Aquaculture 4.0
About this good practice
AquacultuER 4.0 is an implementation of ICT technology in aquaculture: An innovative automatic system for controlling water quality and operational routines that helps this Flagship Innovation Experiment (FIE) to promote a more sustainable aquaculture.
Aquaculture is a thousand-year-old activity. New solutions can help promote sustainable practices. An innovative automated system able to control water quality and operational routines helps this Flagship Innovation Experiment (FIE) to promote sustainable aquaculture. Precision Fish Farming (PFF) relies on ICT and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies to mitigate the environmental impact in coastal ecosystems while simultaneously reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The solution developed by this FIE consists of a network of sensors, monitoring key parameters for the quality of water in production sites. The information gathered by the sensors is accessible through a smartphone app, which provides a user-friendly overview and data in real-time.
By applying control principles, this FIE enables end-users to certify environmental conditions in order to meet the demands of a market that is sensitive to the product provenance and the use of sustainable fish and shellfish farming practices. Lastly, the digitisation of aquaculture through innovative ICT and IoT technologies increases the competitiveness and quality of the product as well as the production process.
Resources needed
This best practice was one of many results of a project financed by Horizon 2020 with a total of about 22 millions Euro.
Evidence of success
- Number of operators/aquaculture farmers informed about the use and use of ICT technologies: +20%
- Number of small and medium-sized enterprises informed about sustainability concepts: +10%
- Reduction of costs of production
- Mitigation of the effects caused by critical events (salinity, anoxia)
Potential for learning or transfer
Ensure adequate use of the results and access to growers and consultants to the latest knowledge, skills and technologies
Reuse of Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) services
The DIH will contribute to operating in close connection with the network of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) within Smart Agri Hubs (SAH), ensuring effective reuse of technological solutions, through a number of events planned.
This will help overcome barriers to implementing precision aquaculture in European aquaculture farms.
It is also important to create a European DIH network to create a DIH observatory for the benefit of growers and technicians.
Fishermen and aquaculture operators are motivated in adopting new solutions that can improve their working conditions. Both technologies and training have stimulated operators to develop new skills and know-how to monitor the marine environment.
Further information
Flagship innovation in aquaculture
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.