August 23, 2023

Ace Aquatec launches underwater camera for fish farming operations

Aquaculture technology company Ace Aquatec has launched A-BIOMASS™, an advanced underwater camera system that could revolutionise biomass data capture for fish farmers worldwide.

The A-BIOMASS™ for Salmon is the first camera in the series, with modules for trout, seabass and tilapia to follow in 2024.

"The biomass camera we are launching today is the first of its kind and will transform the monitoring of salmon stocks," said Keith Davidson, chief technology officer at Ace Aquatec. "It requires no specialist skills to operate, offering a convenient and reliable solution to farmers across the globe."

Revealed at Aqua Nor 2023, the camera uses machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time millimeter accuracy, which could ultimately transform the way fish farmers monitor and grade their fish stocks. The fully automated camera is smaller and easier to deploy than many on the market, weighing in at just 8.5kg (18 pounds), and has been proven to withstand the harshest environmental conditions, having been developed and tested in the most northerly waters of Scotland, the United Kingdom.

"Our biomass camera has been five years in development, incorporating expertise and knowledge from scientists and partners around the world," said Davidson. "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 fully automated AI cameras use point cloud technology to track fish, simultaneously differentiating individuals from the shoal. Continuous measurement of fish size enables millimeter 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.

"We wanted to develop a product that was not only market-leading, but one that would become the fish farmer's friend, supporting them with a system that is easy to deploy, manage and monitor," said Nathan Pyne-Carter, chief executive officer of Ace Aquatec. "The team at Ace Aquatec has dedicated a huge amount of time and expertise to making sure that the biomass we are launching today optimises feed and growth rates and helps farmers stay within their stocking density quota."

- Global Seafood Alliance