© Ace Aquatec
Revealed for the first time today at Aqua Nor 2023, the A-BIOMASS™, an advanced underwater camera system, aims to transform the way fish farmers across the globe monitor and grade their fish stocks by using machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time millimetre accuracy. The fully-automated camera weighs in at just 8.5kg, and has been proven to withstand the harshest environmental conditions, having been developed and tested in Scotland’s most northerly waters.
The camera system is Ace Aquatec’s latest addition to its suite of high-welfare technology products and allows fish farmers to estimate fish biomass without handling or manual intervention. The fully automated AI cameras use point cloud technology - a type of 3D modelling - to track fish, simultaneously differentiating individuals from the shoal. Continuous measurement of fish size enables millimetre accuracy in the grading process and reduces feed waste, meaning less impact on the immediate environment and efficiency savings for farmers. The system can also be operated remotely so fish stocks can be monitored from anywhere in the world, reducing the need to be on site.
Whilst the model launched this morning is aimed specifically for the capture of salmon biomass data, Ace Aquatec claims modules for trout, seabass and tilapia will follow in 2024.
Keith Davidson, chief technology officer at Ace Aquatec, commented “Our biomass camera has been five years in development, incorporating expertise and knowledge from scientists and partners around the world. We’ve done extensive field testing and data collection to create a system that truly measures biomass and fits in with fish farmers’ daily processes and operations”.
“The biomass camera we are launching today is the first of its kind and will transform the monitoring of salmon stocks. It requires no specialist skills to operate, offering a convenient and reliable solution to farmers across the globe,” he added.
