Introduction

Underwater drones and advanced sensors are among the AI solutions transforming European sea farming, enhancing competitiveness in the global seafood market. This article explores how machine learning is addressing operational challenges and reducing costs in aquaculture, particularly in remote offshore waters.

AI Solutions in Aquaculture

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm are developing innovative AI solutions to boost European aquaculture. At the Blue Food research center, projects are underway to harness machine learning for operational challenges and cost reduction in seafood farming, especially in inaccessible offshore waters.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Seafood farmers face high costs in accessing seaweed beds located far from shore. To address this, KTH researchers are developing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) optimized for colder Nordic waters. These AUVs, equipped with sonar and algorithms, detect submerged ropes that seaweeds grow on, navigating autonomously underwater.

AI in Fish Farming

AI is also being adapted for fish farming. In Sweden’s Skagerrak strait, algorithms are being tested to identify invasive oyster species. This research attracts investment as it offers a competitive edge against large-scale sea farming, particularly in China.

Machine learning is also developed to optimize fish feed usage. Submerged microphones listen for fish eating sounds, stopping feed release when sounds subside, saving significant costs for fish farmers.

Water Quality and Energy Sector Synergies

AI can also balance and control water quality to prevent anoxic fish death in enclosed systems. This work enables synergies with the energy sector, combining offshore wind parks with seaweed farming. Sea drones can monitor windmill and wave energy continuously, enhancing competitiveness.

Conclusion

AI solutions are revolutionizing aquaculture, making European sea farming more competitive. From autonomous underwater vehicles to advanced sensors, these innovations are addressing operational challenges and reducing costs, attracting enthusiasm across Europe.

Sources:

• Europe’s Seafood Farmers Get Boost from AI Research