Can feed loss be reduced?
Written by
Anne Oma
Feed accounts for 40 to over 50% of costs in aquaculture. Even small deviations therefore have significant financial consequences. At the same time, we know that even the best feeders operate in an environment with so many parallel variables that perfect feeding – every time – is practically impossible to achieve through human observation alone. Is there a tool that enables the feeder to perform the job perfectly, every single day?
Best practice becomes standard
At AKVA group, we believe the answer is yes – and we now also have the data to largely support it:
"AKVA observe is an AI-based feeding assistant that analyses video, sensor data, fish behaviour and feeding data," says Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO Digital at AKVA group.
He is highly enthusiastic about the strong results coming in from sites that have implemented AKVA observe: "If you reduce feed loss by a quarter pellet per fish per day, you have already covered the cost of the solution. Everything you save beyond that goes straight to the bottom line. That quarter pellet corresponds to an FCR reduction of 0.01 points, but several of our customers already using AKVA observe report results up to ten times higher, closer to 0.1 points. In other words, the potential gains are significant."
Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO Digital at AKVA group, believes AI-based decision support will make best practice the standard in feeding. Photo: AKVA group
He explains: "The system filters out noise, interprets fish behaviour and appetite, and detects pellets in the water. Based on this, it provides operational recommendations to the feeder in real time. The result is that best practice becomes standard – regardless of who is on shift, how many pens need to be monitored simultaneously, or how long it has been since the last coffee break. For the feeder, this essentially means having a digital assistant that makes it easier to keep track of everything at all times. AKVA observe can also handle a range of routine tasks that would otherwise require time and attention. This allows the feeder to focus more on what actually requires expertise: interpreting biology, making critical decisions, and ensuring good fish welfare."
From operator to analyst
Ole Kristian emphasises that AKVA observe is an important support tool:
"Although the technology is advanced, the goal is not to replace people. Aquaculture is biology – and biology still needs people. AKVA observe is not developed to turn sites into automated factories. On the contrary. The aim is to free up capacity for those who know the field best. When the system handles routine tasks, monitoring and analysis, the feeder can increasingly move from being an operator to becoming an analyst and decision-maker. That makes skilled professionals even better at their job," he says.
The system combines video analysis, sensor data and feeding data to provide operational recommendations. Photo: AKVA group
AKVA observe is offered in three tiers – Top system, AI assistance and Co-pilot – tailored to different needs for analysis and automation.
Strong collaboration – easy to use
At AKVA group, we have extensive experience developing solutions that become industry standards. A key reason for this is our close collaboration with farmers. This also applies to the development of AKVA observe. Today, AKVA observe is used at more than 170 sites globally. Norway is next, and as we speak, we are working closely with a major player to adapt the Norwegian version of AKVA observe.
AKVA observe is primarily a software solution. The system requires minimal additional hardware and can be easily integrated with existing cameras and systems. The solution is delivered as a subscription per site, and the cost is the same whether you have 1, 2 or 10 pens.
As feeding practices vary between farmers, it is difficult to provide an exact price without analysing your specific site – but, as you know, a quarter pellet here and a quarter pellet there quickly adds up.
Want to see how AKVA observe can be used at your site? Book a demo!