MoAFWR, SQU sign pact to advance AI-powered aquaculture

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR) and Sultan Qaboos University have signed a cooperation agreement to implement an applied research project on developing and operating a commercially viable system for fish farms through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
The agreement was signed by Eng Yaqoub bin Khalfan al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Fisheries, and Prof Amer bin Saif al Hinai, the SQU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research.
The project aims to leverage the potential of AI and underwater imaging technologies for developing an intelligent system capable of automatically estimating fish weight and biomass — without the need for physical contact. The system will analyse feeding habits and integrate these findings with an automated feeding mechanism for exercising precise control over feed quantities and enhancing the overall efficiency of fish farming operations.
The initiative aligns with the ministry’s efforts to foster innovation and integrate modern technologies into the development of the aquaculture sector. The cost of feed accounts for 50 per cent to 70 per cent of operational costs in fish farms. These technologies are expected to reduce feed waste, lower operational expenses, improve production efficiency and raise the accuracy of biomass estimation — ultimately strengthening the economic viability of aquaculture projects.
The project deals with the development of an integrated system for collecting images and data, as well as artificial intelligence models designed to analyse feeding habits and estimate biomass. It also includes a cloud-based monitoring dashboard and a commercially viable operational model.
These components will facilitate the conversion of research findings and scientific experiments into practical production environments, in addition to consolidating partnerships between government institutions, academia and the private sector.
The project, set to be implemented over a period of 18 months, is expected to serve as a significant step in devising homegrown technological solutions that support the digital transformation of the aquaculture sector in a manner that enhances production efficiency, sustainability and food security in Oman. - ONA