TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Agriculture said Thursday that its research institute has developed AI-powered systems to support the aquaculture sector by reducing operational costs and improving the quality of aquatic products, per CNA.
One of the systems, developed in collaboration with the Fisheries Research Institute and the Industrial Technology Research Institute, can measure the length of fish. Before the technology was introduced, fish farmers relied on manual methods to measure fish size, oxygenate the water, and handle packaging, which often led to errors that caused stress or even death for the fish.
The ministry said the system also integrates technologies such as image analysis, biological activity recognition, and underwater acoustic monitoring to develop a precise feeding system. It helps reduce costs related to feed, electricity, water, and labor.
The ministry said that bacteria can spread to fish farms through air, water, or birds. Most fish ponds are closed systems with high nutrient levels, which can lead to algae overgrowth and low oxygen levels in the water. This may cause fish to suffocate and die.
To address this issue, the Fisheries Research Institute has also developed a detection device that can identify the presence of harmful microbes in the water within approximately four hours.
The ministry cited its collaboration with National Taiwan Ocean University in developing a smart shrimp farming system, which focuses on monitoring the environment for whiteleg shrimp. The system helps farmers track changes in pond conditions and feeding activity.
The ministry added that most fish farmers in Taiwan are older and operate family-run businesses. By introducing smart aquaculture systems, the workload can be reduced, and experience can be digitized to support knowledge transfer.
In addition to aquaculture, the ministry has used drones to monitor crop growth, spray pesticides, and apply fertilizers. It also uses AI-powered systems to analyze data collected by drones and provide farmers with tailored planting recommendations.
The systems also help the livestock industry adjust feed formulas and feeding amounts, as well as monitor animal behavior and health indicators, the ministry added.
