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12th Jul 2022 7:00 am EQS Agreement with leading Chilean salmon & sea trout producer

OTAQ announces agreement with leading Chilean salmon & sea trout producer

OTAQ, the marine technology products and solutions group for the global aquaculture and offshore energy industries, is pleased to announce that it has been appointed as the technology supplier to Salmones Antártica S.A. (“SASA”) for integrated water quality measurement equipment to several cultivation sites, over a full farming cycle.

OTAQ’s newly-launched water quality monitoring product (“WQM”) continually monitors a site’s oxygen, temperature and salinity levels to provide aquaculture farmers with immediate information about the quality of their water environment. Complementary to OTAQ’s Sensor Globe, the WQM solution is designed to be permanently placed in situ at aquaculture farms to also assist with regulatory reporting.

SASA is a top 10 supplier of Chilean salmon by production weight, with over 1000 employees. SASA’s operation is vertically integrated, encompassing the entire production process from reproduction to processing across both freshwater and sea centres, including production of their own food to ensure the quality of their fish.

Boasting roots in the origins and development of Chile’s salmon farming industry, SASA is regarded as one of the industry’s pioneers. Taking the name Salmones Antártica in 1982, they have since become synonymous with high quality production, exporting internationally under the “Five Star” brand.

Phil Newby, Chief Executive at OTAQ, commented:

“SASA is a greatly respected salmon producer internationally, and an excellent reference point for OTAQ in the Chilean market. We look forward to working closely with SASA to improve their production yields and broaden our supply agreement.

“After this initial deployment in Chile, customer interest in Scotland and Australia is now being explored. The launch of this product is another important addition to OTAQ’s growing aquaculture solutions portfolio.”

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/OTAQ/agreement-with-leading-chilean-salmon-sea-trout-producer-ugopwabnexejwo7.html

The Sensor Globe looks to be a very exciting and complementary addition to OTAQ's growing range. (Sensor Globe appears to be part of Sedana Technologies):-

"Severinsen re-emerges with a "disruptive" water sensor for aquaculture

by The Fish Site

24 March 2021, at 5:29pm

A new water sensor that has been designed to measure a range of water quality and fish welfare parameters in aquaculture installations has been launched by a Canadian seafood tech company, Sedna Technologies.

The wireless Sensor Globe is a powerful multi-functional sensor concept, which can be equipped with various high-end micro-sensors and used to monitor real time data through an app on a smartphone, tablet or via the internet.

It has adjustable internal ballast so that it can either float like a small iceberg, sink or have neutral buoyancy. It measures only 95mm diameter, weighs 325 grams and is designed to “flow-with-the-fish” through pipes, hoses, fish pumps, lice treatment and other machinery. Measuring both water quality and physical impact on the fish (acceleration and shock), which both are crucial for fish welfare.

We are now launching the first version which is available with micro-sensors such as optical oxygen, temperature, pH, acceleration and shock. Later this year nitrate, ammonia and salinity micro-sensors will follow, and we will keep adding many new sensors and features going forward to stay leading edge,” said Sedna’s co-founders, Sheamus MacDonald and Aleksandr Stabenow, in a press release.
The duo originally designed the sensor to ensure the safe transport of live lobsters, but have now partnered up with ex-Akva group executive Trond Severinsen to help them diversify into aquaculture.

Severinsen, who left Akva in 2019, after 25 years, is now Sedna’s Norwegian partner. Together they have just set up Sedna Technologies Norway AS in Stavanger. This will be the hub for commercialising the product throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.

“I am very excited to work with such young and talented entrepreneurs in Canada, to offer my lifelong experience in the aquaculture technology industry and together grow the company, work on R&D, and set up a global sales and service network,” said Severinsen."

https://thefishsite.com/articles/severinsen-re-emerges-with-a-disruptive-water-sensor-for-aquaculture

9th Jun 2022 7:01 am EQS OTAQ announces new agreement with Canadian aquaculture innovator for water quality ‘Sensor Globe’

OTAQ, the marine technology products and solutions group for the global aquaculture, offshore energy and the sport and leisure industries, is pleased to announce a new multi-year distribution agreement with Sensor Globe, the Canadian aquaculture technology innovator. This follows completion of a successful development period leading to OTAQ’s first Sensor Globe customer in Chile.

OTAQ will distribute Sensor Globe’s data collection solution, used to monitor water quality and fish welfare, primarily targeting both the Scottish and Chilean markets, two of the world’s largest producers of farmed salmon.

The Sensor Globe data collection unit is a powerful multi-functional sensor. The globe sensor is designed to ’flow with the fish’ through pumps, pipes, treatments and machinery, measuring the water quality and the physical impact on fish, both of which are essential to fish welfare. The globe allows users to monitor real time data remotely via an intuitive user interface. Data, such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, acceleration, conductivity and shock, can be seen in real time. Alternatively, the globe sensor can simply be left anywhere for months at a time, and its data can then be retrieved for analysis.

Phil Newby, Chief Executive at OTAQ, commented: “The Sensor Globe adds a complementary product to our aquaculture portfolio which builds on the range of solutions already available to our clients. Having secured our first customer for the Sensor Globe in Chile, we are now looking forward to representing the Sensor Globe in our core markets and progressing the market opportunity.”

“We see huge potential in the suite of complementary aquaculture solutions given the positive impacts they can have on fish stock welfare and production volumes.”

Sheamus MacDonald, Chief Executive and Co-founder of Sensor Globe, added: “We are excited to be working with the team at OTAQ. Partnered alongside their technology in Chile and the United Kingdom will allow for us to collectively further enhance fish welfare during all stages of fish production.”

Enquiries:

OTAQ PLC
Via Walbrook
Alex Hambro, Non-Executive Chairman
Phil Newby, Chief Executive Officer
Matt Enright, Chief Financial Officer

Dowgate Capital Ltd (Broker & Adviser)
020 3903 7715
David Poutney/James Serjeant
Nicholas Chambers/Russell Cook

Walbrook PR Ltd
Tel: 020 7933 8780 or Otaq@walbrookpr.com
Tom Cooper/Nick Rome
0797 122 1972 or 07748 325 236 ...

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/OTAQ/otaq-announces-new-agreement-with-canadian-aquaculture-innovator-for-water-quality-8216sensor-globe8217-o1ftcweareyyc0u.html

Tracking of shipping containers could present a logical potential use for OTAQ's tracking technology, especially considering the company's maritime focus:-

"Sensor ships: why smart containers are the future of shipping

... Make containers smarter

Smart containers are one way to create a more efficient, safer and more sustainable shipping supply chain. These are much like regular containers, but are pre-installed with sensors.

“A smart container is just a regular container, but you put a little chip in it that has a connection with a network,” explains Jules Kollmann, managing director, Containers and Logistics, ING.

The idea behind equipping containers with an array of sensors is that they can collect real-time data about everything from the temperature inside a container to its exact location – thanks to GPS tracking.

This big data approach promises a lot, so what exactly are the advantages of collecting all that data?

Big data means more efficient, more sustainable outcomes

Collecting such data can help to optimise the supply chain. Sensor data provides hyper-accurate information about the location of a container, allowing for optimised fleet management that results in less repositioning and more efficient use of fuel. Often, energy is wasted as a result of the shipping and repositioning of empty containers: estimates suggest up to $20 billion a year is spent on this activity that leads to unnecessary fuel consumption.(6) Research from the Boston Consulting Group has previously estimated that avoiding empty container shipping “for carrier-specific reasons” could allow the industry to reduce carbon emissions by six million tons per year.(7) ...

The existing manual method of tracking the progress of containers means information shared with customers or port operators is usually outdated, which makes it difficult to predict when ships might arrive at their destination. This can lead to disruptive bottlenecks in the supply chain that can cause unnecessary delays and congestion during the unloading process. This can result in a significant shortage challenge, which countries are increasingly having to face as a reality.(10) Critically, these issues can be avoided in part if data is fed into digital shipment records on time.

“Smart containers create a lot of data, which can ultimately optimise the supply chain,” says Kollmann. “Estimates suggest that there can be a $7 billion cost-saving by creating a more optimised process.”

The sustainability advantages go further. Sensors can also analyse and regulate conditions within the containers. This can ensure that cargo sensitive to temperature, for instance – like food – is not spoiled during the journey. ..."

https://www.ingwb.com/progress/insights-sustainable-transformation/sensor-ships-why-smart-containers-are-the-future-of-shipping

31st May 2022 7:00 am EQS Cycling Event Tracking Contract with NTT

OTAQ, the marine technology products and solutions group for the global aquaculture, offshore energy and the sport and leisure industries, announces the continuation of its relationship with NTT Ltd following the award of a contract to deliver OTAQ’s bespoke precision tracking devices for a major cycling event in France. NTT Ltd is part of a £70bn revenue technology communications group.

The OTAQ trackers will be used to precisely monitor the location of the in-race vehicles and other support vehicles used by the race organiser.

The tracker technology was initially acquired through the acquisition of ROS Technology by OTAQ in November 2020, and was fully commercialised in 2021 through the development of prototypes and the completion of successful client field trials, culminating in the delivery of over 500 trackers for a major motorcycling event, also in association with NTT. OTAQ is continuing its product development programme to broaden the applications for this technology. The Board sees considerable market opportunities for OTAQ's tracking technology, not only in the sports events sector but also in other industries where the monitoring and management of mobile assets can be critical.

Phil Newby, Chief Executive at OTAQ, commented: “Competitive sport is a fantastic proving ground for our technology to demonstrate its tolerance and durability. This commercial contract follows extensive trials across differing environments and endorses our approach to developing the product suite for different applications and markets using our core technology. We look forward to continuing our relationship with NTT in the future.”

Tim Wade, Vice-President, Advance Technology Group at NTT, added: “OTAQ’s tracking device gives us very high precision tracking of assets without the need for costly additional infrastructure compared to the alternatives. Accuracy is key in competitive environments where precision has a significant bearing on both the quality of the competition and its safety.”

Contacts:

OTAQ PLC
Via Walbrook
Alex Hambro, Non-Executive Chairman
Phil Newby, Chief Executive Officer
Matt Enright, Chief Financial Officer

Dowgate Capital Ltd (Broker & Adviser)
020 3903 7715
David Poutney/James Serjeant
Nicholas Chambers/Russell Cook

Walbrook PR Ltd
Tel: 020 7933 8780 or Otaq@walbrookpr.com
Tom Cooper/Nick Rome
0797 122 1972 or 07748 325 236 ...

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/OTAQ/cycling-event-tracking-contract-with-ntt-trdf1kh9rf23n1h.html

Benchmark Holdings (BMK), the global aquaculture and livestock business founded by OTAQ director Malcolm Pye, reported strong Q1 results last month, which illustrates how aquaculture can be 'insulated' from current economic challenges.

And OTAQ even more so than BMK, as the more technological nature of its business means that supply chain challenges have less impact.

It's also interesting to note BMK's strong cash position:
"Cash of £50.6m and Liquidity (cash and available facility) of £61.6m as at 21 February 2022"

Considering the buy-&-build strategy employed by BMK, OTAQ at its current s.p. of just 20.5p looks a sitting duck for a BMK takeover attempt, and looks a prefect fit.

Thought I think that it would have to pay at least double or treble OTAQ's current s.p. to succeed.

"Malcolm Pye
Non Executive Director
Malcolm founded, and from 1999 to 2019 was Chief Executive of, Benchmark Holdings plc ("Benchmark"), the world's leading aquaculture health, nutrition and genetics business. Malcolm has over 35 years' experience in international agribusiness through his various roles at Hillsdown Holdings (then HMTF Group), and through building Benchmark from the initial start-up into a major international aquaculture technology business serving the global salmon, shrimp, tilapia and farmed fish industries. Malcolm focused Benchmark's activities on animal health, breeding and genetics, advanced nutrition and knowledge/technology delivery and led the flotation of Benchmark in 2013, maintaining a lead role in investor engagement."
https://www.otaq-ir.com/investors/board-of-directors

"08 MAR 2022
Strong outlook in uncertain times
Benchmark’s recent Q1 FY22 results highlighted strong operating trends in its three business areas and a positive outlook in key end-markets, especially farmed salmon. The group’s strong position serving the aquaculture industry should, in our view, insulate it from economic shocks resulting from the geo-political situation and thus make for attractive, safe haven investment.
The company has a strong balance sheet and liquidity position following its £20m equity fundraising last year, which we consider will become a more prominent positive element in its investment case. However, Benchmark will have to refinance its NOK855m senior bond, which falls due on in July 2023. Doing so would remove something that may otherwise become an overhang as it approaches the due date. ..."
https://www.equitydevelopment.co.uk/research/strong-outlook-in-uncertain-times

SDI Group (SDI) is currently up 14.24% today, to 172.5p (market cap. £176.3M.), on a positive trading update.

And it has 17-bagged from 10p since the middle of 2016.

The company's monitoring and control area of operation reflects OTAQ's, as does its dual organic and buy-&-build growth model.

This helps to demonstrate OTAQ's extraordinary growth potential.

6th May 2022 7:00 am RNS Trading Update

"SDI Group plc, the AIM quoted Group focused on the design and manufacture of scientific and technology products for use in digital imaging and sensing and control applications, is pleased to provide an update on trading for the year ended 30 April 2022.

Financial results ahead of expectations

Subject to finalisation of the accounts and audit, we expect revenues and profits for the year to materially exceed current market expectations(1) . Sales are expected to be approximately GBP49m (FY2021: GBP35.1m). We expect organic sales growth(2) for the year to be in excess of 20%, which further builds on last year's 19% organic growth. We are also pleased with the additional sales contributions from acquired businesses Monmouth Scientific (acquired December 2020), Uniform Engineering (February 2021), Scientific Vacuum Systems (January 2022) and Safelab Systems (March 2022). Adjusted Profit Before Tax(3) is expected to be at least GBP10.5m (FY2021: GBP7.4m). We also expect to report very strong operational cashflows, significantly ahead of market expectations. ...

About SDI Group plc:

SDI designs and manufactures scientific and technology products for use in digital imaging and sensing and control applications including life sciences, healthcare, astronomy, manufacturing, precision optics and art conservation. SDI operates through its company divisions: Atik Cameras, Synoptics, Graticules Optics, Sentek, Astles Control Systems, Applied Thermal Control, MPB Industries, Chell Instruments, Monmouth Scientific, Uniform Engineering and Safelab Systems.

SDI continues to grow by developing its own technology advancements and by improving its global sales channels, as well as through pursuing strategic, complementary acquisitions. ..."

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/SDI/trading-update-2ogkbnomhcup0ls.html

Only showing the five most recent posts. Click here to view the whole thread.

That US$9 billion p.a. is of course at wholesale shrimp prices.

The retail value of shrimp is obviously far higher, with a global market value of US$62.8 billion last year.

And the industry is actively looking to improve production through novel technologies such as Minnowtech's:

"Top Companies in the Shrimp Market
Oct 25, 2021
The global shrimp market reached a value of US$ 62.8 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 84.2 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.8% during 2022-2027. As per the analysis by the IMARC Group, the top manufacturers in the shrimp market are continuously innovating along the entire production and marketing chain to meet the increasing consumer expectations regarding product wholesomeness, quality, and sustainability. Production technology continues to be mostly extensive to semi-extensive with improving standardization of procedures from artisanal to industrial scale. In line with this, shrimps are more prone to periodic outbreaks of strong diseases and health management problems that disrupt supply chains and potential investors. In order to curb this challenge, key players are developing newer vaccines and adopting proactive alternatives, such as improved biosecurity, genetic selection measures, better pathogen detection, effective use of immunostimulants and probiotics. Although the shrimp industry is based on a single species with few genetically selected and improved lines, the producers are still aiming for additional genetic gains to significantly enhance production through a combination of traditional and novel technologies. ..."
https://www.imarcgroup.com/shrimp-companies

Accurate shrimp biomass measurement is critical for efficient shrimp farming management, and it's been estimated that at least US$500 million is being lost p.a. through the lack of this - although the real figure is likely to be far higher.

While shrimp production is increasingly dominated by large companies, well-funded, and actively looking to employ disruptive new technologies.

So just a few large contracts, each rolled out across multiple sites, could easily generate good multi million dollar revenue.

Minnowtech @minnowtech· 22 Apr
"The BRS-1 Live Launch Event is happening now! Join us at the link below and see how the BRS-1 can change the way you farm.
hxxps://buff.ly/3xDveV2
#MinnowtechFakeLivestream @shrimp #aquaculture "

Minnowtech @minnowtech· 22 Apr
"Thanks everyone for tuning into the livestream tonight! We had such great questions from across the globe. We will share a recording of the entire livestream soon! #MinnowtechFakeLivestream @shrimp #aquaculture "

https://twitter.com/minnowtech?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Looks likes Minnowtech's launch of its biomass reader for shrimp aquaculture has gone very well, with great global interest.

As is to be expected: as the world's the first-ever subsurface biomass reader for shrimp aquaculture farming, it will fulfil a large and pressing need in this huge industry.

Aquaculture is the fastest growing form of food production in the world, and the shrimp industry seems to be growing particularly strongly:

"Global shrimp production sees significant growth in 2021
by Rob Fletcher
17 November 2021, at 6:21pm
Global shrimp production levels in 2021 are set to be at least 8.9 percent higher than they were in 2020, while growth of over 5 percent is forecast for 2022 – painting a very positive story for the shrimp farming sector. ..."
https://thefishsite.com/articles/global-shrimp-production-sees-significant-growth-in-2021-gorjan-nikolik-rabobank

"Global shrimp production to surpass 5 million MT in 2022, CP Foods' Robin McIntosh predicts
By Chris Chase
January 20, 2022
Global shrimp production has continued to trend upward, with a panel of experts at the National Fisheries Institute’s Global Seafood Market Conference predicting that global shrimp production will exceed 5 million metric tons (MT) in 2022.
Current predictions put the production at 5.011 million MT in 2022, a significant increase over the 4.569 million MT grown in 2021, which itself was an increase over the 4.086 million MT produced in 2020. Globally, shrimp production has seen a tremendous upswing – in 2015, global shrimp production didn’t even reach 3 million MT. ..."
https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/expert-predicts-global-shrimp-production-will-exceed-5-million-metric-tons-for-first-time-in-2022

At current shrimp prices, that would have a value of about US$9 billion p.a.

If Minnowtech can capture even 1% of this value, then that could give it US$90M. p.a. in revenue.

JUNE 10, 2021

Turning research into commerce

Engineering alumnus recognized for 'first-of-its-kind' AI water testing tech for fish farming

By Brian Caldwell
Faculty of Engineering

An alumnus of Waterloo Engineering who parlayed his graduate research into a startup company that is out to solve worldwide water problems has been recognized by a national innovation organization.

Jason Deglint, a co-founder of Blue Lion Labs, is one of five winners of a Mitacs Entrepreneur Award for turning research into businesses that impact the lives of Canadians.

The honour in the global impact category comes a month after Blue Lion, which was launched in 2018, teamed up with a leading marine technology company in the United Kingdom to develop an imaging system to warn fish farmers of harmful plankton and algae blooms.

OTAQ announced it is investing $300,000 for an approximate 10-per-cent stake in the Waterloo-based company. The partners are aiming to commercialize the technology within the next 18 months.

Deglint (MASc ’16, systems design engineering, PhD ’19, systems design engineering) was described by Mitacs, a non-profit organization backed by federal and provincial governments, as “an up-and-coming entrepreneur” who is advancing “first-of-its-kind technology.”

The system based on his doctoral research combines artificial intelligence (AI) software with a custom digital microscope to automatically detect harmful algae in water.

Current testing methods rely primarily on analysis of water samples at off-site labs and results can take up to a week to obtain.

The technology being developed by Deglint and Blue Lion co-founder Katie Thomas, who has a doctorate in biology from the University of Waterloo, would yield results in minutes and effectively function as an early warning system.

Current testing 'prone to human error'
“Essentially, if fish farms want to know what types of organisms are in their water today, the sample ends up on a slide with a human looking at it,” Deglint said in a media release. “It’s a tedious, time-consuming task that’s prone to human error.”

A growing industry, aquaculture represents about a third of the total fisheries value in Canada. Harmful algae blooms are a major source of damage and losses.

Deglint, who worked at Waterloo Engineering as a Mitacs postdoctoral researcher, accepted his award during an online ceremony today.

“Supporting innovation is essential to help Canada rebound from the repercussions of the global pandemic, and Mitacs is extremely proud of the remarkable accomplishments achieved by our network of talented entrepreneurs,” John Hepburn, the CEO and scientific director of Mitacs, said in the release.

https://uwaterloo.ca/news/engineering-entrepreneurship/turning-research-commerce#first%20#AI%20#artificialintelligence%20#fish%20#fishfarms%20#uwaterloo%20#GEDIx

World food production and supply is facing some huge challenges: a growing world population, climate change, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war.

Aquaculture can play a vital role in helping to meet these challenges, and is crying out for new technologies to help its growth and efficiency:

"Big data and artificial intelligence in the fish industry

New methods reduce costs and increase efficiency

From a global perspective the fish industry has lagged far behind most other industries with regard to the introduction of information technologies. In neither the fishing nor the aquaculture sector have these advanced technologies made sufficient headway so far. Over the past few years, however, a race has begun to catch up and improve the state of the seas and the sustainability of human activities in these important areas. ..."

http://eurofishmagazine.com/sections/technology/item/625-big-data-and-artificial-intelligence-in-the-fish-industry

So OTAQ is at the forefront of a hugely exciting market opportunity.

With its successful Sealfence acoustic deterrent device set to be complemented by two other major technologies:

1. Biomass Measurement.
Marine farming demands a real-time and accurate method of measuring average weight and total in-cage biomass.
OTAQ has developed its shrimp biomass measurement technology through its strategic partnership with Minnowtech, which is now commencing commercialisation.

2. Plankton Detection.
Phytoplankton, or "algal bloom", is a major disease challenge for the aquaculture industry generally and it is estimated the global aquaculture industry suffers $3.4 billion in damage and losses annually due to organisms such as algal blooms and harmful phytoplankton. Early detection of this problem should allow farmers to deploy their defence systems early enough to markedly reduce the losses and improve overall fish welfare.
OTAQ has accelerated the development of its phytoplankton early warning detection technology through a collaboration with Blue Lion Labs in Canada, and expects to be able to demonstrate its effectiveness in the first half of 2022.

OTAQ has strategic shareholdings in both Minnowtech and Blue Lion Labs, and in the future both could potentially become part of the OTAQ group, to complement it organic growth.

OTAQ non executive director Malcolm Pye built up Benchmark (BMK) from its initial start-up into a major international aquaculture technology business, serving the global salmon, shrimp, tilapia and farmed fish industries.

BMK's current market cap., at 48.6p, is £342.12M.
Which is nearly fifty time larger than OTAQ's current market cap., at 18.7p: £7.05M.

Recent Share Trades for Otaq. (OTAQ)
Date Time Trade Prc Volume Buy/Sell Bid Ask Value
14-Apr-22 16:35:11 18.70 1 Sell* 19.00 20.00 0.19 UT
14-Apr-22 16:15:45 20.00 10,000 Buy* 19.00 20.00 2,000 O
14-Apr-22 15:50:40 19.85 4,500 Buy* 19.00 20.00 893.25 O
14-Apr-22 14:50:59 18.50 8,000 Sell* 20.00 21.00 1,480 O

"Journal of Banking & Finance
Volume 75, February 2017, Pages 109-117

1-share orders and trades

Ryan L. Davis a, Brian S. Roseman b, Bonnie F. Van Ness c, Robert Van Ness c

Abstract

1-share trades are the most common odd lot trade size, accounting for 9.62% of all odd lot transactions and 3.65% of all trades on NASDAQ in 2012. While 50.41% of 1-share trades result from broken orders, 34.89% of 1-share trades are intentional. We provide substantial evidence that traders use 1-share trades to “ping” for hidden liquidity. In particular, our results indicate that 1-share trades are disproportionately aggressive and also execute against hidden liquidity more than any other odd lot trade size. We also find a relative increase in trading immediately following a 1-share trade. Our results are in line with Clark-Joseph (2014), who suggests that traders may use small, unprofitable trades to detect information from other traders. Specifically, 1-share trades represent the minimum cash outlay necessary to trade, while simultaneously producing the smallest possible effects on a market maker's inventory, and in turn, a security's price."

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378426616302035

From the Financial Spread Betting Ltd. website:

"Q. When you see a trade go through for say 12 shares or even 1 share, what is that all about?
Surely it can't be a personal investor, is it some sort of balancing act?"

"A: Say there are 1,100 shares available to buy on the order book. Someone buys 1,080 leaving 20 shares there on the book. The next buyer may buy 2,000 shares but the 20 shares left on the book go through as a separate buy even though the buy was for much more. In the US you actually see these separate buys on your contract note so a purchase of 200 DELL might show as 2 80s and a 40 making up the 200 that you have bought.

Also, not a lot of people know this and there is a reason why, its pretty useless information but...Crest, Bloomberg, UBS, RBS, etc. anyway, most brokers, clearers, settlement banks, data people, all buy 1 share in almost every listed company so that they automatically receive and are entitled to any corporate information. It may not be the reason for any specific purchase or sale but its one of the reasons a buy/sell of 1 share."

OTAQ has multiple revenue streams, and strong revenue growth looks likely on a number of product fronts.

In particular, there are two products that in aggregate could potentially deliver revenue growth of say c. £2M. in OTAQ's coming financial year, which would be a step change in the company's turnover:

1. OTAQ sonars to Minnowtech.

Hedgehog100 Posts: 1,695 Price: 27.50 Strong Buy Minnowtech Marching On! 9 Feb '22
" ... So 127 OTAQ sonars to Minnowtech will deliver over £200K. of revenue to OTAQ in its H2 to 31.3.22.
If a high three figure number of sonars are expected to be supplied in 2022, say 800, then that would mean 700 in April-December 2022.
Which on the basis of over £200K. for 127, would suggest over £1.1M. for a further 700."

2. OTAQ Sealfence systems in Chile.

20th Jul 2021 7:00 am RNS Final Results
" ... Final Results for the year ended 31 March 2021.
... In the meantime, our ADDs are being deployed in increasing numbers in Chile, notwithstanding the ongoing Covid biosecurity restrictions that are in place. The number of operational ADDs in that market has increased from 142 as at April 2020 to 264 at the end of June 2021 and several large-scale trials are currently underway utilising our technology. The Chilean aquaculture market is substantial and estimated to be over three times larger than the Scottish market where we are currently most active. We look forward to further growth of our ADDs in Chile and other geographic markets where similar trials are currently underway and the regulatory framework is more settled. ... "
https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/OTAQ/final-results-per68letf081xak.html

15th Dec 2021 7:00 am RNS Interim Results
" ... Interim Results for six months to 30 September 2021
...288 Sealfence units rented by Chilean customers in the period ...
Post-Period Highlights
· Successful conclusion of a six-month ADD trial with a major Chilean salmon farmer...
The successful conclusion in October 2021 of a six-month trial with a major Chilean salmon farmer has resulted in discussions about a further rollout to the customer's sites. ...
As a result of the Group diversifying and developing its interests outside of the Scottish salmon market, Chile has seen growth in the first half of the year and the recent successful conclusion of a six-month trial with a major Chilean salmon farmer is expected to lead to increased growth in Chile in the second half of the year and beyond. ..."
https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/OTAQ/interim-results-pjcbcd45x2fm49r.html

So potentially an increase in OTAQ's annual turnover of c. 50% or more, from about £4M. to £6M.+.

And potentially also a very strong move into pre-tax profitability.