MIT News: Innovations in Aquaculture Technology

MIT Sea Grant and Northeastern University Institute for Experiential Robotics Collaborate to Advance Aquaculture Technology

Aquaculture in the United States is a thriving $1.5 billion industry, with shellfish hatcheries playing a crucial role in maintaining sustainability. However, the manual process of monitoring shellfish larvae health and mortality rates is time-consuming and prone to errors. To address this challenge, MIT Sea Grant and Northeastern University Institute for Experiential Robotics are collaborating to advance technology for the aquaculture industry.

With funding from MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS), researchers are developing a user-friendly image recognition tool that utilizes machine learning algorithms to automate the identification and counting of healthy, unhealthy, and dead shellfish larvae. This technology aims to improve accuracy, reduce time and effort, and enhance the overall efficiency of shellfish hatcheries.

The project, which involves MIT students Unyime Usua and Santiago Borrego, provides valuable insights into the application of artificial intelligence in environmental science. By streamlining the process of quantifying larvae classes, the collaborators hope to increase seed production, reduce labor costs, and support the growth of the aquaculture industry.

Cheryl James, ARC larval/juvenile production manager, emphasizes the importance of accurately quantifying larvae for optimal growth and population strength. The automated identification and counting system being developed will not only benefit hatcheries like ARC but also contribute to the advancement of technology integration in the aquaculture sector.

Both Borrego and Usua plan to continue their work with MIT Sea Grant, with Borrego interested in exploring technology’s role in environmental protection and wildlife conservation, while Usua aims to delve deeper into projects related to aquaculture. Through their research, they are not only gaining valuable experience but also contributing to solving real-world challenges in the aquaculture industry.