Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence powered system to stop salmon from escaping their pens in fish farms. This development comes from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The goal is to keep farmed salmon secure within underwater cages and protect wild populations that might be affected by escapes. The new system uses automation to monitor and manage net integrity, reducing the chance of breaches and disease spread among fish populations.
Underwater cage nets are checked more frequently through remotely controlled vehicles to ensure there are no gaps or weak spots that could allow fish to slip out. In addition to protecting farmed stock, preventing escapes helps minimize disease transmission and preserves the balance with wild salmon during their spawning cycles. By maintaining secure enclosures, operators can limit ecological disruption and support sustainable aquaculture.
The automated approach faces several challenges. The inspection robot must navigate a complex mesh environment, approach gaps closely enough to assess their size, and avoid getting caught in the net grills. It must also stay stable in changing water currents and maintain a reliable position relative to the base station. These capabilities are essential for performing consistent and accurate checks without human intervention.
To function effectively, the software relies on a trained neural network that can tell the difference between a normal network and a damaged one. It learns from a large set of images showing typical mesh patterns and configurations, enabling the system to generate an ideal representation of the grid. When an anomaly appears, the program triggers an alert so technicians can schedule repairs promptly. This approach helps ensure that cages remain robust and that any weak points are addressed before an escape occurs.
Proponents hope that this AI driven method will help salmon producers meet new government standards for cage reliability and welfare in the aquaculture sector. By reducing the frequency and impact of escapes, producers can protect wild stocks and support healthy river and coastline ecosystems. The automation is intended to provide continuous monitoring, rapid detection of issues, and timely responses that keep farming operations compliant with evolving regulatory expectations.