The Naval and Marine Technological Center (CTN) has launched the implementation of its innovative SICA-SAVEFEED technology on the Mediterranean coast, specifically in Calpe, within the Valencian Community. This system, combining artificial intelligence and passive acoustics, is designed to optimize feeding in fish farms, improve fish welfare, and reduce environmental impact.
Technological advancements for aquaculture
Developed by CTN in collaboration with Camar Industrial, the Intelligent Sensor for Feeding Control (SICA-SAVEFEED) received the national aquaculture award, JACUMAR, in 2022. This system analyzes the behavior of fish in sea cages in real-time, sending alerts when it detects that they have stopped feeding. Several benefits are expected from its use:
- Economic efficiency: Reduces feeding costs and improves feed conversion ratios (FCR).
- Environmental sustainability: Prevents food accumulation on the seafloor, minimizing impact on ecosystems.
- Quality and welfare: Provides more responsible and higher-quality feed while ensuring animal welfare.
How it works and advantages
SICA-SAVEFEED uses machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in the fish’s feeding behavior. It is compatible with all types of feeders and can adapt to various production systems, such as sea cages or ponds. Additionally, it includes passive sensors that do not cause stress to the fish or disruption to the marine environment.
The system offers a return on investment (ROI) estimated at just two years, making it a cost-effective and efficient tool for aquaculture producers.
Tailored production
One notable feature of SICA-SAVEFEED is its ability to adapt to different fish species. Each system is specifically trained and labeled to ensure optimal results, making it unique in its field.
A revolution for Mediterranean aquaculture
With this implementation in Calpe, the Valencian Community’s aquaculture industry takes a step towards more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly production. The deployment of this technology strengthens CTN’s position as a leader in innovation within the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
The future of aquaculture
With technologies such as SICA-SAVEFEED, the Mediterranean is emerging as a model for advanced aquaculture, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in the production of food for human consumption. This initiative marks a decisive step in the sector’s evolution toward more responsible and technological practices.
Key takeaways
- The SICA-SAVEFEED system uses machine learning algorithms to maximize fish feeding efficiency.
- Its return on investment is estimated at two years, an attractive feature for producers.
- It helps reduce the dependency on the aquatic environment by controlling overfeeding.
In summary, the implementation of SICA-SAVEFEED by CTN could mark a turning point in how aquaculture is practiced in the Mediterranean region. This integration of technology raises interesting questions about the future of sustainable food production and how innovation can transform traditional practices.4o mini
Source: Les News
