The United Nations estimates that 600 million people are expected to suffer from chronic undernourishment by 2030, which could increase if threats such as wars, resource depletion or biodiversity loss, and climate instability continue on their current trajectory. Innovative solutions that can be rolled out globally and quickly deployed in the most needed regions are essential. One such solution that’s making waves is IoT in aquaculture (fish and aquatic plant farming) —and its promises are causing ripples worldwide:

1. Enhanced food security.
2. Economic development.
3. Sustainable resource management.
4. Disease prevention and management.
5. Environmental protection.
6. Data-driven decision making.

At Ignitec, we’ve experienced first-hand how the promise of IoT in aquaculture materialises in real life. By leveraging our expertise in designing immersible measurement devices, environmental monitoring tools, and underwater vehicle solutions, we successfully delivered a solution that helped CageEye develop an autonomous fish-feeding system that improves efficiency, reduces waste, and supports sustainable production. Please contact us if you’re in – or breaking into – the aquaculture industry and curious about how IoT can deliver significantly improved results. 

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Technological advancements have revolutionised how we cultivate aquatic organisms, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to food production. But can IoT in aquaculture genuinely address the challenges of food insecurity and sustainability? Let’s explore.

Aquaculture: One of the oldest and fastest-growing food industries

Aquaculture (farming fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic plants) has been practised for centuries. Freshwater aquaculture was recorded in China over 1000 years ago, and the Romans farmed oysters and fish in Mediterranean lagoons as far back as 500 BCE. Most of the techniques they developed (e.g., using manure from livestock farming to stimulate algae growth in carp ponds) remained largely unchanged until the 20th Century, with many integrated agriculture-aquaculture systems still used today.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector in the world, with more than 3.3 billion people depending on fish for at least 20% of their animal protein intake (and as much as 50% in developing countries). Farmed seafood is significant in feeding a growing global population, contributing to food security, and helping the UN meet its Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). For example, to reduce hunger and poverty, contribute to good health, provide education and work opportunities, contribute to economic growth, and support positive climate action.

Enter IoT—a network of interconnected devices that collect and exchange data to optimise processes. In aquaculture, IoT devices such as sensors, cameras, and automated systems are deployed to monitor and manage various aspects of aquatic farming – resulting in outcomes that produce a higher yield with less risk. This includes using technologies such as:

• Water Quality Sensors measure parameters like temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and salinity to ensure optimal conditions for aquatic life.
• Automated Data Collection to provide continuous real-time monitoring and data logging to make informed decisions and timely interventions.
• Smart Feeding Systems that use sensors and automation to optimise feeding schedules and amounts, reducing waste and improving growth rates.
• Disease Detection is achieved through sensors that monitor fish behaviour and health indicators, thus providing early detection and alerts to potential problems.
• Waste Management Systems that track and manage waste to reduce pollution and improve sustainability.
• Environmental monitoring devices that assess and minimise ecological conditions measure the carbon footprint and help maintain an optimal ecosystem.
• Supply Chain Transparency: IoT devices provide traceability from farm to fork, ensuring product quality and safety.
• Automated reporting systems help meet regulatory requirements (e.g., traceability), standards, and compliance.

Call us for information on IoT sensors in aquafarming. Our decades of experience developing fish-feeding technologies and environmental monitoring devices leave us ideally placed to find the best fit and bespoke solution for you.

What are the benefits of IoT in Aquaculture?

When applied to aquaculture, IoT technologies have a significant impact: they enhance food security, promote sustainability, improve decision-making, and increase economic development.

Enhanced Food Security

1. Optimised Production: IoT enables precise monitoring of water quality, temperature, pH levels, and oxygen content. Maintaining optimal conditions ensures healthier and faster-growing aquatic species, leading to higher yields. This increased productivity directly contributes to food security by providing a reliable and abundant source of protein.

2. Disease Management: Early detection of diseases through IoT sensors can prevent widespread outbreaks that devastate aquaculture farms. Farmers can proactively address health issues by continuously monitoring aquatic organisms’ health indicators, reducing mortality rates and ensuring a stable food supply.

3. Efficient Feeding Practices: Smart feeding systems with IoT technology can adjust feeding schedules and amounts based on real-time data. This reduces feed waste, lowers costs, and promotes optimal growth of aquatic species. Efficient feed management is crucial for sustainable food production and minimising environmental impact.

Promoting Sustainability

1. Resource Management: IoT devices help efficiently use resources such as water and energy. Automated systems can control water exchange, aeration, and lighting based on real-time conditions, minimising resource wastage and enhancing the sustainability of aquaculture operations.

2. Environmental Monitoring: IoT enables continuous monitoring of the surrounding environment, ensuring that aquaculture activities do not negatively impact local ecosystems. Parameters such as water quality and pollutant levels are tracked to prevent environmental degradation, promoting a more sustainable approach to farming.

3. Waste Reduction: IoT helps reduce waste production by optimising feeding and closely monitoring the health of aquatic organisms. Proper waste management practices, supported by real-time data, minimise pollution and contribute to cleaner water bodies, aligning with sustainability goals.

Data-Driven Decision Making

IoT in aquaculture provides a wealth of data that can be analysed to improve decision-making processes. Predictive analytics, powered by historical and real-time data, enable farmers to forecast trends, plan harvests and make informed choices about breeding and feeding. This data-driven approach enhances the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture operations.

Boosts Economic Development

1. Job Creation and Local Employment: Aquaculture operations require a diverse workforce (e.g., farmers, technicians, and managers) and provide direct employment opportunities. In addition, supporting industries such as feed production, equipment manufacturing, and processing facilities also create jobs, stimulating the local economy.

2. Increased Revenue and Profitability: Optimised conditions and efficient practices produce more high-quality products, thus increasing sales and revenue. In addition, aquaculture enables the production of high-value species that can be exported, opening new markets and increasing foreign exchange earnings.

3. Infrastructure Development: Building aquaculture farms and related infrastructure (e.g., hatcheries and processing plants) requires investment, which leads to local development and improved infrastructure. Integrating IoT and other advanced technologies drives innovation and modernisation within the sector, attracting further investment.

4. Supply Chain Enhancement: Processing and packaging aquatic products add value, creating more profitable products and enhancing the supply chain. Efficient logistics and distribution networks are developed to support aquaculture operations, benefiting other industries as well.

Addressing the challenges of smart aquaculture

While IoT presents significant advantages, its widespread adoption in aquaculture presents challenges – some are common, while others are specific to the type of farm or cultivated species. Broadly speaking, most challenges fall into infrastructure, data, and perception-related categories. For example, the initial investment in IoT infrastructure can be high, and a learning curve may be associated with integrating and managing these technologies. Additionally, ensuring data security and addressing potential technical issues (e.g. maintenance of sensor probes) are essential for the successful implementation of IoT systems.

Solutions—which rely heavily on partnerships and collaboration—are possible for each category. For example, government incentives for aquaculture enterprises, energy harvesting technologies, offline systems for farms with unstable electricity and internet connectivity, and cloud storage solutions to help with data loss and recovery due to device or network errors. 

A final word…

The integration of IoT in aquaculture holds immense potential for addressing food insecurity and sustainability challenges. IoT can transform aquaculture into a more efficient and sustainable industry by optimising production, enhancing resource management, and promoting environmental stewardship. As we strive to feed a growing global population and protect our planet, embracing technological innovations like IoT in aquaculture is crucial for a secure and sustainable future.

Is IoT in aquaculture the ultimate answer? It certainly offers a promising pathway, but like any solution, it must be implemented thoughtfully and in conjunction with other sustainable practices to achieve the desired outcomes. The journey toward food security and sustainability is complex, but with IoT, we are well on our way to making significant strides.

Contact us to collaborate with industry experts with an established track record in developing environmental monitoring and aquaculture technologies.