Polytech S.A. and Partners Unveil Groundbreaking EU R&D Project: FISH
Polytech S.A. is thrilled to announce that they have successfully implemented another innovative project. “FISH: Automated Sorting System for Skeletal Deformities of Cultured Fishes” was a collaboration with Biomechanical Solutions (BME) and PLAGTON A.E. The project was approved following their research proposal under the ESPA 2014-2020 “Research-Create-Innovate” business program.

Tackling a Major Challenge in Aquaculture with FISH
The aquaculture industry faces significant challenges due to the presence of skeletal anomalies in farmed fishes. This is impacting both economic returns and animal welfare. Traditionally, workers manually remove fish with skeletal deformities from production, making the process labor-intensive, costly, and prone to delays. Moreover, producers often downgrade products from these deformed fish to lower-value items such as filets or fish meal.
Currently, no reliable method exists for the mass removal of fish with skeletal deformities. This doesn’t apply in the case of fish without an inflated swim bladder, which can be selected via a salinity floating test. Manual selection remains the norm, resulting in increased personnel costs and production inefficiencies. The subjective nature of identifying commercially severe deformities further complicates the process.
The FISH system addresses these challenges by providing an automated, reliable solution for the mass removal of deformed fish. Utilizing vision analysis and shape pattern recognition, FISH promises to revolutionize how hatcheries handle deformed fish, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Enhancing Aquaculture Efficiency and Profitability
The primary objective of the FISH project is to fill a critical gap in the global market by offering a cost-effective solution that reduces production costs, optimizes fish quality, and enhances profitability. By automating the sorting process, the FISH system not only reduces labor costs but also accelerates the production cycle, leading to higher efficiency and output.
Through extensive research and development, the project aims to equip the partners with the necessary knowledge and expertise to commercialize this innovative technology. The FISH system’s ability to provide precise, objective assessments of skeletal deformities will give hatcheries a significant competitive edge, fostering industry growth and job creation.
Project Participants
- Biomechanical Solutions (BME)
- PLAGTON S.A.
- Polytech S.A.
The successful completion of the FISH project underscores the potential of collaborative innovation in addressing industry-specific challenges. By integrating advanced vision analysis and pattern recognition techniques, the FISH system represents a significant leap forward in aquaculture technology, promising to enhance productivity and profitability while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
Polytech S.A., Biomechanical Solutions, and PLAGTON A.E. are excited about the impact of this new product on the aquaculture industry. This product could drive fish farming industry to technological advancement and economic growth.
Links
Proceedings paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/94/1/58
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