Key Technical Considerations

Based on the interactions with technical experts and aquarium equipment contractors, national as well as international and secondary research, various technical considerations have been identified which merit attention during setup and operation of an MRCI Centre.

Temperature control system

Water Pumping System

Lighting system

Aeration System

Design and Decoration:

Interior and exterior Water Filtration System Acrylic Panels and Tanks pH and Nutrients control

system

Key Technical Considerations

Manpower Electricity supply Water supply

Figure 26 Key technical considerations

These technical systems need to be provided with support infrastructure like manpower, electricity and water supply for their efficient performance.

5.6.2.1 Acrylic Panels and Acrylic Tank

Acrylic is a key component of an MRCI Centre. Walk through tunnels and gigantic 3G marine facilities are made possible because of acrylic.

Cylindrical Acrylic Tank

Large Acrylic

panels Acrylic Tunnel

Figure 27 Different acrylic shapes

They help to display marine life through transparent sheets of any shape and size. Manufacturing acrylic panels/tanks is a specialized task and currently it is available only in three countries. Hence, it would need to be imported. The installation of acrylic panels and acrylic tanks is done by specialists.

Acrylic panels and/or tanks account for around 20%15 _{of project capital cost.}

5.6.2.2 Design and Decoration: Interior and Exterior

Both interior of the tank and the exterior landscape are an important consideration for a marine facility. The interior design and decoration is required to replicate natural habitat for the marine life e.g. creating hide-outs for fish. Exterior landscaping and decoration is essential to make the venue attractive for visitors

Artificial Marine Habitat inside the tank

Aquarium landscape design Exterior Landscaping

Figure 28 Interior and exterior decoration

Interior decoration of tanks to create artificial marine habitats is designed and setup by specialists. Exterior landscape of the MRCI Centre to suit the visitors can be designed by architects and interior designers.

5.6.2.3 Filtration System

The water provided in the MRCI Centre needs to be continuously filtered.

• To remove pathogens/fickle metal so that water is fit for survival of flora and fauna • To remove waste produced by fauna

• To remove turbidity so that water is fit for public viewing

Ozone generator

Sand filters

Figure 29 Filtration systems The process is as follows

• Water goes to a settling tank to remove large suspended particles

• Goes to holding tank for processing through UV/ozone to remove pathogens Filtration systems are available locally and hence need not be imported.

5.6.2.4 Water Pumping System

Water needs to be pumped 24x7. Pumping system is essential as water needs to be constantly fed to the filtration system to make it fit for survival of flora and fauna.

Fresh sea water is pumped into tanks from the source like ocean and to ensure 24x7 pumping, a 400 KVA generator is required16

Water pumping systems can be sourced locally. The cost of pumping system is impacted by the distance over which the ocean water is being pumped. Any distance of more than 300-400 m from the sea would considerably increase the costs.

5.6.2.5 Artificial Lighting System

In most cases, the MRCI Centre is completely enclosed with no access to natural light. In such cases, provision of lighting is essential for the survival of flora and fauna. It is also important to replicate the light intensities of their natural environment. Metal halides are used to supplement the meager natural light available in tank.

Lighting is also important to highlight certain areas of an exhibit and for good visibility of the exhibits to the visitors.

These systems can be sourced locally.

5.6.2.6 Aeration System

An aeration system is required to maintain the oxygen content of water. Oxygen levels get depleted since marine life consumes it continuously and hence needs to be replenished.

Also, aeration stimulates the flow of oxygen by releasing air bubbles into the water, thus creating water movement which is essential for even distribution of materials and compounds in water.

Air pumps often combined with a power head or water pump are usually used for large tanks. Aeration systems can be sourced locally

5.6.2.7 pH and Nutrient control systems

Suitable pH level, salinity level and other required nutrient levels have to be maintained in the water for many biological processes to take place both for flora and fauna. In addition, nutrients are necessary for flora to maintain their color.

Remote probes and control instrumentation is used to monitor and maintain the required levels. These can be sourced locally.

5.6.2.8 Temperature Control System

The temperature of the water pumped in varies a lot. Consistency in temperature has to be maintained as most species are not accustomed to sudden changes. In addition suitable temperature ranges vary for various species depending on their place of origin. Therefore, temperature control systems are vital.

Computerized automatic heating/cooling systems are available making the operations much easier and accurate.

Heat exchangers for temperature

control

Figure 30 Temperature control systems

5.6.2.9 Support Infrastructural Requirements

Support infrastructure like water, electricity and manpower is essential for successfully operating the MRCI Centre.

Manpower

• Trained manpower is necessary for the operations and maintenance of the MRCI Centre • Usually MRCI Centre contractors operate the MRCI Centre for 1 to 2 years during which

time they assist in hiring and training the local manpower.

Electricity Supply

• Round the clock electricity supply is required to operate an MRCI Centre as all the life support systems depend on it.

• To ensure this a back up generator is essential

Water Supply

• Continuous water supply is required for an MRCI Centre.

• Locating the MRCI Centre close to a water source reduces costs considerably

5.7

Regulatory Assessment

5.7.1 Objective

• To understand the key regulatory considerations for setting up an MRCI Centre around the project location

• To develop a list of clearances required for setting up an MRCI Centre • To identify key regulatory risks, if any