In Norway and Iceland, more than 3,000 underwater robotic systems owned by “Stingray Marine Solutions” are utilizing laser technology to combat sea lice, which pose a severe threat to farmed salmon and trout.
Sea-news.az reports citing “Tom’s Hardware,” that the system provides 24-hour monitoring for approximately 112 million fish.
The underwater robots are equipped with cameras, sensors, and specialized lighting. Utilizing machine learning algorithms, they identify sea lice on the skin of the fish. Once a parasite is detected, the system directs a high-precision laser beam at it, eliminating the pest without needing to remove the fish from the water.
The technology was developed around a decade ago by the Norwegian company “Stingray Marine Solutions.” It is designed to reduce the reliance on chemical agents, as well as thermal and mechanical treatments that can cause fish mortality.
The effectiveness of the technology is further confirmed by research findings. According to 2023 data from Norwegian fish farms, facilities utilizing laser systems were 50 percent less likely to require additional parasite treatments within a week. Additionally, sea lice counts on fish remained at the same level or lower compared to farms not deploying the technology.
However, researchers note that the system’s efficiency depends on operating conditions. Furthermore, there have been instances where laser radiation caused damage to fish eyes, which could negatively impact their health and growth.
Thus, the laser system is emerging as a promising tool for parasite control in aquaculture, although the technology still requires further refinement.
