Technology & Equipments

Guwahati: Researchers at Tezpur University (TU) have developed an innovative, portable optical device that can assess fish spoilage using a smartphone. This breakthrough was spearheaded by research scholar Monica Yumnam, under the mentorship of Prof. Poonam Mishra from the Department of Food Engineering and Technology and Prof. Pabitra Nath from the Department of Physics.

The device, which recently earned the prestigious Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Award for 2023, leverages a polyaniline sensor—a pH-sensitive polymer—to detect ammonia emissions, a key indicator of fish decay. As spoilage progresses, the sensor undergoes a color change, which is then captured by the smartphone’s camera.

To use the device, the sensor is placed on the fish surface, inserted into the detection unit, and linked to a smartphone app that analyzes the color variation in real time, providing immediate feedback on freshness levels.

“This innovation offers a disruptive alternative to traditional fish quality assessment methods,” stated a release from Tezpur University on Tuesday.

Patna: A specialized workshop focusing on the use of drone technology in fisheries and aquaculture will be held at Gyan Bhawan, Patna. Organized by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH&D), the event will explore how drones can enhance efficiency across the entire fisheries value chain—from production to market distribution—transforming the sector through innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

Recognized as a “sunrise industry,” the fisheries and aquaculture sector provides livelihood opportunities to approximately 30 million people across India, both directly and indirectly. This workshop aligns with the government’s goal of integrating cutting-edge technology to improve productivity and employment in this vital sector.

The event will be graced by prominent leaders, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Minister for Animal and Fisheries Resources Renu Devi, and Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary, all of whom will address the gathering during the inaugural session.

Scientists, officials, and fishers will participate in discussions led by experts from the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) and representatives from innovative startups, who will share their experiences and demonstrate the practical benefits of drones in fisheries. As part of the proceedings, financial support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and other state schemes will be distributed to beneficiaries, alongside fish feed and seeds to assist farmers in boosting productivity.

A notable highlight of the workshop will be a river ranching initiative at Digha Ghat on the Ganga River. Led by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, this program aims to restore fish populations in the river, ensuring ecological balance and fostering sustainable fisheries management.

The workshop reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the fisheries sector by integrating technology, empowering communities, and promoting environmental sustainability.

In a joint effort to tackle declining fish stocks along Kerala’s coast, researchers from India and the United Kingdom have developed The Fishing App, a mobile platform aimed at supporting small-scale fishers. This initiative seeks to boost the efficiency of fishing operations while addressing the economic challenges faced by coastal communities.

Bindi Shah, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Southampton, explained that fishing livelihoods in Kerala are increasingly under threat from both environmental and human activities. “Frequent extreme weather events, unchecked overfishing, juvenile fish harvesting, weak regulation, and coastal development have caused significant harm to marine ecosystems,” she said.

The project is being led by the University of Southampton, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, along with researchers from the universities of Exeter and Newcastle. The app offers several innovative features that enable fishers to optimize their fishing expeditions.

One of the core functions of The Fishing App is its GPS-sharing tool, which allows users to mark and share the locations of fish-rich areas. This feature helps other fishers save time and fuel by directing them to productive fishing zones. Additionally, the app encourages fishers to upload photos of their catch and report on sea conditions, fostering real-time communication within the fishing community.

The data collected through the app will be used by researchers to monitor the region’s marine environment, compare it with historical fish catch records, and assess the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. The insights gained will also help guide the creation of sustainable fishing policies.

“Our conversations with fishers revealed that they also want weather updates and a way to connect with other boats in real time,” Shah said. “These additions can enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and help stabilize the incomes of small-scale fishers.”

While still under development, The Fishing App shows great potential for supporting fishing communities. The research team is actively seeking further funding to integrate additional features and make the app accessible to coastal fishers across India. “We hope to release it widely, empowering small-scale fishers with the tools they need to navigate current challenges,” Shah added.

London-based seaweed packaging startup, Notpla, has successfully closed a Series A+ funding round, raising £20 million (approximately $25 million) in equity. This figure surpasses their initial goal, enabling the company to scale production, diversify its range of eco-friendly packaging, and strengthen its presence in North America.

Led by the UB Forest Industry Green Growth Fund (UB FIGG), the funding round attracted key investors, including Catalytic Capital for Climate & Health (C3H), Horizons Ventures, and Astanor Ventures. New backers such as the Schmidt Family Foundation, Radicle Impact, EIT Food’s AgriFoodInvest, and others also contributed to support Notpla’s mission of eliminating single-use plastics.

UB FIGG’s senior partner, David Walker, praised Notpla’s innovation, highlighting its transformative use of seaweed as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging. “Notpla’s pioneering use of renewable resources marks a significant departure from the harmful single-use plastics that dominate the market,” said Walker.

Since its founding in 2014, Notpla claims to have eliminated 16 million single-use plastic items, with plans to increase this figure to over 100 million annually by 2026. The company’s compostable materials are already in use across 10 European markets, partnering with major brands like Compass Group, Decathlon, and Just Eat Takeaway. Venues such as Aston Villa FC, The O2 Arena, and Allianz Stadium have also adopted their packaging solutions.

Co-founders Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez and Pierre Paslier launched Notpla to harness seaweed and other renewable materials to develop scalable, plastic-free alternatives. Their materials comply with the Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD) and have been recognized by the Dutch government as fully plastic-free. In 2022, Notpla was awarded the prestigious Earthshot Prize for its innovative solutions.

With this new round of funding, Notpla aims to expand its product offerings and ramp up production to meet growing demand, particularly in the U.S. market. “Securing this investment solidifies our position as a leader in sustainable packaging,” said Gonzalez. “We’re excited to continue innovating and driving the market toward truly plastic-free solutions.”

Catalytic Capital for Climate & Health’s Director, Ryan Tan, expressed optimism about Notpla’s growth potential, stating, “Their strong customer adoption and innovative products position them for impactful expansion.”

Source: Packaging Europe

The Indian fisheries sector is on the brink of a significant transformation with the introduction of drone technology aimed at revolutionizing the transportation of live fish. The Department of Fisheries under the Government of India has launched a pilot project that focuses on developing drone technology specifically for this purpose. The project, which has been entrusted to the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Kolkata, seeks to innovate the logistics involved in transporting live fish, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.

This pioneering initiative aims to design a drone capable of carrying a payload of up to 100 kg and covering distances of up to 10 kilometers. Such capabilities could greatly alleviate the longstanding logistical challenges faced by the fisheries sector, particularly in transporting live fish from remote locations where traditional transportation methods are often inefficient and time-consuming.

Abhilaksh Likhi, the Union Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, visited the ICAR-CIFRI today to assess the progress made in research and development related to the application of drone technology in fisheries management. During the review meeting, BK Das, the Director of ICAR-CIFRI, shared insights on the institute’s advancements in drone-based technologies. The meeting also saw participation from senior officials across various fisheries departments, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and key industry stakeholders, all contributing to discussions on this innovative approach.

The project not only aims to enhance the efficiency of fish transportation but also addresses critical issues such as reducing mortality rates during transit and ensuring the well-being of the fish. The implementation of drone technology in the fisheries sector could lead to more sustainable practices, reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional transportation methods.

As this project progresses, it represents a significant step forward in integrating modern technology into traditional industries, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other sectors across India. The success of this pilot project could pave the way for widespread adoption of drone technology, bringing about a new era in the efficient and humane transportation of live fish.

Source: millennium post

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has issued an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) aimed at identifying and enabling Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) to utilize unutilized International Telecommunication Union (ITU) satellite filings. This opportunity refers to a satellite network filing made by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to the ITU for registering satellite operations. The process includes submitting technical details regarding the satellite’s orbital position and frequencies, ensuring coordination to avoid interference between different satellites.

The current AO is focused on the ITU filing “INSAT-KA89ER,” which involves uplink frequencies ranging from 21 GHz to 31 GHz and downlink frequencies between 17.7 GHz and 21.2 GHz. NGEs are invited to submit their technical and price proposals, with the best bid gaining the opportunity to build, launch, and operate their satellite.

Dr. P.K. Jain, Director of Programme Management and Authorization at IN-SPACe, highlighted that this marks the first time NGEs have been invited to play a direct role in satellite operation. While securing the opportunity is a significant milestone, Jain emphasized that NGEs will still have to manage extensive frequency coordination, which includes coordination activities with foreign operators, filing modifications, and following due diligence procedures. Furthermore, the final operating frequencies will need to align with India’s National Frequency Allocation Plan, existing ITU regulations, and require approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

IN-SPACe’s Seed Fund for Blue Economy

In a related development, IN-SPACe has announced another AO focusing on the blue economy, establishing a seed fund to support innovative projects in the maritime sector. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance, mentorship, and resources to help startups and small enterprises develop space technology solutions that address key blue economy challenges.

The AO highlights the importance of space technology in fostering sustainable development within the blue economy. It calls for proposals on topics including ocean monitoring, marine biology, maritime safety, and environmental conservation. Projects targeting areas such as illegal fishing prevention, oceanography, and enhanced maritime surveillance are encouraged to participate in this initiative, which underscores the vital role space technology plays in safeguarding marine resources and ensuring climate resilience.

Source: The Hindu businessline

Abu Dhabi has embarked on a groundbreaking journey with the launch of an ambitious sea cage aquaculture project, poised to transform fish farming in the region. The initiative, led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), utilizes artificial intelligence and advanced aquaculture techniques to increase fish production and promote sustainability. Located southeast of Delma Island in the Al Dhafra Region, this project marks a first for the Middle East, setting a new benchmark in the field of aquaculture.

At the core of the project are six state-of-the-art floating sea cages, designed to produce an impressive 100 tonnes of fish annually. These cages will house high-value species such as Safi Arabi, Gabit, Shaam, and Sheri, all known for their superior taste and high market demand. The controlled environment within the cages allows for the careful management of water quality, fish health, and feeding, ensuring optimal conditions for growth. This approach reduces reliance on wild fish stocks and lessens the impact on natural ecosystems, aligning the project with global sustainable fishing practices.

The initiative is set to enhance the local economy by providing employment opportunities and boosting the supply of high-quality seafood. By focusing on species that are highly sought after for their delicate flavor and texture, the project aims to meet growing consumer demand while minimizing environmental strain. This innovative method not only ensures better monitoring and control over the production process but also supports Abu Dhabi’s broader goals of food security and sustainability.

In a bold step towards advancing aquaculture, the EAD has released a total of 480,000 fish into the floating cages, comprising 168,000 Safi Arabi, 122,000 Gabit, 100,000 Shaam, and 90,000 Sheri. This careful selection of species highlights the project’s dedication to balancing market needs with the ecological requirements of the fish, fostering a sustainable production system that does not deplete natural populations.

One of the standout features of the project is its integration of artificial intelligence and sophisticated data collection systems. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of the aquaculture environment, allowing for swift responses to changes in water conditions or fish health. By harnessing AI, the EAD aims to optimize fish farming operations, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly. This use of cutting-edge technology sets a precedent for the aquaculture industry in the region and demonstrates how innovation can be used to address pressing global challenges.

Beyond the immediate impact on fish production, the project plays a crucial role in preserving marine biodiversity by reducing pressure on wild fish populations. As climate change continues to affect marine ecosystems, controlled aquaculture systems like these offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fishing methods. The project also contributes to scientific research by studying the behaviour and growth patterns of local fish species, helping to develop best practices for sustainable fish farming in Abu Dhabi’s unique marine environment.

The aquaculture system is equipped with advanced sensors that continuously monitor key water quality indicators such as temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels. These sensors, along with underwater cameras, allow for precise monitoring of fish behaviour and feeding efficiency, ensuring optimal growth conditions. The entire system is powered by solar energy, further enhancing its sustainability by minimizing environmental impact.

Before initiating the project, EAD employed sophisticated hydrodynamic and environmental modelling to identify the most suitable zones for aquaculture development within the Al Dhafra region. This thorough planning ensures that the project operates in harmony with the surrounding marine environment, preventing overexploitation and maintaining ecological balance. By establishing these aquaculture zones, Abu Dhabi is leading the way in responsible fish farming practices that prioritize both economic viability and environmental stewardship.

This AI-driven sea cage aquaculture initiative represents a major step forward for Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate as a leader in sustainable fish farming. With a focus on high-value species, cutting-edge technology, and environmental responsibility, the project is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the region’s seafood industry and contribute to global efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture.

Source: Travel and Tour world

In a groundbreaking move to enhance efficiency and productivity in aquaculture, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) of Hyderabad, in collaboration with TWorksHyd, has successfully trialed drone technology for fish feed distribution. This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in the fisheries sector, offering a promising solution to streamline operations and reduce costs.

The trial, which took place recently, demonstrated the potential of drones to revolutionize fish feed delivery. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, the distribution process becomes more efficient, minimizing human labor and ensuring timely feed application. The success of this trial not only highlights the benefits of adopting new technologies but also sets a new standard for operational practices in aquaculture.

The integration of drone technology in fish feed distribution addresses several key challenges faced by the industry. It significantly reduces the logistical complexities associated with traditional methods, cuts down on expenses, and improves overall productivity. This advancement is expected to greatly benefit fish farmers by providing them with a reliable and cost-effective solution.

NFDB and TWorksHyd’s initiative is a significant step towards modernizing the fisheries sector. By exploring and implementing such innovative solutions, they are paving the way for more efficient and sustainable aquaculture practices. This trial is a testament to the potential of technology to drive progress in the industry, and it underscores the importance of embracing new advancements to meet the evolving needs of fish farming.

As the industry moves forward, the adoption of drone technology for fish feed distribution could set a new benchmark, offering a glimpse into the future of aquaculture where technology and efficiency go hand in hand.

Source-NFDB

In Indonesia, fish and shrimp farmers are embracing technology to improve their yields and ensure sustainability. With the help of tools like Mas Ahya, a generative AI assistant developed by eFishery, farmers can now monitor water quality, feed schedules, and receive expert advice directly on their mobile phones.

Mas Ahya, accessible through a mobile app, provides real-time data on crucial parameters like pH, oxygen levels, temperature, and salinity, allowing farmers to make informed decisions to keep their aquatic stock healthy. By using this technology, farmers like Andriyono and Ira have seen significant improvements in their farming practices, from more precise feeding to quicker responses to potential issues.

For Andriyono, who switched from rice farming to shrimp farming a decade ago, Mas Ahya has become an indispensable tool, helping him boost shrimp survival rates and increase export yields. Similarly, Ira, a tilapia farmer, has benefited from automated feeding and water quality monitoring, allowing her to streamline her operations and increase productivity.

eFishery’s mission is not only to modernize traditional aquaculture but also to promote sustainability practices among farmers. Mas Ahya not only provides practical solutions to immediate problems but also educates farmers on the importance of sustainability certifications and best practices. This combination of technology and sustainability is attracting a new generation of farmers who see the potential of merging IT with fish farming.

As aquaculture continues to grow in Indonesia and around the world, the integration of technology like Mas Ahya offers hope for more efficient and sustainable farming practices, ensuring a steady supply of seafood while preserving the environment for future generations.

Source-NEWS.MICROSOFT.COM

Gene editing has emerged as a game-changer in the aquaculture industry, with over 25 species successfully undergoing transformative genetic alterations. Spearheaded by the Centre for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT), this cutting-edge technology promises groundbreaking advancements in fish farming.

According to Xavier Lauth, CAT’s director of innovation, gene editing offers precise tools to rewrite the genetic code of aquatic organisms. This natural process, evolved from ancient bacteria, holds immense potential to enhance traits such as yield, growth, and disease resistance. John Buchanan, CAT’s CEO, highlights the commercialisation of 100% sterile farmed fish as a significant breakthrough, offering solutions to regulatory challenges and environmental preservation.

Tilapia, known for their robust nature, have been a focal point of gene editing research. CAT’s achievements include producing pigmentation-free tilapia and large-scale 100% sterile populations, showcasing remarkable growth increases. The company’s ongoing efforts extend to vannamei shrimp, with successful feasibility trials marking a significant milestone.

Despite public debate and regulatory hurdles, gene editing is gaining acceptance globally. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Japan have deregulated genome-edited aquatic species, paving the way for commercialisation. Consumers increasingly recognise the benefits of GE, particularly in enhancing food security and environmental sustainability.

While commercial viability remains a challenge, early adopters stand to gain substantial economic returns. Enhancing feed conversion efficiency, for instance, could double farmer profits. However, the timeline for widespread implementation depends on refining techniques and overcoming species-specific challenges.

Looking ahead, CAT remains committed to driving gene editing’s commercial application across various traits and species. By collaborating with commercial partners, the focus remains on achieving 100% sterility in fish while exploring additional beneficial traits. With ongoing advancements and innovations, the aquaculture industry is poised for a transformative journey powered by gene editing technology.