World Aquaculture December 2020

WWW.WA S.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2020 59 information to a feed operator via an onboard monitor or streamed video feed to a remote viewer. Industry leaders in submerged feeding have taken this a step further, by running videos feeds through machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) systems to produce accurate and quantitative data for feed operators to base decisions on. Driven by AI, a fish satiation tool identifies each fish as an object using machine learning similar to facial recognition software in humans. The tool then produces an index of how full the fish are based on feed aggregating behavior, swimming speed and other indicators. The same video feed can be analyzed for uneaten pellets. Pellets drifting below a certain point in the pen indicate that feeding activity has slowed and operators should slow or stop feeding. This tool recognizes pellets and produces a live readout of uneaten pellets reaching the depths of a pen. Using these tools in conjunction with real-time feed delivery data, feed operators can adjust feeding rates before an unacceptable amount of pellet loss occurs. Better user interfaces are also enabling feed op- erators to focus on only the most relevant information to speed up and enhance their decision-making. These technological advances allow operators to accurately monitor and interpret the reality beneath the surface as they are feeding, dramatically improving farm performance. Better Data, Better Decisions Advances in telecommunications and data streams are creating more consistent and reliable feeding systems. The differences in performance from one operator to the next can be minimized by standardizing the decision making and visual assessments of the user. For example, an experienced feed manager may know exactly when to slow feed rates and stop feeding to minimize feed loss and maximize FCR, but a less experienced operator will inevitably over or under feed the fish. With live video streams and machine learning feedback on pellet detection and fish satiation, managers can create standard operating procedures for consistent decision making among all feed operators. “Slow the feeding rate to 50 percent when satiation reaches 60 percent and stop feeding once ten or more pellets are visible” is an example of an objective feeding guideline that can be implemented by a farm using this technology. This lets experienced feed managers set the feeding protocols used during every feeding. Optimizing feed operations by understanding conditions inside the pen is only one critical component of submerged feeding. The other is advancing feed delivery to the pens. Among the many benefits of a submerged pen is the ability to site farms in locations typically not considered due to high wave energy and strong currents. Those same conditions make a typical surface feed system a liability. Submerged feed systems incorporate concepts gleaned from offshore oil platforms and can provide feeding for a whole grid of sub- merged pens from a single mooring position. Robust component designs integrated with existing submerged infrastructure help minimize the risk of system damage, thus reducing operational delays or disruptions. Farms with surface-based feed systems often experience damage due to rough weather, proving that they can also be a victim of heavy storms. By moving feed system infrastructure beneath the surface, farmmanagers know that feed operations will remain uninterrupted, whatever the conditions at the surface. Demand for aquaculture products is expected to grow substantially in the near future as rising global populations and a growing middle class in densely populated countries like China and India further strain already depleted wild fish stocks. Furthermore, scientists are predicting increased hurricane and cyclone events because of climate change in many of the most promising areas for open ocean aquaculture. Moving these operations below the surface and continuing to improve submerged systems will expand the industry’s potential to meet the growing demand in more sustainable and economical ways. Notes Tyler Sclodnick, Thomas Selby and Langley Gace 425 Ericksen Avenue, Suite 101 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | P: +1 206-866- 9822. Corresponding author email: lgace@innovasea.com . LEFT: Digital cameras in conjunction with machine learning algorithms allow for computer-based pellet detection. RIGHT: Overview of Innovasea’s submerged farm system with wireless data collection and ship to shore transmission. Submerged pen can be sited in locations typically not considered due to high wave energy and strong currents. By moving feed system infrastructure beneath the surface, feed operations will remain uninterrupted, whatever the conditions at the surface.