Comprehensive Fish Feeding Management in Pond Aquaculture Based on Fish Feeding Behavior Analysis Using a Vision Language Model

For aquaculture systems, maximizing feed efficiency is a major challenge since it directly affects growth rates and economic sustainability. Feed is one of the largest costs in aquaculture, and feed waste is a significant environmental issue that requires effective management strategies. This paper suggests a novel approach for optimal fish feeding in pond aquaculture systems that integrates vision language models (VLMs), optical flow, and advanced image processing techniques to enhance feed management strategies. The system allows for the precise assessment of fish needs in connection to their feeding habits by integrating real-time data on biomass estimates and water quality conditions. By combining these data sources, the system makes informed decisions about when to activate automated feeders, optimizing feed distribution and cutting waste. A case study was conducted at a profit-driven tilapia farm where the system had been operational for over half a year. The results indicate significant improvements in feed conversion ratios (FCR) and a 28% reduction in feed waste. Our study found that, under controlled conditions, an average of 135 kg of feed was saved daily, resulting in a cost savings of approximately $1800 over the course of the study. The VLM-based fish feeding behavior recognition system proved effective in recognizing a range of feeding behaviors within a complex dataset in a series of tests conducted in a controlled pond aquaculture setting, with an F1-score of 0.95, accuracy of 92%, precision of 0.90, and recall of 0.85. Because it offers a scalable framework for enhancing aquaculture resource use and promoting sustainable practices, this study has significant implications. Our study demonstrates how combining language models and image processing could transform feeding practices, ultimately improving aquaculture’s environmental stewardship and profitability.