Technology & Equipments

Researchers from Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), in collaboration with the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and leading fish farm company SalMar, have introduced a novel robotic solution for the efficient monitoring of fish farms. The study, conducted in partnership with research organization SINTEF, aimed to identify the most effective inspection robots for observing fish in their natural state.

Fish farming, a rapidly growing industry with a global turnover exceeding 3 billion dollars, necessitates advanced technologies to ensure optimal conditions for fish health, feeding, and growth. Professor Maarja Kruusmaa, the Head of TalTech Centre for Biorobotics, emphasized the critical need for technologies capable of reaching every corner of fish farms to observe fish behaviour accurately.

Traditionally, human divers and large underwater robots have been employed to investigate fish behaviour in fish cages. However, these methods have proven to be costly, disruptive, and ineffective in observing fish in their natural state. To address these challenges, the research team conducted experiments to analyse the behaviour of fish in the presence of different inspection robots.

The standout performer in the experiments was the small and slow-moving robot turtle, aptly named U-CAT, developed by TalTech biorobotics researchers. Unlike conventional underwater robots, which tend to startle fish and cause rapid fleeing, U-CAT’s unobtrusive design allows it to approach fish closely without inducing stress. The research provided valuable insights into the development of robots for efficient monitoring of fish farms, including considerations such as robot colour and movement patterns.

Professor Maarja Kruusmaa highlighted the significance of animal-robot interactions, stating that these studies are crucial for inspiring advancements in environmental monitoring and agricultural automation. The successful integration of robotic technology into fish farming operations promises enhanced efficiency and sustainability in the industry, which holds a substantial market share compared to wild fishing on a global scale.

The findings of this collaborative research effort pave the way for innovative solutions in fish farm monitoring, ensuring a harmonious interaction between technology and aquaculture practices.

Dhaka: Seaqua, a Dhaka-based blue-tech startup, has made a significant stride in Bangladesh’s fisheries and aquaculture sector by securing a substantial USD 6-figure investment from influential Middle East investors. While the exact figure and investor details remain undisclosed, Seaqua’s strategic move signals a paradigm shift in the industry.

Amirul Mostafa Arefeen, Founder & CEO of Seaqua, envisions a climate-smart approach to fisheries and aquaculture. The company introduces an innovative value chain that minimizes wastage and enhances efficiency at every stage. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Seaqua aims to eliminate traditional inefficiencies, providing fisheries and aquaculture producers with a modern and dynamic approach.

The fisheries sector in Bangladesh makes an exceptional 3.61% contribution to the country’s GDP, boasting a $600 million export market as of 2022. With a total contribution of $9.42 billion to the national GDP, the sector meets 60% of the country’s annual protein needs and sustains over 12% of the population.

Seaqua strategically positions itself to capitalize on the lucrative market, aligning its approach with the global seafood market’s projected growth of $730 billion by 2030. A key feature of Seaqua’s tech-forward strategy is the integration of real-time catch records into its supply chain. This data-driven approach not only provides retailers with accurate, up-to-the-minute information but also reshapes the seafood market by ensuring a constant flow of high-quality products with traceability.

With the fresh capital injection, Seaqua aims to revolutionize the fisheries and aquaculture industry both environmentally and economically. The company’s adoption of blockchain technology for traceability not only addresses blue finance gaps but also ensures a verifiable commitment to compliance, offering a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the sector.

Fish farming, a thriving commercial endeavour involving the rearing of fish for profit, is gaining popularity across Asia. The process entails creating conducive environments, such as ponds and lakes, where fish can thrive. In India, tilapia stands out as the most lucrative fish for commercial farming, although its cultivation remains limited.

Regardless of the fish species being farmed, certain essential equipment plays a pivotal role in the success of fish farming ventures, both small and large. Here are four crucial tools that can significantly enhance the scalability and efficiency of fish farming businesses:

Pumps:

Traditional fish farming often involves tanks and net enclosures within bodies of water. However, the challenge arises during warm weather when evaporation depletes water levels in ponds. To combat this, farmers employ pumps to maintain adequate freshwater levels for the fish. The two primary types of pond pumps, centrifugal and turbine pumps, operate differently but effectively circulate water. Centrifugal pumps are placed horizontally along the pond’s outer edge, while turbine pumps are installed vertically

Aeration Devices:

While pumps address water circulation, aeration devices are equally vital to ensure fishes receive sufficient oxygen. These devices enable higher fish stocking densities in confined spaces, fostering healthier and faster growth. Aeration devices also contribute to water recycling by eliminating impurities, promoting a more sustainable farming environment.

Automatic Fish Feeder:

Efficiency is key in fish farming, and automatic fish feeders streamline the feeding process by dispensing feed at planned intervals. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures a consistent and controlled feeding regimen. It’s important to note that the proper functioning of automatic fish feeders relies on efficient water recycling; feeding fish in saturated or unclean water can have detrimental effects.

Seine Reels:

During the harvesting phase, seine reels play a crucial role in collecting fish from water bodies. Fishermen throw the seine into the pond or lake, allowing it to sink to the bottom. Using a tractor on the shore, the reels are then gathered, capturing fish within the net. The collected fish are pulled to the shore using the reel and subsequently sorted for further processing.

Investing in these essential fish farming tools not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of fish farming enterprises. As the industry continues to evolve, leveraging advanced equipment becomes paramount for maximizing yields and ensuring the well-being of farmed fish.

Emerging markets face obstacles in embracing recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) due to high capital expenditure and energy consumption, hindering the widespread adoption of this fish-farming technology. According to Katherine Bryar, Global Marketing Director of BioMar Group, RAS technology is currently in the innovation phase, even in advanced countries like Norway, Scotland, and the U.S.

Bryar highlighted the significant upfront costs and the complexity of RAS technology, making it an impractical choice for many developing markets, particularly in Africa. The need for advanced knowledge of complex systems further adds to the challenges faced by potential adopters.

The high initial investment requirements create a substantial debt burden for businesses, leading to the necessity of either raising prices or achieving ambitious production targets. Additionally, RAS systems demand large amounts of energy, posing feasibility concerns in developing countries where energy resources may be limited.

Bryar emphasized that while RAS technology presents an innovation challenge, its high-cost nature raises questions about whether the final product output in the entire production chain can absorb the capital expenditure. The extended time required for the venture to become profitable adds to the complexity of the situation.

The high costs and energy demands associated with RAS technology pose barriers to its widespread adoption in emerging markets, limiting its feasibility for businesses in these regions.

Australia’s flourishing aquaculture industry, generating over $2 billion in seafood annually, is witnessing a transformative evolution fuelled by innovative practices in fish food manufacturing. The ASX-listed Ridley Corporation, a major player in this sector, operates multiple feed mills across the country and has been at the forefront of adapting to the changing landscape over the past two decades.

Richard Smullen, a veteran in Ridley’s Aquafeed operations, recalls the initial days when fish diets predominantly consisted of fishmeal, fish oil, wheat, and basic nutrients. However, as the industry evolved, so did the raw materials employed in fish food. Smullen notes that Ridley, a significant purchaser of grain in Australia, now utilizes a diverse array of materials, closely monitoring commodity prices for their production of around two million tonnes of feed annually for various livestock animals, including fish, dogs, and even laboratory rats.

Ridley’s annual report highlights the company’s strides in reducing “forage marine ingredients” in its products, adopting more sustainable alternatives like chicken protein concentrate. Dr. Smullen emphasizes the tailored approach to fish pellet composition, acknowledging the specific dietary needs of different fish species. For instance, a high-fat diet is crucial for salmon, and Ridley incorporates vegetable oil or poultry oil in their pellets to meet the energy requirements of these fish.

Australia, although perceived as lagging behind the global trends, has started catching up, with companies now cultivating black soldier flies to meet the nutritional needs of barramundi and prawns. In collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Ridley has introduced Novacq, a novel feed for prawns. The nation’s largest barramundi farm, home to approximately five million fish, has significantly contributed to the increased demand for specialized fish feed.

However, the industry’s growth comes with its challenges. Dan Richards, from Humpty Doo Barramundi, notes that the expansion of their barramundi farm has attracted thousands of birds, posing a threat to the fish feed supply. Despite employing various deterrents, the issue persists, indicating the need for innovative solutions to safeguard the production process.

The dynamic changes in Australia’s aquaculture industry underscore its potential for further growth and sustainability. With ongoing research, partnerships, and a commitment to environmentally friendly practices, the nation aims to reduce dependence on imported seafood, fulfilling the appetite of the local market and contributing to the global aquaculture landscape.

In a strategic collaboration, Singapore’s aquaculture farming technology and farm care manufacturing company, Blue Aqua International, and global probiotic solutions leader SCD Probiotics, have announced a joint venture to build a cutting-edge manufacturing plant in Singapore. The facility, focused on producing probiotics and enzymes tailored for aquaculture and water treatment, aims to supply sustainable and natural microbial biochemical solutions to the global aquaculture market.

Dr. Farshad Shishehchian, CEO and founder of Blue Aqua, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with SCD Probiotics to establish a world-class manufacturing facility in Singapore. This partnership positions us to provide top-notch probiotics and enzymes to meet the surging global demand, in addition to expanding our portfolio to include SCD Probiotics products for aquaculture.”

Matt Wood, founder and CEO of SCD Probiotics, echoed the excitement, emphasizing the joint mission to reduce chemical and antibiotic use globally by introducing beneficial probiotic technologies. Wood stated, “Partnering with Dr. Shishehchian and Blue Aqua, we can make a significant impact in the region and provide probiotic alternatives to farmers that benefit both the health of aquatic life and the health of the eco-system.”

This collaboration signifies a significant milestone for both organizations and marks a substantial step forward in advancing sustainable aquaculture practices on a global scale. The manufacturing facility is expected to commence operations in early 2025, with a strong commitment to ongoing research and development to continuously enhance probiotic and enzyme solutions for diverse applications in the aquaculture industry.

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) has introduced a groundbreaking dual initiative in Visakhapatnam, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices in the fisheries sector. The innovative technology not only transforms fish waste into high-protein aqua and poultry feed but also incorporates V-form double-slotted otter boards for fuel-efficient small-scale trawl fisheries.

In a bid to combat environmental concerns related to fish waste, ICAR-CIFT’s Visakhapatnam centre has pioneered a technology that efficiently converts fish discards, including head, bones, skins, and visceral mass, into high-quality floating or sinking fish feed. Dr. U Sridhar, Scientist-in-Charge of CIFT Vizag, highlighted the significance of this move, emphasizing the rich nutritional content of the discarded materials.

In addition to the fish waste conversion technology, ICAR-CIFT has introduced V-form double-slotted otter boards designed for small-scale trawl fisheries. These boards, aimed at fuel conservation, are set to revolutionize the fishing industry by optimizing trawl operations.

The comprehensive approach by ICAR-CIFT addresses both waste management and fuel efficiency, contributing to sustainable fisheries practices. The direct conversion of fish discards into nutritious feed aligns with environmental goals, while the introduction of eco-friendly trawl technology underscores the institute’s commitment to reducing the ecological footprint of fishing activities.

With a successful track record in Kerala, these technologies are now being introduced in Andhra Pradesh, starting with Visakhapatnam. The handover of the fish waste-to-feed machinery line and the V-form double-slotted otter boards to the ALERT organization marks a significant step towards a more environmentally conscious and resource-efficient fisheries industry in the region.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is spearheading research activities integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to develop data-driven models for species-specific Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories. The focus is on prominent commercial fish species like sardine, mackerel, and hilsa.

Operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), INCOIS issues daily bulletins to fishermen across coastal states, providing PFZ advisories that indicate the probable locations of fish species. This innovative approach not only saves valuable resources such as money, fuel, and time for fishermen but also enhances the sustainability of the fishing industry.

INCOIS’s commitment extends to species-specific advisories for tuna fish, employing telemetry services and a cutting-edge 3D-advisory system. This system furnishes precise details on the maximum fishing depth, longitude, and latitude, optimizing tuna fishing efforts.

The potential for tuna fishing in Indian seas is substantial, estimated at about 2.13 lakh tonnes, prompting the Marine Products Exports and Development Authority (MPEDA) to seek a similar advisory system for this species.

The MPEDA has initiated a scheme to convert existing fishing vessels into tuna long-liners, aligning with the growing demand for oceanic tuna. INCOIS, leveraging geo-referenced tuna catch details and remote sensing data, has successfully piloted Tuna Fishery Advisories.

These advisories, based on satellite-derived parameters like sea surface temperature, chlorophyll, and water clarity, pinpoint potential ocean sites where tuna species are available.

Given tuna’s migratory nature, a collaborative project with national fisheries institutes was undertaken to study habitat preferences and migration routes in the Indian Ocean, utilizing satellite data. These advisories are now disseminated to tuna long-liners through the WebGIS platform.

Daily Potential Fish Advisories are issued in eight coastal languages, along with English and Hindi, reaching approximately nine lakh fishermen. The economic benefits are substantial, including fuel savings, increased profits for fishermen, and a reduction in carbon emissions.

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute estimates that with a 15% adoption rate, this initiative could save around 9 lakh liters of diesel, equivalent to ₹4.68 crore, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,412 tonnes. The transformative impact of these advisories underscores a sustainable and technologically advanced future for India’s fisheries sector.

Chennai: Telangana Governor and Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan emphasized the importance of extending ocean information and advisory services to every small and marginal fisherman across the country. The governor made these remarks during the inauguration of a Mega Awareness Campaign on Ocean Information and Advisory Services in Chennai, organized by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in collaboration with the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).

During the event, Governor Soundararajan commended the efforts of eight fisher friend master trainers from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in raising awareness about the Fisher Friend Mobile Application (FFMA). FFMA, an Android-based application, provides real-time information on ocean state forecasts and weather forecasts to fishermen, aiding them in making informed decisions before setting sail.

The governor, while exploring the stalls at the Mega Awareness Campaign, engaged with fisherwomen and took a particular interest in initiatives related to ghost (fishing) gear and dry fish, which contribute to enhancing livelihood security for coastal women.

Attended by approximately 300 fishermen and women from nine coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the event showcased the widespread use of the Fisher Friend Mobile Application by over one lakh small and marginal fishermen along the east coast of India.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairwoman of MSSRF, highlighted the Fish for All Research and Training Centre at Poompuhar, initiated after the 2004 tsunami. The centre focuses on strengthening the capacities of fishermen and women from coastal communities, emphasizing natural resource management, sustainable livelihood options, and disaster preparedness and management.

FAI Farms has introduced an innovative approach with the launch of its myshrimp.farm website, showcasing what the company claims to be the world’s first shrimp welfare assessment protocol.

This user-friendly platform serves as a comprehensive resource hub, providing valuable insights, guidelines, and practical solutions to optimize welfare in shrimp aquaculture.

FAI Farms aims to empower a diverse range of stakeholders, including shrimp farmers, processors, retailers, and researchers, by offering the latest scientific knowledge and practical tools to enhance shrimp welfare throughout all life stages.

Chief Technology Officer Ralf Onken emphasized the ethical imperative and essential nature of prioritizing shrimp welfare for the long-term sustainability of the industry. In response to growing consumer concerns about the well-being of farmed animals, FAI Farms adopts a “bottom-up approach,” aligning farmer profit with animal welfare.

The website features FAI’s welfare assessment protocol and offers an online training course on shrimp welfare, available in multiple languages. FAI Farms remains dedicated to supporting shrimp farmers in adopting sustainable and welfare-conscious practices to meet the increasing demand for ethical aquaculture.