WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2025 25 EXPRO AI™ THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING SABETHA, KANSAS 66534 USA PHONE: +1 785 284 2133 WENGER.COM SABETHA, KANSAS 66534 USA PHONE: +1 785 284 2153 WWW.EXTRU-TECHINC.COM HOW CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) ENHANCE YOUR EXTRUSION OPERATIONS? Artificial intelligence in manufacturing monitors and analyzes large data sets over time to recognize process patterns and then uses learning and intelligence, similar to the human mind, to predict outcomes and make decisions to achieve pre-set goals. EXPRO AI™, Powered by TwinThread, applies advanced machine learning concepts to optimize extrusion cooking and drying processes used to produce pet food, human food, and aquatic feed. By monitoring and evaluating key variables throughout the extrusion process, EXPRO AI can provide real-time situational predictions, recommendations, and automated actions to maximize product quality and process efficiency in a repeatable, consistent manner. Contact Wenger or Extru-Tech today. ET-398H.indd 1 5/12/25 4:43 PM biofouling on either oyster shells or internal surfaces. This eliminated the need for frequent manual cleaning, thereby reducing labor requirements and minimizing physical stress on the oysters. The absence of fouling also ensured uninterrupted filter feeding behavior and cleaner surgical sites post-implantation. Conclusion This study firmly establishes the feasibility, efficacy, and long-term sustainability of onshore pearl oyster culture using two commercially and biologically significant species — Pinctada margaritifera and Pteria penguin — under carefully regulated tank conditions. The experimental outcomes not only validate the scientific protocols and innovations employed throughout the study but also herald a transformative approach to pearl farming in India and other regions with similar environmental and infrastructural contexts. One of the most prominent insights gained from this research is the critical importance of environmental stability in the success of pearl oyster culture. Notably, Batch 2, which operated under semi-natural flow-through conditions, recorded a minimal mortality rate of just 2% and yielded the highest number of pearls (119), with approximately 60% demonstrating superior lustre and notable nacre thickness. These outcomes underscore how biologically harmonious conditions contribute directly to commercial and biological success. Another key advancement demonstrated through this study was the use of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as a gentle yet effective anesthetic. These results suggest that the incorporation of anesthesia not only improves pearl sac formation and graft acceptance but also reflects a more humane and ethically sound approach to molluscan aquaculture. Such refined surgical protocols are particularly advantageous for hatchery-based operations where precision and post-surgical success are paramount. The success of the experiment using non-medium cultured microalgae — namely Nannochloropsis, Chaetoceros, and Isochrysis — demonstrated that healthy oyster growth and consistent pearl formation can be achieved without reliance on expensive nutrient-rich media. This discovery is particularly encouraging for resource-constrained regions, as it opens the door to cost-effective feeding strategies that do not compromise biological performance. In conclusion, this study illustrates that land-based pearl farming is not merely a technical innovation but a paradigm shift in aquaculture — one that prioritizes climate resilience, ethical operation, and economic inclusivity. It has the capacity to elevate India’s stature in the global pearl market, reduce exploitation of wild oyster populations, and empower coastal communities through sustainable livelihood generation. Notes Ajai Kumar Sonkar, (D.Sc. Hon.): ajai@pearlindia.com
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