OptiFeeSH aims to develop an innovative, secure and scalable platform that will integrate advanced data science methodologies, optimization algorithm and sophisticated nutrition-based fish modelling to support significant production optimization through: (a) Optimization of feeding strategies using reinforcement learning optimization and biological modelling.
This will help companies to increase production efficiency and reduce feed waste, which is one of the most important challenges of the aquaculture sector. Feed costs represent 50 to 70% of industrial aquaculture production costs, making this a critical activity within a farming operation. (b) Analysis of production data and identification of reasons for good or poor performance via Machine Learning and Data Augmentation.
The producers will be able to know how environmental parameters, feed types, feed composition, feeding rates and practices, net changes, production management strategies influence production and how each parameter contributes to deviations regarding the planning and, based on that, take decisions on fish management and improve performance. OptiFeeSH will provide integrated and holistic support for decision making and precision farming in the aquaculture sector, leading to thriving fish, promotion of blue growth and healthy seas. It will help fish farming companies to achieve a more ethically sound, cost-effective and environmentally friendly fish production.
The project is funded by the European Program EUROSTARS and the RESTART 2016-2020 Programs for Research, Technological Development, and Innovation, under the Research and Innovation Foundation of Cyprus. Specifically, it is supported by the OPERATIONAL PROGRAM: ‘THALEIA 2021-2027’ – PRIORITY AXIS: 1 – Competitive, Smart, and Digital Economy – SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: 1(i) – Development and strengthening of capacity for research and innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies.