Stingray Marine Solutions has deployed over 3,500 AI-enhanced submarine drones to patrol salmon pens along the Norwegian coast, according to the company's latest annual report. The Oslo-based firm reported that these units now protect more than 112 million fish, representing 20-25% of the country's farmed salmon. The deployment has increased by approximately 1,000 units over the last year, making the operation one of the largest commercial AI deployments in Scandinavia.
The autonomous submarines use artificial intelligence to recognize and target sea lice, using lasers to "optically delouse" the fish. This method allows farmers to avoid traditional chemical baths, which can stress fish, damage the environment, or lead to parasite resistance. The company reported that the laser system works continuously 24/7 as fish move through their pens, resulting in improved growth, better welfare, and reduced mortality rates.
While the technology offers a way to avoid introducing toxins into food production, the company's report notes several limitations. The high up-front costs of deployment may be a deterrent for some fish farming businesses. Additionally, the drones currently operate within specific salmon pens, meaning lice can still gather in darker or murkier areas outside the patrol range.
Despite these constraints, the technology provides environmental benefits beyond the farms. By reducing the reliance on chemical treatments, the system helps lower the sea lice populations in surrounding areas, which benefits nearby wild fish populations.
