New technologies including underwater cameras, AI behaviour analysis and biosensors are improving the ability to monitor and improve fish welfare in aquaculture.
Technology is closing the monitoring gap in aquaculture welfare - historically it has been very difficult to observe the welfare of thousands of fish in a sea cage. Continuous underwater camera feeds analysed by AI can detect changes in swimming behaviour, feeding response and wound prevalence that indicate welfare problems. Early detection of sea lice infestations, oxygen depletion or crowding stress allows intervention before welfare deteriorates severely. These technologies represent a genuine opportunity to improve aquaculture welfare at scale if coupled with willingness to act on the data they generate.