Machine Learning in Fish Farming
Fearghal O'Donncha, Nikos Papandroulakis, Jennie Korus, Abigail Langbridge, Alexander Timms, Konstantinos Topouzelis, Abdul Baseer Khan, Shree Rama Kamal Kumar Vegu, Mahtab Sarvmaili, Ryan Mowat, Rhanna Turberville, Tyler Sclodnick, Christopher Whidden
Abstract
This chapter explores how machine learning (ML) is transforming aquaculture, with a particular focus on enhancing decision-making processes and improving operational efficiency. The chapter is structured to first introduce the challenges in aquaculture and the role of AI and then provide an overview of ML techniques in the context of aquaculture, followed by applications, emerging trends, future directions, and case studies. The focus is on real-world applications of ML techniques, including Random Forest, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), as well as emerging technologies such as Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and large language models (LLMs). Key applications include biomass estimation, species recognition, behavioural analysis, and environmental forecasting. The chapter also highlights the synergy between ML and the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring and decision support. Ultimately, ML-driven innovations have the potential to revolutionise fish farming, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and productive practices in the aquaculture industry.