WO2025196152A1

WO2025196152A1 - System for monitoring fish treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2025196152A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/057558
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ragnhild HOLLUP; Ingar Stian NÆRBØ; Einar Wangberg
Original assignee: Optoscale As
Current assignee: Optoscale As
Priority date: 2024-03-19
Filing date: 2025-03-19
Publication date: 2025-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-19
Also published as: GB202504032D0; GB202403904D0

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method of monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation. The method comprising obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation and assessing a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on a treated fish from the image data. The method monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on the analysed image data.

Description

Methods and System for Monitoring Fish Treatment

The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring fish. Aspects of the invention include methods and systems to optimise fish treatment conditions and/or assess an efficacy of a fish treatment.

Background to the invention

The demand for dietary fish has increased in recent years resulting in widespread overfishing in wild fisheries and a significant decrease in fish stocks. Aguaculture such as fish farming may help to boost stocks of freshwater and seawater species, which can help wild stocks replenish before they are fished again. Aguaculture is the practice of commercially raising fish in artificial fish colonies that are provided with sufficient food and protection from natural predators.

Fish farms are typically located inside small bodies of water, such as lakes or ponds, or in the sea along the coast and many different types of fish may be raised. The fish may be harvested from the fish farms when needed to meet demand. Currently, about half the fish consumed globally are raised in these artificial environments. To meet demand fish farms have been located offshore and have increased the capacity of their pens to accommodate more fish. However, the remote location and higher number of fish per farm can make it harder to manage the fish farm. Fish farmers need to meet high management standards to maintain a reputation of producing high guality fish and to follow a robust legislative and regulatory framework which protects the fish farming industry and the environment.

Parasites such as sea lice may proliferate in fish farms and if left untreated may spread out to afflict wild fish. Sea lice can cause deadly infestations of both farm-grown and wild salmon. Sea lice feed on mucus, blood, and skin, and migrate and latch onto the skin of fish. If left untreated fish farms can create exceptionally large concentrations of sea lice causing damage and stress which may kill the fish. Viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases may also arise in fish farms and spread to native fish populations.

Treatments for fish disease and/or parasite infestations may involve removing the fish from a farm pen into treatment location such as on a well boat. A variety of different fish treatments may be used including medical and non-medical treatments. In a medical treatment fish are bathed in a treatment fluid and returned to the farm pen. Non-medical parasite treatments may comprise thermal delousing, mechanical delousing (flushing/brushing of fish), and/ or freshwater delousing. However, such treatments may be stressful on the fish. If the fish are in a weak health condition the further stress from treatment and handling of the fish may further harm or kill the fish. In addition, the handling and transportation of fish through a treatment operation can cause injury and be stressful to the fish. The fish may need to be pumped from a pen to a treatment location such as on a boat and pumped back to the pen, this can result in physical damage to the fish. A sample of the fish may be manually handled after a treatment to count the number of lice and assess welfare indicators, this can lead to further stress and injury to the fish. Furthermore if the treatment conditions are incorrect or too harsh the treatment may be ineffective or alternatively harm or kill the fish.

Summary of the invention

It is amongst the aims and objects of the invention to provide a method and system for monitoring fish before, during and/or after a fish treatment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for optimising a fish treatment operation and/or conditions of a fish treatment operation.

It is a further object of an aspect of the invention to a system and/or method which is capable of detecting and/or estimating changes in fish health conditions before, during and/or after a fish treatment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for improved sustainability of a fish farm. The method and system may optimise the treatment of fish while minimising welfare issues of the fish.

Further aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of optimising at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation, the method comprising obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; assessing a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish; and adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation.

The method may comprise measuring or calculating a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish from the image data. The method may comprise adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on the measured or calculated welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish. The rapid assessment of welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish from the image data may allow the fish treatment operation to be adjusted in real time.

The method may comprise adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation until the welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on fish passing through the treatment operation is within a desired range.

The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish handling operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation as fish return to a pen after a fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish as fish leave a treatment area. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish as fish are transported from a wellboat after a fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation as fish are transferred between pens. The method may comprise analysing the image data to detect, assess and/or monitor at least one characteristic of lice or parasite on the fish. The at least one characteristic of parasite or lice may be selected from size, shape, colour and/or number of parasite or lice on the fish. The method may comprise analysing the image data to monitor the number of lice and/or parasites present on at least a sample of fish and/or monitor welfare indicators of fish. The method may comprise monitoring two or more fish. The method may comprise monitoring a plurality of fish. The method may comprise monitoring a batch of fish. The method may comprise monitoring a sample of fish from a batch. The method may comprise analysing image data of two or more fish, a plurality of fish, a batch of fish and/or a sample of fish from a batch. The method may comprise analysing the image data to assess welfare indicators of fish. The method may comprise balancing fish welfare with an effective treatment operation and/or an effective fish handling operation. The method may comprise optimising the treatment operation to reach a balance of fish welfare and effective treatment operation. The method may comprise optimising the treatment operation to reach a balance of fish welfare and effective fish handling operation. The method may comprise optimising the treatment operation to reach a balance of fish welfare and effective lice or parasite treatment. The method may comprise adjusting a treatment operation and/or a fish handling operation to maximise fish welfare and/or parasite treatment. The method may comprise determining, obtaining or calculating a welfare score for fish. A welfare score for the fish may be determined based on measurements of the welfare affecting indicators. The welfare affecting indicators may include size, signs of disease, cuts or damage to the skin, eye, scales, fin and/or gill, gill cover, skin colour, bleeding, reluctance to move, altered body posture, swim speed, swim pattern, angle of the fish, breathing frequency, mucus layer, mucus production, opercular beat frequency and number of dead fish.

The fish treatment operation may be selected from a parasite treatment, lice treatment and/or a fish disease treatment. The fish disease treatment may be selected from the group comprising amoebic gill disease, Ceratomyxosis, Channel catfish virus disease, Enteric septicaemia of catfish (Edwardsiellosis), Enteric redmouth, Eel rhabdovirus disease, Epizootic haematopoietic Necrosis, Furunculosis, Epizootic ulcerative syndrome, Flexibacteriosis, Ichthyophthiriasis (White Spot), Gyrodactylosis (Gyrodactylus salaris), Infectious pancreatic necrosis, Infectious salmon anaemia, Infectious haematopoietic necrosis, Koi herpesvirus disease, Bacterial kidney disease (Renibacterium salmoninarum), White sturgeon iridoviral disease, Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia, Viral erythrocytic necrosis disease, Vibriosis, Trout fry syndrome, Streptococcicosis, Spring viraemia of carp, Sleeping disease of trout, Red sea bream iridoviral disease, Proliferative kidney disease, Pike fry rhabdovirus disease, Pasteurellosis, Pancreas disease of salmon, Oncorhynchus masou virus disease and Lactococcosis.

The method may comprise assessing or identifying a type, characteristic and/or condition of the parasite or lice. The fish lice or parasite treatment may be selected based on the type or characteristic of the parasite or lice. The fish lice or parasite treatment may be suitable for lice selected from the group comprising mature female lice, movable lice, fixed lice, Salmon lice, Argulus; Lepeophtheirus salmonis, Caligus, L. Salmonis and C. elongatus, C. Rogercresseyi, Copepodids and Chalimus. The method may comprise assessing or identifying parasites or lice at any stage of the parasite or lice life or growth cycle. The method may comprise treating parasites or lice at any stage of the parasite or lice life or growth cycle.

The method may comprise locating at least one camera device in the pen. The at least one camera device may be configured to capture data of fish in the pen. The method may comprise capturing or obtaining image data of at least a sample of fish in the pen prior to, immediately prior to and/or during a treatment operation. The method may comprise capturing and/or obtaining image data of at least a sample of fish in the pen after, immediately after and/or during a treatment operation. The method may comprise capturing or obtaining image data of at least a sample of fish in the fish treatment location, downstream of the fish treatment location and/or upstream of the fish treatment location. The method may comprise positioning or locating at least one camera device in fish treatment location or area. The method may comprise positioning or locating at least one camera device downstream of a fish treatment location or area. The at least one camera may be configured to obtain image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted, in, on or at known locations of the boat or pen. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted in, on or at known locations of the fish handling and/or treatment apparatus. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted in, on or at an outlet of the fish treatment location. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted in, on or to a fish return member or pipe. The at least one downstream camera device may be configured to capture image data of at least a sample of fish passing through the fish return member or pipe towards the fish pen. The method may comprise positioning or locating at least one camera device downstream of a fish treatment area or location on a wellboat, on a pen structure and/or in a fish pen.

The method may comprise capturing and/or obtaining image data from two or more camera devices. The method may comprise capturing and/or obtaining image data from a plurality of camera devices. Each camera device may be positioned at known locations in the treatment system. The known locations may be selected from the group comprising a boat, fish farm, fish treatment area, wellboat, inlet or pathway to a fish treatment area, outlet or pathway from a fish treatment area, fish storage area, pen structure and/or fish pen. The method may comprise comparing the image data from the camera devices to identify a location where there is a change in welfare score and/or a change in at least one characteristic of parasite or lice.

The data may be selected from the list comprising fish measurements, lice or parasites data and/or welfare scoring of the fish prior to the treatment operations. The method may comprise positioning or locating at least one camera device upstream of a fish treatment location in a fish pen configured to obtain image data of fish in the fish pen before a fish treatment operation. The method may comprise positioning or locating at least one camera device upstream of a fish treatment location in a fish pen. The method may comprise comparing the image data for fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the treatment of individual fish. The method may comprise comparing the image data for fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the health and/or welfare of fish during the treatment operation. The method may comprise analysing the image data to acquire information and/or data about state or health of the treated fish. The method may comprise analysing the image data to acquire information and/or data on an impact a fish handling operation or condition has on the fish. The method may comprise analysing the image data to acquire information and/or data about state and/or health of the individually treated fish. The method may comprise evaluating the effect of the treatment and/or handling conditions on the fish. The method may comprise detecting parameters of the fish to determine a welfare score of the fish. The method may comprise non- invasive and/or continuous welfare monitoring of fish.

The at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation may be a fish handling operation or condition. The at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment may comprise at least one parameter of the collecting, handling, sorting, holding, and/or transporting of the fish during the treatment operation. The at least one condition or characteristic of the treatment may comprise parameters which effect the efficacy of a treatment. The at least one condition or characteristic of the treatment may comprise parameters which effect stress or health of the fish. The at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment may be at least one water parameter which may affect the quality of the water used during the collecting, handling, sorting, holding, and/or transporting of the fish. The at least one water parameter may be selected from the list comprising temperature, dissolved oxygen level, pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, salinity, pressure, flow rate, contaminant content, hardness and amount of time the fish have spent in the water. The at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment may be a handling and/or treatment parameter may which include the density and flow rate of fish through the treatment system, in the storage well(s) and/or treatment area. The agitation and confinement of the fish may increase the risk of aggressive interactions, intraspecific and interspecific competition, cannibalism, predation, and dominance hierarchies. These interactions may result in wounds or death. The method may comprise monitoring conditions and/or characteristics of the treatment, collecting, handling, sorting, holding, and/or transporting of the fish to provide an indication of the long term effects of the handling and treatment of the fish during the treatment operation.

The method may comprise monitoring at least one characteristic of the fish following treatment selected from the group comprising prolonged stress, suppressed immune systems, reduced growth rates, reduced quality of the fish meat, impaired swimming performance, impaired reproduction and increased susceptibility to disease and/or death rate. The at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment may be a condition and/or characteristic of a pathway into, through or from a treatment area. The at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment may be a condition and/or characteristic of a pathway upstream of a treatment area. The at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment may be a condition and/or characteristic of a pathway downstream of a treatment area. The at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment may be a condition and/or characteristic of a pathway from a treatment vessel to a pen. The at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment may be a condition and/or characteristic of a pathway from a pen to a treatment vessel. The at least one condition and/or characteristic may be an orientation, angle of inclination, flow rate, height and/or drop distance of a pathway into, through or from a treatment area. The method may comprise adjusting the orientation, angle of inclination, flow rate, height and/or drop distance of a pathway. The method may comprise adjusting the orientation, angle of inclination, flow rate, height and/or drop distance of a fish return pipe section to the pen. The method may comprise adjusting the height of the fish return pipe section above the water level in the pen. The method may comprise adjusting the orientation, angle of inclination, flow rate, height and/or drop distance of a fish return pipe section outlet above the water level in the pen. The method may comprise adjusting the height of the pipe section outlet above the water level in the pen. The method may comprise adjusting at least one condition and/or characteristic selected from the group comprising fish collecting conditions, fish handling conditions, fish sorting conditions, fish holding conditions, fish transporting conditions during the treatment operation, flow rate of fish through the treatment operation, pathway conditions through or from a treatment area selected from orientation, angle of inclination, flow rate, water level, height and/or drop distance of a pathway into, through or from a treatment area, water quality, treatment conditions, treatment type, chemical treatment type, mechanical treatment type, treatment exposure time, temperature, dissolved oxygen level, pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, salinity, pressure, flow rate, contaminant content, hardness and/or amount of time the fish have spent in the water.

The method may comprise adjusting and/or optimising a fish treatment operation and/or a fish handling operation as a function of the welfare score and/or number of parasites or lice on a treated fish.

The method may comprise assessing the treatment of individual fish. The method may comprise assessing the handling of an individual fish in a treatment operation. The method may comprise assessing the removal of parasites or lice of individual fish. The method may comprise the capturing image data for an individual fish before and/or after a treatment. The method may comprise comparing the image data for an individual fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the treatment of individual fish. The method may comprise assessing the welfare of individual fish. The method may comprise assessing the health and/or welfare of a fish. The method may comprise comparing the image data for an individual fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the health and/or welfare of individual fish during the treatment operation. The method may comprise assessing the treatment of two or more fish. The method may comprise assessing the handling of two or more in a treatment operation. The method may comprise assessing the removal of parasites or lice of two or more fish. The method may comprise the capturing image data for two or more fish before and/or after a treatment. The method may comprise comparing the image data for two or more fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the treatment of the fish. The method may comprise assessing the welfare of two or more fish. The method may comprise assessing the health and/or welfare of a fish. The method may comprise comparing the image data for an two or more fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the health and/or welfare of the fish during the treatment operation. The method may comprise assessing the treatment of a sample of a batch of fish. The method may comprise assessing the handling of a sample of a batch of fish in a treatment operation. The method may comprise assessing the removal of parasites or lice of a sample of a batch of fish. The method may comprise the capturing image data for a sample of a batch of fish before and/or after a treatment. The method may comprise comparing the image data for a sample of a batch of fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the treatment of the fish. The method may comprise assessing the welfare of a sample of a batch of fish. The method may comprise assessing the health and/or welfare of a fish. The method may comprise comparing the image data for a sample of a batch of fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the health and/or welfare of the fish during the treatment operation.

The method may comprise providing at least one camera device in a fish treatment area. The method may comprise determining, obtaining and/or calculating assessing a welfare score and/or number of parasites or lice on a treated fish to monitor the fish treatment operation. The method may be a computer implemented method. The method may comprise estimating and/or predicting future expected image data set. The method may comprise comparing measured image data with expected image data to monitor the at least one characteristic and/or condition of the treatment operation. The method may comprise creating a model. The model may be a computer implemented model. The model may be a machine learning model. The method may comprise attributing a change in at least one characteristic and/or condition of the treatment operation to a change in the treatment efficacy and/or fish welfare.

The method may comprise attributing a change in at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish handling operation or condition to a change in the treatment efficacy and/or fish welfare. The method may comprise measuring or monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of the treatment operation. The at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation may be a fish handling operation or condition. The method may comprise comparing the at least one characteristic and/or condition data with a change in the treatment efficacy and/or fish welfare. The method may comprise inferring that changes in one or more characteristic and/or condition of the treatment operation correspond with one or more changes in treatment efficacy and/or fish welfare. The method may comprise comparing the timing of a change in one or more characteristic and/or condition with one or more changes in treatment efficacy and/or fish welfare. The method may comprise comparing the timing of a change in treatment efficacy and/or fish welfare with the timing of change in one or more characteristic and/or condition.

The method may comprise monitoring, tracking and/or recording optimal parameters of the at least one characteristic and/or condition of the fish treatment operation which result in improved treatment efficacy and/or fish welfare. The method may comprise applying the optimal parameters during a treatment operation. The method may comprise applying the optimal parameters to a new treatment operation. The method may comprise applying the optimal parameters to a future treatment operation. The method may comprise applying the optimal parameters to a treatment operation to treat the remaining fish in the same batch, pen or location using the adjusted or optimal parameters. The method may comprise tuning the treatment operation conditions or parameters during a treatment operation. The method may comprise applying the optimal parameters for a different batch of fish in the same pen or location. The method may comprise applying the optimal parameters for a different pen of fish in the same location. The method may comprise applying the optimal parameters for a different pen or batch of fish in a different location. The method may comprise creating a machine learning model based on the optimal treatment parameters for the fish. The method may comprise using the model to optimise a treatment procedure for different batches of fish or pens of fish in same location. The method may comprise using the model to optimise a treatment procedure for fish in different locations.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring a fish treatment operation, the system comprising: at least one camera device downstream of a fish treatment location configured to obtain image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; a processor configured to analyse the image data to determine a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish to monitor the fish treatment operation.

The at least one characteristic of parasite or lice may be selected from size, shape, colour and/or number of parasite or lice on the fish. The method may comprise analysing the image data to monitor the number of lice and/or parasites present on at least a sample of fish and/or monitor welfare indicators of fish. The treatment may affect the size, shape, colour and/or number of parasite or lice on the fish. The treatment may cause the parasite or lice on the fish to swell, shrink, fall off and/or change colour. A change in the size, shape, colour and/or number of parasite or lice on the fish may be used to assess an effectiveness of a parasite or lice treatment. The system may be configured to analyse the image data to monitor an effect of a treatment condition and/or a handling condition on the fish. The system may be configured to analyse at least one fish in the image data. The system may be configured to analyse image data of at least one fish. The system may be configured to analyse two or more fish in the image data. The system may be configured to analyse image data of two or more fish. The system may be configured to analyse a plurality of fish in the image data. The system may be configured to analyse image data of a plurality of fish.

The system may comprise at least one camera device upstream of a fish treatment location in a fish pen configured to obtain image data of fish in the fish pen before a fish treatment operation. The system may comprise at least one camera device upstream of a fish treatment location in a fish pen. The system may be a computer-based system. The processor may be configured to use a trained machine learning system to detect fish characteristics in captured images. The trained machine learning system may be configured to detect characteristics based on training with sets of training images including images of healthy and/or unhealthy fish. The system may detect parameters of the fish to determine a welfare score of the fish. The system may allow non- invasive and/or continuous welfare monitoring of the fish. The captured image data may be transmitted to a remote location for storage and/or processing. The remote location may be on the boat, on shore or a fish farm facility. The system may be a wired or wireless data transmission system. The captured image data may be transmitted to a cloud based storage and/or cloud based processing system. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or at known locations of the boat or pen. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or at known locations of the fish handling and/or treatment apparatus. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or at an outlet of the fish treatment location. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or to a fish return member or pipe. The at least one downstream camera device may be configured to capture image data of at least a sample of fish passing through the fish return member or pipe towards the fish pen. The fish return member or pipe may be configured for fish to slide down from a boat to the fish pen. The fish return member or pipe may be a fish slide or chute. The fish return member or pipe may have at least one fish inlet and at least one fish outlet. The fish return member or pipe may have a longitudinal slide length defined between the least one fish inlet and at least one fish outlet. The fish return member or pipe may have a negative slope or incline along the entirety of the longitudinal slide length. The fish return member or pipe may comprise a pipe section. The fish return member or pipe may comprise at least one net section. The pipe section and/or net section may be configured to guide fish toward the at least one downstream camera device. The at least one net section may comprise a cylindrical net section. The at least one net section may comprise a conical net section. The at least one pipe section, net section, cylindrical net section and/or conical net section may comprise at least one aperture. The at least one downstream camera device may be mounted in the at least one aperture. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on the pen. The at least one downstream camera device camera may be submerged or partially submerged in water in the pen. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on the boat. The at least one downstream camera device camera may be position close or adjacent to an exit of the fish return member or pipe. The position of at least one downstream camera device is selected to avoid bubbles or thrashing of fish entering the pen. The position of at least one downstream camera device is selected to capture fish entering the pen and not fish present in the pen. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or to the pipe section. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or to the at least one net section. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or to the at least one cylindrical net section. The at least one downstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or to the at least one conical net section.

The at least one upstream camera device may be submerged or partially submerged in water in the pen. The at least one upstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or to the pen or support member of the pen. The at least one upstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or in a fish storage well or tank. The at least one upstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted at or in the proximity of an inlet or outlet of a fish storage well or tank. The at least one upstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or at an inlet of a fish treatment area. The at least one upstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or at known locations of the boat. The at least one upstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or at known locations of the pen. The at least one upstream camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or at known locations of the fish handling and/or treatment apparatus. The at least one pipe section may be connected to the at least one net section. The pipe section may be suspended a vertical distance above the water in the pen. The pipe section may be suspended a vertical distance above the at least one net section. The system may comprise two or more upstream camera devices. The system may comprise two or more downstream camera devices.

The processor may be configured to compare image data from the at least one upstream camera and the image data from the at least one downstream camera. The processor may be configured to compare image data from two or more cameras. Each of the two or more cameras may be located at different positions in the treatment system. At least one camera may be located upstream of the treatment location. At least one camera may be located downstream of the treatment location. At least one camera may be located at or adjacent to an outlet location to a pen. By comparing image data capture from multiple cameras positioned along a treatment system a cause for a deterioration in fish health or welfare may be detected.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for monitoring a fish treatment operation, the method comprising: providing at least one camera device downstream of a fish treatment location; and obtaining image data of fish after or during a fish treatment operation; analysing the image data to assess a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish to monitor the fish treatment operation.

The method may comprise providing at least one camera device upstream of a fish treatment location. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish before a fish treatment operation. The method may comprise comparing the image data to assess a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish to monitor the fish treatment operation. The method may comprise comparing the image data to monitor a fish handling operation and/or conditions.

The at least one characteristic of parasite or lice may be selected from size, shape, colour and/or number of parasite or lice on the fish. The method may comprise analysing the image data to monitor the number of lice and/or parasites present on at least a sample of fish and/or monitor welfare indicators of fish.

The method may comprise providing at least one upstream camera device in a fish storage well or tank. The method may comprise providing at least one upstream camera device at or in the proximity of an inlet or outlet of a fish storage well or tank. The method may comprise providing a at least one camera device in a fish treatment area. The method may comprise providing a camera device upstream and/or downstream of a fish treatment area. The method may comprise providing at least one camera device at or in the proximity of an inlet or outlet of a fish treatment area. The method may comprise providing at least one downstream camera device on or at an outlet of the fish treatment location. The method may comprise providing at least one downstream camera device on or at a fish return member. The method may comprise providing at least one downstream camera device to capture image data of at least a sample of fish passing through the fish return member towards the fish pen. The method may comprise determining, obtaining or calculating assessing a welfare score and/or number of parasites or lice on a treated fish to monitor the fish treatment operation.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first and/or second aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for optimising a fish treatment operation, the system comprising: locating at least one camera device downstream of a fish treatment location; obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; analysing the image data to determine a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish; and adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation until the welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on fish passing through the fish treatment operation is within a desired range. The method may comprise locating at least one camera device upstream of a fish treatment location. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish before a fish treatment operation. The method may comprise comparing the image data of fish captured before and after a treatment operation. The method may comprise comparing the image data of fish captured before and after a treatment operation and assessing a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish.

The at least one characteristic of parasite or lice may be selected from size, shape, colour and/or number of parasite or lice on the fish. The method may comprise analysing the image data to monitor the number of lice and/or parasites present on at least a sample of fish and/or monitor welfare indicators of fish. The at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation may be a fish handling operation and/or conditions.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to third aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of optimising at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation, the method comprising: obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; comparing the image data with a database of the image data signatures to identify at least one characteristic and/or condition of the fish treatment operation to adjust.

The method may comprise comparing the image data with a database of image data signatures to assess a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish. The method may comprise comparing the image data with a database of the image data signatures to identify at least one characteristic and/or condition of the fish treatment operation to adjust to optimise the fish treatment operation. The fish treatment operation may be optimised such that a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish are within a desired range.

The at least one characteristic of parasite or lice may be selected from size, shape, colour and/or number of parasite or lice on the fish. The method may comprise analysing the image data to monitor the number of lice and/or parasites present on at least a sample of fish and/or monitor welfare indicators of fish. The method may comprise selecting one or more characteristic and/or condition of the fish treatment operation based on a modelled fish treatment operation. The method may comprise designing a fish treatment operation for each boat and/or pen.

The method may comprise simulating a fish welfare and/or treatment efficacy based on a fish treatment operation model to obtain a first simulated fish treatment data set. The method may comprise simulating a second fish treatment operation based on changes of one or more characteristic and/or condition of the fish treatment operation to obtain a second simulated fish treatment operation data set.

The method may comprise building a database of fish treatment operation data. The method may comprise generating a library and/or database of fish treatment operation sets for a range of treatment characteristics and/or conditions. The method may comprise optimising the model by performing history matching. The method may comprise optimising the model by modifying the simulated fish welfare and treatment data based on the fish welfare and treatment data. The method comprise optimising the model by comparing and/or adjusting the treatment characteristics and/or conditions of the simulated fish welfare and treatment data until the simulated fish welfare and treatment data is a better match to the observed fish welfare and treatment data.

Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to fourth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of optimising at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation, the method comprising: obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; assessing the health of the treated fish from the image data; adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation.

The method may comprise adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation until the health of the fish passing through the fish treatment operation within a desired range.

The method may comprise assessing a welfare score of a treated fish. The method may comprise assessing at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish. The at least one parasite or lice characteristic may be selected from the group comprising the number of lice or parasite, colour of lice or parasite, swelling of lice or parasite, and/or size of lice or parasite. The method may comprise adjusting the at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on historical treatment data. The historical treatment data may comprise treatment data from a previous batch of treated fish. The historical treatment data may comprise treatment data from a previous batch of treated fish in the same or different location. The historical treatment data may comprise treatment data from a different pen of treated fish in the same or different location. The historical treatment data may comprise treatment data from treated fish in a different location.

Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to fifth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of optimising at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation, the method comprising: obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; assessing the health of the treated fish from the image data; adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation; obtaining image data of fish after adjusting the fish treatment operation.

The method may comprise assessing a welfare score of a treated fish. The method may comprise assessing at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish. The at least one lice characteristic may be selected from the group comprising the number of lice or parasite, colour of lice or parasite, swelling of lice or parasite, and/or size of lice or parasite. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish during the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish in the pen after adjusting the fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish after the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish an hour after the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish less than five hours after the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish a day after the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish less than 3 days after the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish a week after the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise assessing a welfare score and/or number of parasites or lice on a fish treated with the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise assessing the efficacy of the adjusted fish treatment operation. The method may comprise adjusting the at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on historical treatment data. The historical treatment data may comprise treatment data from a previous batch of treated fish. The historical treatment data may comprise treatment data from a previous batch of treated fish in the same or different location. The historical treatment data may comprise treatment data from a different pen of treated fish in the same or different location. The historical treatment data may comprise treatment data from treated fish in a different location.

Embodiments of the seventh aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to sixth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring a fish treatment operation, the system comprising: at least one camera device downstream of a fish treatment location configured to obtain image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; a processor configured to analyse the image data to determine the health of a treated fish to monitor the fish treatment operation.

Embodiments of the eighth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to seventh aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to an ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation, the method comprising: obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; assessing at least one welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on a treated fish from the image data; and monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on the image data.

The method monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on the analysed image data. Embodiments of the ninth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to eighth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to an tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring a fish treatment operation, the system comprising: at least one camera device associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or to a fish return member wherein the at least one camera device is configured to obtain image data of fish after a fish treatment operation; a processor configured to analyse the image data to determine the health of a treated fish to monitor the fish treatment operation.

The at least one downstream camera device may be configured to capture image data of at least a sample of fish passing through the fish return member towards the fish pen. The sample of fish may comprise two or more fish. The sample of fish may comprise a plurality of fish. The at least one downstream camera device may be configured to capture image data of at least a sample of two or more fish passing through the fish return member towards the fish pen. The at least one camera device is positioned or located downstream of a fish treatment area or location on a wellboat, on a pen structure and/or in a fish pen.

Embodiments of the tenth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to ninth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring a fish treatment operation, the system comprising: two or more camera devices each arranged at known positions in a fish treatment system; a processor configured to analyse the image data from the two or more camera to monitor the fish treatment operation.

The processor may be configured to analyse the image data to assess at least one welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on a treated fish from the image data. The processor may be configured to analyse the image data to assess at least one welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on a treated fish at each position in the fish treatment system. The processor may be configured to analyse the image data to determine at which stage or position of the fish treatment system the health of the fish starts to deteriorate. The processor may be configured to compared data from the two or more camera devices to determine the location where one or more fish welfare indicators have changed. The processor may be configured to compared data from the two or more camera devices to determine where one or more fish welfare indicators have changed indicating the fish health has deteriorated then the handling and/or treatment conditions are too harsh causing stress and/or injury to the fish. The processor may be configured to compared data from the two or more camera devices to determine the location where at least one characteristic of parasites or lice changed. At least one camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted on or to a fish return member. At least one camera device may be located upstream of a treatment location. At least one camera device may be located downstream of a treatment location. The system may comprise a plurality of cameras each arranged at known positions in a fish treatment system. The processor may be configured to compared data from each camera device to determine a location where one or more fish welfare indicators have changed. The processor may be configured to compared data from each camera device to determine a location where one or more fish welfare indicators have deteriorated. The processor may be configured to compared data from the plurality of camera devices to determine the location where at least one characteristic of parasites or lice changed.

Embodiments of the eleventh aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to tenth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to an twelfth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation, the method comprising obtaining image data of fish from two or more camera devices each arranged at known positions in a fish treatment system; assessing a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on a fish from image data from each of the two or more camera devices; monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on the analysed image data.

The method may comprise analysing the image data to assess at least one welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on fish at each camera device position in the fish treatment system. The method may comprise comparing data from the two or more camera devices to determine a location where one or more fish welfare indicators have changed. The method may comprise comparing data from the two or more camera devices to determine where one or more fish welfare indicators have changed indicating the fish health has deteriorated then the handling and/or treatment conditions are too harsh causing stress and/or injury to the fish. The method may comprise comparing data from the two or more camera devices to determine a location where at least one characteristic of parasites or lice changed. At least one camera device may be associated with, attached to and/or mounted in, on or to a fish return member. At least one camera device may be located upstream of a treatment location. At least one camera device may be located downstream of a treatment location. The system may comprise a plurality of cameras arranged at known positions in a fish treatment system. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish from each of the plurality of camera devices arranged at known positions in a fish treatment system. The method may comprise comparing image data from each camera device to determine a location where one or more fish welfare indicators have changed. The method may comprise comparing data from each camera device to determine a location where at least one characteristic of parasites or lice changed.

The method may comprise adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation at a location where one or more fish welfare indicators have changed. The method may comprise adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation upstream of the location where one or more fish welfare indicators have changed. The method may comprise adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation at a location where at least one characteristic of parasites or lice changed. The method may comprise adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation upstream of the location where at least one characteristic of parasites or lice changed.

Embodiments of the twelfth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to eleventh aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

Brief description of the drawings

There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which:

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a fish treatment system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1 B is a cross-section view along line X-X’ of Figure 1 A;

Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a return tubular member that may be used in the system of Figure 1A;

Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of an alternative return tubular member which may be used in the system of Figure 1A;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a fish treatment system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fish treatment system according to an embodiment of the invention with an arrangement of camera devices in the pen, between a storage well and the treatment area, a camera device after the treatment area and a camera device associated with a return chute to the pen;

Figure 6 is a flowchart of a fish treatment optimisation method according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a fish treatment system for the treatment of Amoebic Gill Disease according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a fish treatment system 10. Figure 1 B is a crosssection view along line X-X’ of Figure 1A. The system comprises a wellboat 12 for treating fish in this example treating lice on fish. In Figure 1A the hull of boat is shown as transparent to show features of the treatment system inside the wellboat. The wellboat is located adjacent to a farming pen 14. In this example the pen has a net 17 dividing the pen into two sections, a first section 17a where the untreated fish are kept and a second section 17b where the treated fish are returned to pen and isolated from the untreated fish. In this example a tubular member 16 connected at one end 16a to a storage well 18 located on the wellboat. A second end of the tubular member 16 is submerged in the pen 14. A fish pump (not shown) is actuated to draw or pump fish 15 from the pen through the tubular member is direction shown as arrow “A” in Figure 1 B into the storage well 18. Once fish 15 are located in the storage well 18 on the wellboat the fish 15 are transported through a treatment area 20 shown as arrow “B” in Figure 1 B. In this example the fish are treated using a thermal treatment to remove lice by bathing the fish in warm water for 30 seconds. . The warm water temperature gives the lice a “shock” and the lice fall off. The strength for the shock is determined by the temperature difference (often referred to delta temperature) between the seawater in the pen and the treatment water. Normally, for best treatment effect, a delta temperature of 22-23°C is used. It will be appreciated that other type of lice or parasite treatments may be used. It will also be appreciated that other alternative or additional fish treatments may be performed in the treatment area. The treated fish are directed from the treatment area to a fish return tubular member 22 shown as arrow “C” in Figure 1 A. In this example the end section 22a of the return tubular member 22 is positioned above the water in the pen. The treated fish travel down the fish return tubular member 22 shown as arrow “D” in Figure 1 B and drop into the pen. The drop results in the fish swimming away from the area of the end section 22a of the return tubular member 22 avoiding congestion or crowding of fish at reintroduction site 24 in the pen.

Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a return tubular member 122 that may be used in the system 10. In this example the tubular member 122 comprises a first section 130 made of a pipe. In this example the pipe section is made from plastic material. The pipe section is connected to a net 132. In this example the net comprises a tubular net section 134 and a conical net section 136. A camera unit 140 is mounted on the conical net section. The conical net section in this example has an aperture 138 where the camera is mounted. The net sections 134, 136 may comprise support rods 150 to maintain the structure and diameter of the net section. In this example the support rods are made of metal such as aluminium. The rods 150 may also provide support for the camera unit 140.

The camera unit 140 is mounted in this example in an aperture 138 recessed from an inner surface 136a of the conical net section at a desired or suitable distance from fish passing through the conical net section to allow images and/or fish measurements to be captured. The length of the pipe section 130 and the net sections 134, 136 are configured such that the end section 130a and exit 131 of the pipe section 130 is above the surface of the water in the pen 14. Ideally the tubular net section 134 should extend below the surface of the water in the pen 14 and the conical net section 136 is submerged in the water of the pen. Fish travelling through the return tubular member 122 travel through the pipe section 130a drop though the tubular net section 134 passing into the pen water in the lumen of the tubular net section 134. The height of the drop into the water is designed to cause the fish to swim away from or scatter from the drop location. The fish are guided by the conical net section 136 to swim past the camera unit as they swim away from the drop location into the water. The camera captures image data of the fish. The images from the camera are assessed to determine the number of lice or parasites present on the fish and/or welfare issues with the fish. The net section guides the fish in the general direction of arrow X shown in Figure 2A past the camera unit. The height of the pipe section exit from the water surface may be adjusted and/or set to control a drop distance. The drop may facilitate the fish swimming into the pen away from the entry point shown as arrows “X” in Figure 2A to avoid crowding or congestion in the net section. The height of the pipe section may be adjusted and optimised to achieve a desired scattering of fish whilst mitigating stress on the fish.

In the above example the conical net section is shown as a closed conical net. It will be appreciated that the conical net section may have apertures or gaps to allow fish to pass through from the inside the conical net into the pen. In the event that a backlog or congestion of fish builds up in the inside the conical net they may flow out through the apertures or gaps. Although some fish may bypass the camera, some fish will pass by the camera allowing a sample of treated fish to be monitored. In the above example the image data collected by the camera 140 may be used to optimise the fish treatment operation. If the camera 140 detects wounds or damage to the fish the fish handling through the fish treatment operation may be assessed as being too harsh or traumatic on the fish. Parameters of the fish handling may be adjusted in real time such as the height of the pipe section exit from the water surface; the angle of the pipe section; the speed of the fish intake pump, the speed of the treatment pump and/or the flow rate of the fish through the fish treatment operation. One or more parameters may be adjusted until the camera 140 detects a reduction in the number or wounds or damage to the fish exiting the fish treatment operation. The camera 140 may be configured to determine characteristics of lice present on the fish. Depending on the lice treatment the changes in the characteristics of the lice present may infer the efficacy of the treatment. In the above example a thermal treatment was used to treat the lice. In this example the fish were exposed to seawater at 30°C for 30 seconds. The lice exposed to the warm water experience a thermal shock and fall off the fish. If the treatment is successful the camera data should observe a reduction in the number of lice on the treated fish. In the event the number of lice on sample fish observed by the camera is below a pre-determined threshold or there is no significant reduction in the number of fish lice of treated fish the treatment is considered ineffective. Parameters of the treatment such as the temperature the lice are exposed to or the duration of the exposure may be adjusted to improve the treatment. One or more parameters may be adjusted within safe levels until the camera 140 detects a reduction in the number of lice on treated fish exiting the fish treatment operation.

It will be appreciated that for other lice treatments such as mechanical (such as brushing), chemical or fresh water treatments the camera may be used to detect changes in the shape, colour, number and/or size of the treated lice. For example, a mechanical treatment is expected to show an immediate reduction in the number of lice on a fish. A chemical or fresh water treatment may result in an immediate change in the shape, colour, number and/or size of the lice. If the camera data does not show an expected change in the characteristics of the lice after treatment this indicates that the treatment is not effective and adjustment of the treatment is required. Parameters of the treatment may be adjusted and the treated fish monitored by the camera in real time to confirm the treatment has improved.

Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of an alternative return tubular member 222 which may be used in the system 10. In this example the tubular member 222 comprises a pipe section 230 made from plastic material. It will be appreciated that other materials such as metal may alternatively be used. The length of the pipe section is configured such that an end section or outlet 222a of the pipe is located at a desired or set distance above the surface of the water. The height of the pipe section exit from the water surface may be adjusted and/or set to control a drop distance for the fish into the water.

A net 234 is positioned in the pen 214 such that it extends partially across the pen vertically offset from the outlet. The net 234 is at least partially submerged. In this example the net is fully submerged and the pipe section is not connected to the net. However, it will be appreciated that in other examples the pipe and net may be connected to one another. The net forms a wall or barrier across at least a part of the pen. The net 234 is supported by support rods 250. In this example the net is submerged and the support rods 250 are floating on the surface of the water. A camera device 240 is mounted on supports 252 connected the support rods.

Treated fish transported from a treatment area to the pipe 230 of the return tubular member 222 drop from the pipe into the pen 214 near the net 234. The drop may facilitate the fish swimming in all directions into the pen. This has the advantage that crowds of treated fish do not converge at the drop location. The height of the pipe section outlet 222a may be adjusted and optimised to achieve a desired scattering of fish whilst mitigating stress on the fish. The net 234 guides some of the fish heading in an initial direction of arrow “Y” to amend their heading in a direction shown as arrow “Z” in Figure 3A past the camera device 240 where image data of the fish may be captured. In the above examples the image data is assessed to monitor the number of lice or parasites present on at least a sample of the fish and/or monitor health and welfare indicators of the fish.

Welfare indicators of fish may be monitored from analysis of captured image data to determine a welfare score for the fish. A welfare score for the fish may be determined based on measurements of the welfare indicators. The welfare indicators may include dead fish, size, signs of disease, cuts or damage to the skin, eye, scale, fin and/or gill, skin colour, bleeding, reluctance to move, swim pattern, swim speed, breathing rate, angle of fish, fish behaviour, altered body posture, mucus layer, mucus production and opercular beat frequency. In addition to the treatment type such as chemicals to the remove lice and parasites, the collecting, handling, sorting, holding, and/or transporting of the fish during the treatment operation may also have significant effects on fish physiology and survival. Analysis of the captured image data may be used to assess the treatment and/or handling conditions.

The quality of the water used during the collecting, handling, sorting, holding, and/or transporting of the fish can impact the health and physiological stress of the fish. The water parameters may include temperature, dissolved oxygen level, pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, salinity, pressure, flow rate, contaminant content, hardness and amount of time the fish have spent in the water. Other parameters of the handling and treatment include the density and flow rate of fish through the treatment system, in the storage well(s) and treatment area. The agitation and confinement of the fish may increase the risk of aggressive interactions, intraspecific and interspecific competition, cannibalism, predation, and dominance hierarchies. These interactions can result in wounds or death.

Monitoring conditions and/or characteristics of the treatment, collecting, handling, sorting, holding, and/or transporting of the fish may provide an indication of the long term effects of the handling and treatment of the fish during the treatment operation including death, prolonged stress, suppressed immune systems, reduced growth rates, impaired swimming performance, impaired reproduction and increased susceptibility to disease.

Optionally one or more camera devices may be located in the pen and may capture data on fish measurements, lice or parasites data and/or welfare scoring of the fish prior to the treatment operations. The pen image data may be obtained immediately prior to a treatment operation. The image data of treated fish may be compared with image data from the fish captured prior to the treatment operation. Differences in the captured data before and after treatment may be used to assess the treatment conditions, the efficacy of a treatment and/or how stressful or harsh the handling conditions are on the fish which may impact health.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a fish treatment system 300. The system 300 is similar to the system 10 described in Figures 1A and 1B and will be understood from the description of Figures 1A and 1 B. The system 300 discloses optional arrangements of multiple camera devices to monitor fish at various areas or sections of the treatment process. This may allow problems of treatment process to be identified quickly and at an early stage. It may also assist in the optimisation of the treatment process. The system comprises a first camera device 340 associated with the return tubular member. The camera may be integrated, attached or removeably mounted to a component of the return tubular member as shown as camera device 340a in Figure 4. This may be similar to the camera device 140 arrangement described in Figure 2A. Alternatively the camera device 340 associated with the return tubular member may be located in the vicinity of an outlet of the return tubular member attached to return tubular member, boat, or positioned in the pen as shown as camera device 340b in Figure 4. This may be similar to the camera device 240 arrangement described in Figure 3. The system optionally comprises a second or further camera device 360 located in the pen. The second camera device or further may be integrated, attached or removeably mounted to a component of the pen. The second camera device may be used to monitor characteristics of the fish throughout their time in the pen. In this example the position of the second camera device 360 may be located in the vicinity of an inlet tubular member attached to a boat. However, a camera or a further camera may be located on or adjacent to the net 317, in an untreated fish section 317a of the pen and/or in the fish return section 317b of the pen. Optionally a camera device 362 may be associated with the inlet tubular member. The camera may be integrated, attached or removeably mounted to a component of the inlet tubular member as shown as camera device 362 in Figure 4. Optionally one or more camera devices 364 may be associated with the storage wells. The one or more camera devices may be integrated, attached or removeably mounted to an inlet or outlet of a storage well. The one or more camera devices may be mounted to or above a storage well. The one or more camera devices may be submerged or partially submerged in a storage well.

Optionally one or more camera devices 366 may be associated with a treatment tank or component of the treatment equipment. The one or more camera devices may be integrated, attached or removeably mounted to an inlet or outlet of a treatment tank. The one or more camera devices may be submerged or partially submerged in a treatment tank.

By locating multiple camera devices each at different points of a treatment process realtime image data may be captured for the fish at each point. The data may be monitored and analysed in real time to detect and diagnose problems with the treatment efficacy and/or fish handling conditions in real-time. By detecting issues in real-time they may be corrected in real-time minimising the number of fish affected by the problem. It may also allow the treatment process and fish handling to be optimised to allow maximise treatment efficacy with minimum fish stress or injury.

As an example, Figure 5 shows schematic diagram of a fish treatment system 400. The system 400 is similar to the system 300 described in Figure 5 and will be understood from the description of Figure 5. The system 400 discloses the arrangement of a camera device 460 in the untreated fish section 417a of the pen, a camera device 468 in the treated fish section 417b of the pen, a camera device 461 in the storage well, a camera 464 between the storage well and the treatment area, a camera device 466 after the treatment area and a camera device 440 associated with the return chute to the pen.

Captured image data from camera device 440 associated with the return chute to the pen is compared with image data (historic or recent) from camera device 460 in the pen captured before the treatment operation. If the compared data shows that the number of parasites/lice have been reduced to within an acceptable range and the fish welfare indicators have not significantly changed (deteriorated) then the treatment operation is considered to be effective with minimal stress or injury to the fish.

One or more conditions of the treatment process and /or fish handling may be adjusted and the effect on the efficacy or health of the fish may be assessed using feedback from the captured image data from camera device 440. This may allow the treatment process to be optimised. If the compared data from camera devices 440 and 460 show the number of parasites/lice have not been reduced to within an acceptable range. The treatment is not currently effective and one or more treatment conditions or parameters such as the exposure time of the fish to the treatment chemical, temperature, pressure, brushing speed etc and/or flow rate of fish through the treatment area must be adjusted to improve the efficiency. If the compared data from camera devices 440 and 460 show the fish welfare indicators have significantly changed indicating the fish health has deteriorated then the handling and/or treatment conditions are too harsh causing stress and/or injury to the fish. In order to determine the cause of the decline in the fish welfare, captured data from cameras 461, 464 and 466 may be analysed to determine the point of the process where the fish became injured. For example, if the analysed data shows the fish welfare indicators were at an acceptable level from data collected from cameras 461 , 464 and 466, this indicates that the fish stress and injury were at acceptable levels after the fish left the treatment area and immediately before the fish entered the return chute. The conditions of the return chute such as angle of the return chute, flow rate through the return chute and/or drop distance from the chute exit to the water surface may be adjusted to provide a gentler return pathway into the pen.

If data from camera devices 461, 464 and 466 show the fish welfare indicators were not at an acceptable level compared to the indicator levels from the data from the camera device 460 in the pen this indicates the problem is associated with the entry chute and/or fish pump. The conditions of the entry chute may be adjusted until an improvement of the fish welfare indicators is observed in data from camera devices 461 , 464 and 466. If data from camera devices 464 and 466 show the fish welfare indicators were not at an acceptable level compared to the indicator levels from the data from the camera devices 461 and 460 this indicates the problem is associated with the conditions in the storage wells. The conditions of the storage well (s) may be adjusted until an improvement of the fish welfare indicators is observed in data from at least camera device 464. If data from camera device 466 shows the fish welfare indicators were not at an acceptable level compared to the indicator levels from the data from the camera devices 461, 464 and 460 this indicates the problem is associated with the conditions in the treatment area. The conditions of the treatment area may be adjusted until an improvement of the fish welfare indicators is observed in data from at least camera device 466. Depending on where the decline in the fish welfare indicators originates one or more conditions upstream of that point may be adjusted in real time. After the adjustments have been made the data from the camera devices may be analysed to determine if the adjustments have improved the fish welfare indicators. Further adjustments may be made until welfare indicators are within an acceptable level.

Figure 6 is a flowchart of one example of a fish treatment optimisation method 500. In a first step 510, a fish treatment and setting are decided by fish health specialist, fish farm site manager and/or a captain of wellboat. Factors on treatment type and settings are based on well boat type, status in pen and experience and effectiveness from the previous lice treatment carried out by the wellboat.

At least a first camera unit is mounted in the pen to monitor the fish in the pen before and/or after a fish treatment (step 515). From the captured images fish welfare scoring and lice counting may be carried out (step 520). The system may use artificial intelligence or machine learning to recognise the parasites on the fish and automatically count the number of lice on the fish. Optionally the system may recognise individual fish so that they may be tracked through the treatment operation. The fish on the boat are passed through the treatment system (step 525). In this example the fish are bathed in a treatment fluid, hydrogen peroxide which is designed to kill the parasites. It will be appreciated that alternative treatments may be used. The treated fish are transferred from the well boat through a return chute with a camera unit. Image data from a sample of fish is captured (step 530). From the captured images fish welfare scoring and lice counting may be carried out (step 535). Based on the fish welfare scoring and lice counting data of the treated fish the parameters and conditions of the treatment method may be adjusted in real time (step 540). In the event that the fish welfare scoring and lice counting data of the treated fish show that the treatment and welfare of the fish are in desired or optimal range then the treatment is continued and continually monitored until all of the fish in the pen have been treated (steps 545 to 555). In the event that the fish welfare scoring and lice counting data of the treated fish show that the treatment and welfare of the fish are outside a desired or optimal range then parameters and/or conditions of the treatment system or fish handling method are adjusted until the fish welfare scoring and lice counting data are in desired or optimal range. In the event that the parameters or conditions of the treatment are changed such as when the boat switches between a first treatment well and a second treatment well, the fish welfare scoring and lice counting data are monitored and if required parameters and/or conditions of the treatment system or fish handling method are adjusted until the fish welfare scoring and lice counting data are within a desired or optimal range. Optionally during transfer of fish from the pen to the well boat a sample of fish may be monitored using a camera unit located in the pathway between the fish entry position and the treatment system. From the captured images welfare scoring may be carried out to determine whether the transfer process is injuring or stressing the fish.

In the above examples the data from the cameras was used to adjust and optimise conditions of the treatment operation in real time. This enables conditions of treatment operations to be optimised during the treatment operation between different batches of fish being treated. It will be appreciated that the data from the cameras may be additionally or alternatively be used to optimise treatment operation between different pens in same location or between different locations. This may be the case where there is a time delay between the treatment of the fish and visible results of the treatment. If the treatment takes hours, days or weeks to have an effect on the fish (or parasites) the data from the cameras captured hours, days or weeks later may be used to assess the efficacy of the treatment and provide information on how future treatments may be optimised for a different pen or a different location in the future. This may allow more precise data on the treatment to be captured to allow better decisions on future treatments to be made.

In the above examples the lice removal technique is described as a thermal treatment. It will be appreciated that additional or alternative lice treatments including chemical and non-chemical treatments which may be used. Other examples of non-chemical treatments including mechanical delousing techniques and fresh water techniques. Mechanical delousing techniques include flushing and brushing techniques. The flushing technique may involve exposing the fish to high pressure water which removes the lice from the surface of the fish. Parameters such as the high-pressure water settings can be adjusted during the treatment. The brushing technique is a method where lice is physically removed from the fish skin using brushes. Parameters such as the resistance level, rate of the brushing and flow rate of fish through the brushes may be adjusted during treatment. Another non-chemical treatment type is the use of fresh water. Sea lice is a parasite which can only survive in sea water. This method comprises incubating the fish in a tank of fresh water for over 12 hours.

Chemical techniques involve bathing the fish for a short period of time in a chemical compound which dislodges or kills the lice. Common chemical treatments include hydrogen peroxide and Ectosan. Optionally during transfer of fish from the treatment system to the return chute a sample of fish may be monitored using a camera unit. From the captured images welfare scoring may be carried out to determine whether the treatment process is injuring or stressing the fish.

Figure 7 is a cross-section overhead view of a fish treatment system 600. The system comprises a wellboat 612 for treating fish in this example treating Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) on fish. In this example the fish are treated on a wellboat. However, it will be appreciated that the fish may be treated on another structure or a part of the fish farm such as a treatment pen. The wellboat 612 is located adjacent to a farming pen 614. In this example a tubular member 616 connected at one end 616a to a storage well 618 located on the wellboat. A second end of the tubular member 616 is submerged in the pen 614. A fish pump (not shown) is actuated to draw or pump fish 615 from the pen through the tubular member is direction shown as arrow “A” in Figure 7 into a fish storage well 618. Once fish 615 are located in the storage well 618 on the wellboat, the fish 615 are transported to a treatment area 620 shown as arrow “B” in Figure 7. In this example the fish are treated using a medical treatment of hydrogen peroxide. The fish are bathed in hydrogen peroxide at 18 °C for 15 min. It will also be appreciated that other alternative or additional fish treatments may be performed in the treatment area sequentially or at the same time as the AGD treatment, for example the medical treatment of hydrogen peroxide may be used to remove lice from fish. The treated fish are directed from the treatment area to the pen. In this example the fish are directed to the return tubular member 622 shown as arrow “C” in Figure 7. In this example the end section 622a of the return tubular member 622 is positioned above the water in the pen. The treated fish travel down the fish return tubular member 622 shown as arrow “D” in Figure 7 and drop into the pen. The drop results in the fish swimming away from the area of the end section 622a of the return tubular member 622 avoiding congestion or crowding of fish at reintroduction site 624 in the pen.

A camera unit 640 is mounted downstream of the treatment area. In this example a first camera unit is located in or associated with the return tubular member 622. The camera may be mounted on a section of the return tubular member 622 as understood and described from Figure 2A above.

Image data collected by the camera 640 may be used to assess if there are physical injuries or damage to the fish. If the camera 640 detects wounds or damage to the fish the fish handling through the fish treatment operation it may be assessed as being too harsh or traumatic on the fish. Parameters of the fish handling may be adjusted in real time such as the height of the pipe section exit from the water surface; the angle of the pipe section; the speed of the fish intake pump, the speed of the treatment pump and/or the flow rate of the fish through the fish treatment operation. One or more parameters may be adjusted until the camera 640 detects a reduction in the number or wounds or damage to the fish exiting the fish treatment operation.

Optionally a further camera 642 may be located in the return pen. Image data collected by the camera 640 and/or 642 may be used to assess welfare indicators of fish and/or the effectiveness of the AGD treatment. The fish may be monitored minutes, hours, days or even weeks after the treatment to determine a welfare score for the fish. In this example fish with AGD due to damage to their gills have high frequency breathing. Using the cameras 640 and/or 642 the respiratory frequency of the fish may be detected and monitored over time. If the respiratory frequency reduces to within normal levels this indicates that the treatment been effective. The treatment parameters may be recorded and used in subsequent AGD treatments in the future or in different fish farm locations. In the event that there is no improvement in the respiratory frequency of the fish then the AGD treatment has not been successful. The treatment parameters may be recorded and adjusted in an attempt to improve subsequent AGD treatments in the future or in different fish farm locations. The data collected from camera 640 may be used as a baseline condition for fish who have just been treated. The data collected from camera 642 after a period of time (minutes, hours, days or even weeks) may be compared with the baseline data of camera 640 to determine if there is any improvement in the fish welfare score. It will be appreciated that fish treatment optimisation method may apply to other fish diseases and/or conditions. In some cases an immediate improvement may be detected by the camera 640 before the fish is returned to the pen. In these cases immediate adjustments may be made to the treatment to tune or improve its effectiveness. In other cases it will take time to see improvements in the condition or health of the fish. In these cases the data from the camera in the pen may be used to monitor the fish welfare overtime and depending on the outcome adjustments may be made to tune or improve future treatments. These may be treatments of other batches of fish in the same farm/pen or a different farm/pen.

It will be appreciated that the camera data may be used to assess many different welfare indicators selected from the group of size, signs of disease, cuts or damage to the skin, eye, scale, fin and/or gill, skin colour, bleeding, reluctance to move, swim pattern, swim speed, breathing rate, angle of fish, fish behaviour, respiratory behavior, altered body posture, mucus layer, mucus production, opercular beat frequency and/or detection of dead fish.

The invention may provide a system and method of optimising at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation. The method may comprise obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation, assessing a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on a treated fish from the image data, and adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation.

Embodiments of the invention may provide a system and method of optimising a treatment of fish in a fish farm. Monitoring the fish before and after a treatment may facilitate a data driven fish farming industry with improved management of larger pens in more exposed locations.

Embodiments of the invention may collect and process large set of data on fish farms and fish treatments to facilitate historical knowledge of different fish treatments and handling parameters. This may enable optimisation of a treatment during a treatment. It may enable optimisation of a treatment between different pens in same location. It may enable optimisation of a treatment between different locations. It may enable treatment optimisation for a particular farm or across the industry.

By optimising the treatment of fish, more precise and efficient treatments may be performed with reduced use of harmful chemicals. Optimisation may enable trends to be observed quickly and changes made to the treatments to be observed and tracked.

Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms 'comprise' or 'include', or variations such as 'comprises' or 'comprising', 'includes' or 'including' will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, relative terms such as”, “lower” .“upper, “up”, “down”, above, below and the like are used herein to indicate directions and locations as they apply to the appended drawings and will not be construed as limiting the invention and features thereof to particular arrangements or orientations. Likewise, the term “outlet” or “exit” shall be construed as being an opening which, dependent on the direction of the movement of fluid may also serve as an “inlet” or “entry”, and vice versa.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Various modifications to the above-described embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention extends to combinations of features other than those expressly claimed herein.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation, the method comprising: obtaining image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; assessing a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on a treated fish from the image data; and monitoring at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on the analysed image data.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one condition and/or characteristic of the treatment is selected from the group comprising fish collecting conditions, fish handling conditions, fish sorting conditions, fish holding conditions, fish transporting conditions during the treatment operation, flow rate of fish through the treatment operation, pathway conditions through or from a treatment area selected from orientation, angle of inclination, flow rate, water level, height and/or drop distance of a pathway into, through or from a treatment area, water quality, treatment conditions, treatment type, chemical treatment type, mechanical treatment type, treatment exposure time, temperature, dissolved oxygen level, pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, salinity, pressure, flow rate, contaminant content, hardness and/or amount of time the fish have spent in the water.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one lice or parasite characteristic is selected from the group comprising the number of lice or parasite, colour of lice or parasite, swelling of lice or parasite and/or size of lice or parasite.

4. The method according to any preceding claim comprising determining, obtaining or calculating a welfare score for fish based on measurements of at least one welfare indicators from the image data, the welfare indicators are selected from the group comprising size of fish, signs of disease, cuts or damage to the skin, eye, scales, fin and/or gill, gill cover, skin colour, bleeding, reluctance to move, altered body posture, swim speed, swim pattern, angle of the fish, breathing frequency, mucus layer, mucus production, opercular beat frequency and number of dead fish.

5. The method according to any preceding claim comprising adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on a measured or calculated welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice on a treated fish.

6. The method according to claim 5 comprising adjusting at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation until the welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasites or lice on a treated fish is within a desired range.

7. The method according to claim 5 or claim 6 comprising adjusting the at least one characteristic and/or condition of a fish treatment operation based on historical treatment data.

8. The method according to any of claims 5 to 7 comprising obtaining image data of fish after adjusting the fish treatment operation.

9. The method according to any preceding claim comprising capturing or obtaining image data of at least a sample of fish in the pen prior to, immediately prior to and/or during a treatment operation.

10. The method according to any preceding claim comprising capturing and/or obtaining image data of at least a sample of fish in the pen after, immediately after and/or during a treatment operation.

11. The method according to any preceding claim comprising capturing and/or obtaining image data of at least a sample of fish passing through a fish return member to a pen after treatment operation.

12. The method according to any preceding claim comprising capturing and/or obtaining image data from a plurality of camera devices positioned at known locations selected from the group comprising a boat, fish farm, fish treatment area, wellboat, inlet or pathway to a fish treatment area, outlet or pathway from a fish treatment area, fish storage area, pen structure and/or fish pen.

13. The method according to claim 12 comprising comparing the image data from the plurality of camera devices to identify a location where there is a change in welfare score and/or a change in at least one characteristic of parasite or lice.

14. The method according to any preceding claim comprising comparing the image data for fish captured before and after a treatment to assess the health of fish and/or treatment effectiveness.

15. The method according to any preceding claim comprising adjusting and/or optimising the fish treatment operation as a function of the health of the treated fish.

16. The method according to any preceding claim comprising monitoring at least one characteristic of the fish following treatment selected from the group comprising prolonged stress, suppressed immune systems, reduced growth rates, reduced quality of the fish meat, impaired swimming performance, impaired reproduction and increased susceptibility to disease and/or death rate.

17. The method according to any preceding claim comprising monitoring, tracking and/or recording optimal parameters of the at least one characteristic and/or condition of the fish treatment operation which result in improved treatment efficacy and/or fish health.

18. The method according to any preceding claim comprising comparing the image data with a database of the image data signatures to identify at least one characteristic and/or condition of the fish treatment operation to adjust.

19. A system for monitoring a fish treatment operation, the system comprising: at least one camera device downstream of a fish treatment location configured to obtain image data of fish after and/or during a fish treatment operation; a processor configured to analyse the image data to determine a welfare score and/or at least one characteristic of parasite or lice a treated fish to monitor the fish treatment operation.

20. The system according to claim 19 wherein the at least one characteristic of parasite or lice is selected from size, shape, colour and/or number of parasite or lice on the fish.

21. The system according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the system comprises at least one camera device upstream the fish treatment location wherein the at least one upstream camera device is configured to obtain image data of fish before a fish treatment operation.

22. The system according to any of claims 19 to 21 wherein the processor comprises a trained machine learning system to detect at least one fish characteristic in captured images.

23. The system according to any of claims 19 to 22 wherein the at least one downstream camera device is associated with, attached to and/or mounted in, on or at known locations of a boat, fish farm, pen, pen structure and/or outlet of the fish treatment location.

24. The system according to any of claims 19 to 23 wherein at least one camera device is associated with, attached to and/or mounted in, on or to a fish return member wherein the at least one camera device is configured to obtain image data of fish passing thorough the fish return member after a fish treatment operation.

25. The system according to any of claims 19 to 24 wherein the system comprises two or more upstream camera devices and/or two or more downstream camera devices.