PINE BLUFF — The Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is currently integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into aquaculture practices, Dr. Yathish Ramena, interim assistant dean for Extension and outreach for the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences and director of UAPB’s Aquaculture and Fisheries Center of Excellence, said.
“The initiative is transforming how we assess the health, growth and water quality of key species such as catfish, largemouth bass and pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei),” he said. “By harnessing AI, these projects not only enhance research outcomes, but also have the potential to inspire high school students to become part of the next generation of scientists and pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.”
Revolutionizing fish and shrimp health assessments with AI
Dr. Ramena said the new AI-driven approach enables real-time evaluation of fish and shrimp health, survival rates, growth patterns and water quality. Data collected from these assessments are uploaded to the cloud, where they are processed and presented in both raw and graphical forms. This visualization allows researchers and students to easily interpret complex data, facilitating more informed decision-making in aquaculture practices.
“By automating data analysis, the AI system improves the accuracy and efficiency of health assessments for different species,” he said. “This technology marks a significant advancement for UAPB's research capabilities and serves as a valuable educational tool for students interested in aquaculture and fisheries science.”
In the past, student helpers spent many hours measuring the survival rates and sizes of post-larvae shrimp, which are often measured in microns, Dr. Ramena said.
“Taking accurate length and width measurements for such tiny organisms was nearly impossible,” he said. “However, with the implementation of AI, we can now process each experimental tank within seconds. This technology not only reduces the burden and manpower required but also saves time and significantly improves the accuracy of our dietary trials.”
The Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries is also currently developing intensive to super-intensive culture systems for various species, including local food fish, ornamental and baitfish species, Dr. Ramena said.
“We want to expand the use of AI technology beyond local species to other commercially important finfish and shellfish, promoting sustainable practices in enclosed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS),” he said. “This broad application of AI will provide valuable insights into species-specific growth, health indices and environmental requirements, ultimately leading to more sustainable aquaculture practices.”
Engaging students through advanced technology
Dr. Ramena said one of the primary goals of the AI initiative is to spark an interest in science among high school students in Arkansas.
“By involving visiting high school students in cutting-edge research projects, the UAPB Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries is providing hands-on experience with advanced technologies that are shaping the future of aquaculture,” he said. “Many students who have participated in these projects are now considering pursuing undergraduate degrees in fields related to aquaculture, fisheries and agriculture.”
The department offers a diverse range of programs, including fisheries science, aquatic nutrition, water quality, pathology, advanced microbiology and molecular biology. The integration of AI into these disciplines not only enriches the curriculum but also prepares students for the rapidly evolving demands of the aquaculture industry, Dr. Ramena said.
Hands-on experience for high school and undergraduate students
As part of this initiative, undergraduate students and high school interns are actively involved in evaluating data from recent shrimp trials, he said. These trials involve using different life stages of artemia as live food and spirulina and single-cell protein (SCP) as alternative food sources in shrimp, catfish and largemouth bass trials. Students assess growth, survival and health indices with AI-based water quality monitoring technology. By working with real-time data, they gain experience in data analysis, research methodologies and the practical applications of AI in aquaculture.
“To further encourage interest in science, I am offering weekly and monthly tours of the department and our research station facilities for middle and high schools across the state,” Dr. Ramena said. “These tours provide students, teachers and school coordinators with an opportunity to witness firsthand the cutting-edge research being conducted and to learn more about the exciting opportunities available in aquaculture science. By scheduling regular visits, UAPB hopes to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the importance of aquaculture and the role of technology in advancing this vital field.”
Dr. Ramena encourages high school teachers and students interested in aquaculture and fisheries and AI research techniques to contact him at ramenay@uapb.edu.
“Our team is ready to offer scheduled time slots for tours, general visits and further information about how students can get involved in this exciting research,” he said. “By engaging with this initiative, students will not only gain invaluable experience but also have the chance to contribute to meaningful advancements in aquaculture, positioning themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field.”
For assistance with fish health and water quality issues, contact UAPB’s aquaculture and fisheries Extension labs and supervisors: Dr. Grace Ramena, director of the UAPB Fish Health Diagnostic Lab and Fish Health Inspection Lab at Lonoke, at (870) 575-8137 or ramenag@uapb.edu; or Travis Collins, Extension associate for the Lake Village/Eudora Fish Health Diagnostic Lab, at (870) 355-7007 or collinst@uapb.edu.
