Canada Invests $1.6 Million in AI-Driven Aquaculture to Boost Ocean Economy and Fish Health

Canada Invests in AI-Driven Aquaculture Technology to Boost Ocean Economy

2 June 2025

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is backing a new project that applies AI-enabled cameras and advanced sensors to monitor fish health and enhance aquaculture farm efficiency. This initiative aligns with the country’s strategy to grow its ocean economy to $220 billion (U.S. $159 billion) by 2035.

Project Overview and Funding

The Enhanced Aquaculture Technology for Marine Health Project, unveiled at the Ambition 2035 Summit in Ottawa, is led by Grieg Seafood Newfoundland in partnership with Innovasea, based in Bedford, Nova Scotia. It focuses on improving fish welfare and monitoring through real-time data collection using AI-powered cameras and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) sensors.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $2.3 million (CAD $1.6 million) into this $5.9 million initiative, with the remainder funded by project partners. This investment is part of a larger $12 million (USD $8 million) package allocated for three ocean innovation projects.

Technology and Impact

The project deploys AI systems that continuously monitor environmental conditions and fish health, allowing farm operators to respond quickly to potential issues. This reduces stock losses and supports higher yields, improving operational efficiency and sustainability.

Advanced sensors track water quality indicators like hydrogen sulfide levels, which are critical for fish welfare. Real-time insights enable precise decision-making, promoting healthier marine ecosystems and more reliable seafood production.

Economic and Environmental Significance

Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, emphasizes that sustainable aquaculture contributes to climate goals and food security while creating new revenue streams. The initiative supports global commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Ocean Supercluster’s broader goal is to increase Canada’s ocean economy fivefold by 2035. The development and commercialization of innovative ocean technologies, such as this aquaculture monitoring project, are key components of this growth strategy.

Government Support

Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, highlighted the project’s alignment with the federal government’s commitment to sustainability and resilience. Investments like these contribute to a future where healthy ocean ecosystems thrive alongside economic progress.

Why It Matters for IT and Development Professionals

• The project demonstrates practical AI applications in environmental monitoring and resource management.
• It highlights the integration of sensor data with AI analytics for real-time decision-making.
• Offers insights into building scalable AI systems tailored for industrial IoT and aquaculture environments.
• Represents opportunities for collaboration between AI developers, sensor manufacturers, and aquaculture operators.

For IT specialists interested in AI applications in environmental tech and industrial automation, exploring courses on AI sensor integration and real-time analytics can be valuable. Resources for advancing these skills are available at Complete AI Training.