Norway stages first AI conference for aquaculture sector

The organisers of Norway’s first dedicated artificial intelligence conference with a specific focus on aquaculture said the time is right for such an event.

“AI is transforming work processes in almost every industry vertical, and aquaculture is no exception,” said host and member of the programme committee Pål Herstad, as the conference, organised by AqKva, got underway at Clarion Bergen Airport today.

“In many of the industry's most important challenges, artificial intelligence will be part of the solution, and in some areas already the only solution.”

Data-driven decisions

Herstad has extensive experience in technology and digital solutions in the aquaculture industry, which he believes has traditionally been 10 to 20 years behind other industries when it comes to digitalisation and data-driven decisions. 

“It has made it difficult to make major improvements in the areas we are measured in, because we have not had enough good data to make the right analyses and decisions, and implement changes on a large scale.

“Now we are in the process of catching up with this lead – largely thanks to better data and better tools. Artificial intelligence will accelerate this development, and no one should sit on the sidelines here.”

Three main goals

For the first aquaculture conference to put AI at the centre, the organisers have three main goals:

· To show what today's suppliers of AI solutions can offer and where the technology is headed;

· To give the public insight into how artificial intelligence will affect the entire value chain – from genetics to customer;

· And to challenge the industry to share experiences and usefulness from their own projects, which farmers have responded to positively.

From scepticism to action

Within the fish farming industry, there are major differences in how companies relate to artificial intelligence and the willingness to implement it.

“An interesting observation in recent years is that large companies, such as Lerøy and Mowi, are placing themselves at the forefront of digitalisation of processes and equipment to a much greater extent than before,” said Herstad.

“Previously, it was often a handful of smaller companies that constituted a kind of digital spearhead.”

Building digital infrastructure

He said he believed that was related to the fact that large companies have spent time building a digital infrastructure that allows for structured data collection, and that they have developed digital strategies that are now starting to yield results. 

“Until now, digitalisation of the value chain in a fish farming company has not necessarily been visible on bottom lines, in margins or biological performance.

“But that is going to change now; if you have done the digital groundwork, AI will make you more efficient and result in better biological and financial results than your neighbours who have so far been sitting on the fence.”

Very varied programme

 The conference programme is broad, covering areas such as technology, law and management. The organisers have been strict in ensuring that producers and suppliers talk about the real results they have achieved together with their customers.

“Everyone knows that sharing experiences is what brings us forward,” said Herstad, who is convinced that those attending the conference will go home with new knowledge.

“The programme covers everything from AI in land-based or sea-based production to digital infrastructure, legal considerations and public administration.

“I'll be sitting with my eyes on stalks all day long. I'd trade an office day for a conference on digital innovation in our industry at any time,” he added, with a smile.

CEO of AqKva Hans Runshaug thanked Herstad for acting as a committed moderator and participant in the programme committee. 

“We are very proud of the programme. Anyone who is ‘slightly’ interested in aquaculture on land and at sea will find a lot of exciting things here.

“Perhaps never before has so much current knowledge and experience for the aquaculture of the future been gathered in such a concentrated form,” said Runshaug. 

“The programme committee has consisted of people from Lerøy, Google Norway, AquaCloud, SopraSteria, Pål Herstad as mentioned, as well as those of us who work at AqKva. We thank you for your efforts and hope for many curious listeners at the conference on June 4.”