Innovations in Fish Farming: Aquaculture Automation

By David Armaah

In recent years, the demand for seafood has skyrocketed, driven by a growing global population and an increased awareness of the health benefits associated with fish consumption. To meet this demand sustainably, the aquaculture industry has turned to innovation, with automation emerging as a game-changer. Two companies leading the charge in this field are XpertSea and Pentair, whose cutting-edge technologies are revolutionising fish farming practices worldwide.

The Need for Automation in Aquaculture
Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic organisms (such as fish, shellfish, and plants) has become essential in meeting the world’s seafood demand. However, traditional fish farming methods often face challenges such as inefficient resource utilisation, disease outbreaks, and environmental concerns. Automation offers a solution by streamlining operations, improving data collection, and optimising resource management. Some Automation techniques include; RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System), Water Quality Monitoring and Control, Data Collection and Management and Underwater Robotics and Drones. 

Companies Leading the Charge in Aquaculture Automation

XpertSea:
XpertSea: is a Canadian-based technology company, headed by Katie Sokalsky (CEO) that has developed innovative solutions to enhance data collection and management in aquaculture. Their groundbreaking technology utilises artificial intelligence and computer vision to automate the counting, sizing, and tracking of aquatic organisms.

By deploying XpertSea’s platform, fish farmers can accurately monitor the growth rates of their stock, detect anomalies early, and make informed decisions to optimise feeding schedules and stocking densities. This data-driven approach not only improves productivity and profitability but also reduces environmental impact by minimising feed waste and disease outbreaks.

Pentai
Pentair, a global leader in water treatment and fluid handling solutions, has been at the forefront of developing automation technologies tailored to the aquaculture industry. Their comprehensive range of products includes advanced filtration systems, monitoring sensors, and automated feeding systems.

One notable innovation from Pentair is their RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System), which enables fish farming operations to recycle water efficiently, minimising water consumption and environmental pollution. Combined with automated monitoring and control systems, Pentair’s RAS technology ensures optimal water quality parameters, leading to healthier fish and higher yields.

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