When AI raises shrimp

While not all aspects, AI (artificial intelligence) is playing a crucial role in many stages of the shrimp farming process, from pond management and water environment monitoring to equipment automation, contributing to increased productivity and reduced risks for farmers.

Members of the Green AIoT project research team inspect a sensor device that measures oxygen concentration in a shrimp farming pond.

AI controls the aquatic environment.

At an event organized by the Department of Science and Technology last weekend on the application of AI in production and daily life, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, BTECFPT , and Melbourne Polytechnic Vietnam introduced the Green AIoT project to farmers – a solution applying artificial intelligence in monitoring and optimizing the water environment for shrimp farming.

The Green AIoT system operates through a network of IoT sensors, continuously collecting data on pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and alkalinity. These factors directly affect shrimp physiology, molting cycles, metabolic capacity, and disease risk.

According to Mr. Vu Phan Minh Hai, the project representative, a notable feature is the integration of AI to process data in real time, enabling early detection of adverse fluctuations. Upon detecting abnormalities, the system can automatically activate devices such as ultrafine oxygen (UFB) generators to adjust the environment and support stable shrimp growth.

AI in Green AIoT also has predictive capabilities, learning from historical environmental data to proactively suggest early intervention measures. This process is supported by autonomous vessels (ASVs), allowing AI to collect and analyze data at multiple points in the pond, thereby providing farmers with a comprehensive, accurate, and flexible view.

“Green AIoT is not just a technology system; it's a clear vision of the future of smart agriculture . AI will manage and intervene, helping farmers improve productivity, reduce risks, and guide the aquaculture industry towards sustainability in the digital age,” Mr. Hai stated.

Mr. Phan Duc Dat's shrimp farm (Phuoc Hoi commune, Long Dat district) is applying many technologies for managing the shrimp farming environment.

Applying various modern farming technologies.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, there are currently 527 high-tech agricultural, livestock, and aquaculture production facilities in the province. These technologies include greenhouses, net houses, automatic feeding and nutrient regulation systems; sensor-based temperature and humidity monitoring and adjustment; application of information technology in management and control; and the use of microorganisms in waste treatment and water quality management.

In aquaculture, there is a modern water treatment and wastewater treatment system. Water is treated and reused in a closed-loop system without discharge into the environment. The main farming method is in floating ponds and circular ponds lined with tarpaulin and covered with roofs, with a density of 250-500 fish/m2, raising 3-4 crops per year, and a yield of 30-50 tons/ha/crop.

Mr. Phan Duc Dat's farm in Phuoc Hoi commune, Long Dat district, is raising whiteleg shrimp using the CPF Combine model on a total area of ​​21 hectares. Of this, 3 hectares are dedicated to 21 shrimp ponds; the remaining 18 hectares are allocated to 20 settling ponds and water treatment ponds, forming a closed-loop farming process to tightly control the environment and promptly detect and treat any signs of disease in the shrimp.

Mr. Dat also invested in oxygen aerators, fans, and modern pH meters to ensure water quality and hygiene in the shrimp ponds. The water in the ponds is changed daily after being treated in a settling pond, which helps stimulate shrimp molting, promotes faster growth, and maintains a stable living environment.

The intense sunshine interspersed with sudden rain showers like in recent days easily causes heat shock to shrimp, so Mr. Dat covered the entire pond system with plastic sheeting and raised the water level to a maximum of 1.5m to stabilize the environment. Mr. Dat also applied the new Vibot microbial technology, creating a brown "artificial film" on the water surface to minimize the impact of heat, ultraviolet rays, and rain on the shrimp.

Vibot technology utilizes two strains of microorganisms, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus lateosporus, to inhibit the bacteria that cause white spot disease (TDP) in shrimp, while also slowing down the growth and decomposition of algae.

With fewer shrimp diseases and a stable water environment, pond water changes are less frequent, reducing costs for shrimp farmers who need to buy antibiotics, lime, and vitamins to boost shrimp immunity. Furthermore, healthy shrimp with good appetites have increased productivity by over 20%.

"I applied the Vibot microbial technology for creating artificial membranes to seven ponds covering an area of ​​5,000 square meters, and just harvested 27 tons of shrimp (25 shrimp/kg), an increase of more than 5 tons compared to before," Mr. Dat said.

Text and photos: NGOC MINH

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/kinh-te/202505/khi-ai-nuoi-tom-1042954/