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Erik Vis, from Innovasea’s Aquaculture Services department, discusses three ways in which accurate biomass estimation can enhance farm operations...
“I remember the days when my team and I used to go out to check the size of the fish ourselves. It wasn’t just about catching them – it was a whole process. We had to feed them while catching, calm them down with an anesthetic, measure them carefully, and (if possible) put them back into the pen alive.
Those days were long... Not only did we need a few guys to spend the day collecting data – time they could have used on other vital tasks – but I then had to manually type out and assess the information, hoping the fish had grown more than the assumed FCR.
Not to mention, sampling was inconsistent – we’d have good samples and bad samples – and could never capture the entire pen. This made it difficult to track and forecast progress effectively until the fish were harvested. By then, it was too late to implement effective changes or even adjust our sales plan.
I know I sound like I’m talking about the old days, but honestly, this wasn’t that long ago for non-salmon farmers.
Things have changed a lot since then. Thanks to technological advancements, the industry has made big improvements. We went from manually catching fish to deploying lightweight, underwater cameras that do all the work.
For example, a single employee can deploy Innovasea's biomass camera and start collecting data in minutes! Furthermore, it leverages advanced AI algorithms to automatically capture and process the data, which is then delivered to an intuitive dashboard. It’s amazing how far we’ve come.
Today, biomass calculation is less stressful – for both the fish and the people, while offering datasets from the entire pen. That makes a huge difference. Now, site managers have the information to make data-backed decisions and pointed interventions which can be done throughout the growth cycle.
Here are three ways farms can improve operations with accurate biomass tracking.
Improve feeding techniques
Feeding used to be simple: throw it in and hope for the best. But this was far from scientific or strategic. Real-time size and weight estimates allow farmers to monitor their pens closer and better calculate the coefficient of variation (CV), which is how evenly these fish are growing.
If the CV gets smaller, we know our feeding technique is paying off. If it gets bigger, something’s off, and an adjustment can be made to reduce feed waste and get the CV back on track.
Gather comprehensive genetics feedback
It’s hard to get genetics feedback before harvest. With better tracking and data, farm operators can provide real insights to the genetics team for improved future outcomes.
They’ll know if one batch grew faster or handled stress better, moving from a one-way street to a true feedback loop. And that helps select the better brood stock every year.
Refine marketing and sales decisions
Earlier in my career, marketing and sales always felt like guesswork. We’d look at the numbers, try to predict growth, and hope the market would respond. But now, with better data and clearer trends, we can improve sales forecasts and, in the end, revenue.
By knowing what sizes are coming, when they’ll be ready, and how many to expect, businesses can be market-ready and proactive in sales outreach. That makes it easier to talk to buyers and set realistic expectations. It’s not just about selling fish anymore – it’s about selling confidence.
The shift from selling what is produced to selling what is requested and sold is subtle, but it can mark a major change in how farms approach sales. Instead of harvesting and hoping, producers can now align their output with demand, enhance resource planning, reduce waste, and improve buyer relationships by always delivering what was promised. “
Erik Vis holds an MSc in Aquaculture from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and an MBA from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH).
Erik’s diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of various aquaculture practices and environments. He is passionate about fostering sustainable seafood production and driving positive change in the industry.
Innovosea will be on stand H24, in the Aquaculture Hub at IceFish. To exhibit at IceFish contact ttattum@mercatormedia.com
