In the heart of Thailand, at Maha Sarakham University, a groundbreaking study led by Keartisak Sriprateep from the Manufacturing and Materials Research Unit (MMR) is revolutionizing the way we approach aquaculture, particularly for Nile tilapia farming in earthen ponds. The research, published in ‘Aquaculture Reports’ (which translates to ‘Aquaculture Reports’ in English), introduces a novel multi-objective optimization approach that could significantly impact the global aquaculture industry, addressing both economic and environmental challenges.
The study tackles a critical issue in aquaculture: the inefficiencies that plague earthen pond systems, such as overfeeding and suboptimal stocking densities. These issues not only escalate production costs but also raise environmental concerns. Traditional methods often fall short because they rely on single-factor analyses, failing to account for the complex interplay between multiple variables. Sriprateep and his team have developed a solution that integrates the Design of Experiments (DOE) method with the Adaptive Artificial Multiple Intelligence System (AAMIS) to optimize aquaculture parameters.
The Taguchi DOE method is used to design experiments efficiently by selecting essential variables and their levels. Multi-objective regression models, developed using statistical software and fine-tuned by AAMIS, balance the goals of maximizing yield while minimizing costs. The computational analysis reveals that AAMIS outperforms traditional and advanced methods, achieving superior Hypervolume and Average Ratio of Pareto Optimal Solutions scores. This means that AAMIS not only reduces life cycle costs to an impressive $39,880 but also achieves the lowest environmental impact score of 3460.76, setting new benchmarks for sustainable aquaculture practices.
“Our approach demonstrates broad applicability across diverse aquaculture systems,” Sriprateep explains. “By integrating AAMIS with DOE, we’ve created a system that can be tailored to various environmental and operational conditions, making it a versatile tool for aquaculture practitioners worldwide.”
The implications of this research are vast. For the energy sector, which often intersects with aquaculture through shared resource management and sustainability goals, this optimized approach could lead to more efficient use of resources. By reducing costs and environmental impact, aquaculture operations can become more sustainable, aligning with broader energy sector initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and promoting renewable practices.
The study’s success in optimizing Nile tilapia production in earthen ponds suggests that similar methodologies could be applied to other aquaculture systems and even to terrestrial agriculture. This could lead to a future where food production is not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly, addressing global food security challenges and driving economic growth.
As the global demand for Nile tilapia continues to rise, the need for innovative production strategies becomes ever more pressing. Sriprateep’s research offers a promising path forward, demonstrating how advanced technologies can be harnessed to create more sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices. The integration of AAMIS with DOE represents a significant leap in the field, paving the way for future developments that could reshape the aquaculture industry and beyond.