Machine learning bid to beat deadly blooms in Chile
A company specialising in artificial intelligence is developing computer modelling to predict harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Chile, where more than 6,000 tonnes of farmed salmon have recently died because of the phenomenon.
Multinational firm AIS Group (Aplicaciones de Inteligencia Artificial, SA) is working under state development agency Corfo’s “Create and Validate” programme to develop an AI model based on machine learning techniques.
“The objective is to get ahead so that the salmon farming companies can take measures to avoid, or at least reduce, the catastrophic consequences of HABs,” stated AIS, which is headquartered in Barcelona but has a branch in the Chilean capital, Santiago.
“The development of this AI system has the support of Corfo, which sees this tool as a very beneficial solution for salmon producers.”
Algorithms
Leandro Fernández, general manager of AIS Chile and Andean Region, said the first phase of data collection and processing had been successfully completed, thanks to the support of various actors in the salmon industry. The algorithms are currently being developed, and the first results are expected next month.
The HAB prediction, says Fernández, “may have a relevant impact for companies in this sector, as it will allow concrete actions to be taken in the farming centres”.
He added: “In the current HAB event that is affecting southern Chile in recent weeks, more than 6,000 tonnes of dead salmon have been registered between the Los Lagos region and Aysén; but, in addition, there is an impact as much or more relevant in the ecosystem. Our objective is to obtain greater control before the advance of these phenomena.”
Everyone invited
The company is working with the support of Intesal, the salmon technology institute run by producers’ organisation SalmonChile, and several national salmon farming companies based on data collected from 2017 to March 2021. AIS has issued an open invitation to all companies in the field that want to join the initiative.
AIS Group is a strategic, financial and technological consultancy working in more than 20 countries. Its speciality is creating support systems for decision-making based on statistical modelling (forecasting) and mathematics (optimisation).
