA has received more than 70 orders for its Photarium from various entities, including regional councils, rūnanga, DOC, and education groups throughout the country.
The application of technology-driven solutions has demonstrated its worth in New Zealand’s conservation endeavours, prompting the government to introduce several initiatives driven by technology.
Recently, in an effort to safeguard the Kiwi population from uncontrolled dogs, a team of students from Canterbury collaborated with the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua to create the “Robo Kiwi.” It deters dog predation, which is responsible for 70% of kiwi fatalities.
As OpenGov Asia reported, the lifelike movements of Robo Kiwi have proven to be instrumental in training dogs to instinctively avoid approaching kiwi birds. In contrast to conventional static training props, Robo Kiwi incorporates realistic movements and interactivity. This technology allows trainers to remotely activate Robo Kiwi’s movements, facilitating real-time corrections during dog interactions and dissuading dogs from behaving aggressively towards the birds.
