“Little Inventor” Harnesses Solar Energy for Reef Encounters
THE sea life-saving brainchild of a budding South Shields ecologist has been professionally designed and modelled, thanks to support from a business blown away by his idea.
Harris, 10, a student at Sea View Primary School, created the concept for “Hi Fish” – a solar-powered floating camera that roams the reefs of the world observing fish numbers and monitoring issues such as coral bleaching – for his entry to South Tyneside Council’s and Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s “Little Inventors” competition.
The youngster was thrilled to win the competition and this week visited Dogger Bank Wind Farm operations base, in Port of Tyne, to see his invention in all its glory, having been developed by contest supporter North Star, operator of the largest fleet of infrastructure support vessels in the North Sea.
Harris was not only presented with the newly created “Hi Fish” marine architect designs and 3D printed model, he and his father were treated to tour the Dogger Bank base and Grampian Derwent, one of the Dogger Bank service vessels.
South Tyneside Council and Dogger Bank Wind Farm have organised Little Inventors for three years, with Harris’ invention one of six potentially planet-saving inventions brought to life in various forms by businesses and creative experts in the coming months.
Working with borough schools, Little Inventors challenges Year 4 and 5 students to devise incredible, eco-friendly concepts powered by renewable energy to address the climate crisis.
The Council works closely with Dogger Bank to deliver bespoke STEM education and careers programmes, like Little Inventors, to raise awareness and aspirations of borough youngsters, particularly around opportunities within green energy and sustainability.
Harris’ “Hi Fish” invention, harnesses solar and wind energy to power a propeller on a small camera rig, allowing the equipment to travel the tidal flows of the reefs, logging fish species, any decline or rise in numbers, monitor ecological changes, take temperature checks and help address major environmental issues, such as coral bleaching, which can seriously impact on fragile marine eco-systems.
Describing Hi Fish, Harris said:
“It was interesting to learn about the things being done in our seas and oceans. Hi Fish is an environmentally friendly invention to help monitor coral reefs without needing batteries or diesel to power a lot of machinery.
“It’s important that when we sort out problems in the environment, we don’t make them worse or create other problems. New inventions made to help solve issues must be carbon-neutral and use renewable energy whenever possible.”
North Star was one of many local firms backing the Little Inventors Programme. Operations Director, Steve Myers, said:
“We were so impressed with Harris’ invention that we had to select it. It’s fantastic to see this competition inspire such innovative and exciting ideas, while supercharging the interest of youngsters in the offshore renewables sector.
“With so many career opportunities on our doorstep, getting youngsters excited about marine engineering is vital to help keep the positive momentum going in our industry.”
Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport for South Tyneside Council, said:
“Harris’ invention shows touches of genius and it’s great to see these bright young minds engaged to combat the climate crisis.
“Little Inventors inspires children and is a way to build interest in the STEM subjects that are the foundation stones for careers in engineering.
“Congratulations must go to Harris, for a fantastic innovation. I hope he enjoyed his visit to the Dogger Bank base and his spell in the captain’s chair of the Grampian Derwent.”
The Dogger Bank Community Fund and South Tyneside Council launched Little Inventors to increase understanding of science, technology, engineering and maths among young people and their parents, raising awareness of the opportunities presented by renewable energy.
Winning inventions can be viewed online: Powering the Future: South Tyneside and Beyond! : Little Inventors where people can also submit ideas for the latest Making Waves: Inventing for a Better Ocean challenge.
Kay Doragh, Dogger Bank Community Investment Manager, said:
“Little Inventors inspires bright young minds and helps the pupils taking part understand environmental issues and get excited about the potential careers on their doorstep.
“New ways of thinking and inventions like Harris’ will show how we tackle climate change. It’s great to welcome him and his dad to Dogger Bank Wind Farm, as we continue the green revolution from South Tyneside.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). SSE Renewables is lead operator for the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Equinor will be lead operator of the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years.
In June 2024, Dogger Bank Wind Farm announced additional funding of £25 million to support coastal communities across the North and North East of England, over its planned 35-year operational lifespan.
For more information, visit: https://southtyneside.littleinventors.org/