AUTONOMOUS LICE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR AQUACULTURE

AUTONOMOUS LICE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR AQUACULTURE 

Norway has done it again. The Norwegians, already leaders in aquaculture, are now deploying autonomous lice control systems that use computer vision to kill parasites in salmon pens. Imagine that—machines working 24/7, spotting sea lice and zapping them with precision, without chemicals, without stress, and without harming the fish. 

If they can do this for salmon, why not for milkfish (bangus), our national fish? Why not for groupers, or even maliputo? The truth is that lice are not the only parasites attacking farmed fish. We have nematodes, protozoans, fungi, and flatworms in our own fish pens. In fact, local studies have already documented how these parasites weaken fish, slow down growth, and reduce survival. If Norway is investing in technology to protect its aquaculture industry, why should we in the Philippines settle for outdated methods? 

Parasites are no small problem. Globally, sea lice infestations alone cause over $1 billion in losses every year. Locally, outbreaks of parasites like anisakid nematodes or “white spot” disease have devastated fish farmers, sometimes wiping out entire pens. The question is: do we want to continue fighting these outbreaks with costly chemicals, or do we want to leap ahead with sustainable, AI-powered solutions? 

This Norwegian technology offers us a glimpse of what is possible. But then comes the next question—how do we acquire it? Do we simply import it, or do we develop it ourselves? 

If we develop it locally, agencies like DOST, DICT, and BFAR should take the lead. DOST has the scientists, DICT has the digital infrastructure expertise, and BFAR knows the realities of aquaculture on the ground. With a proper collaboration, we could create our own Filipino version of AI-powered parasite control. On the other hand, if developing it from scratch would take too long, then let us seek help from Norway through the DFA. After all, that is what diplomacy should also be about—not just politics, but technology transfer. 

I propose we task our embassy in Norway to open a technology cooperation channel on aquaculture innovations. If they can use lasers and machine vision for salmon, we can adapt it for milkfish. Why not create a Philippine-Norway Aquaculture Technology Partnership? 

Let me point out that parasites are not only a threat to farmed fish—they are also a public health risk. Some, like anisakis worms, can infect humans if raw or undercooked fish is consumed. This means controlling parasites is not just about protecting farmers’ livelihoods—it is also about food safety for consumers. 

But let me go further: this lice-killing technology is only one example of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied to agriculture and aquaculture. Why not explore AI-powered systems for monitoring water quality in fish pens? Or for detecting early signs of disease outbreaks in ponds? Or even for predicting algal blooms that could suffocate fish stocks? 

This is why I believe there should be a joint task force composed of DOST, DICT, DA, and BFAR—not just to talk about AI, but to identify emerging technologies worldwide and see how they can be localized. We cannot just wait for technology to arrive at our doorstep. We must actively monitor, acquire, adapt, and innovate. 

Here is my challenge: can we imagine a barangay-level aquaculture model where small fish farmers can access low-cost, AI-driven parasite monitoring kits? Can we design modular systems that use sensors or cameras to detect fish health problems before they become disasters? Can we build bio-secure pens that reduce parasite infestations without relying on chemicals? 

Norway’s systems are not science fiction. They are already real and operating in over 200 salmon farms. If they can do it, why can’t we? 

In fact, the bigger question is: what other AI-powered technologies are out there for farming and fishing that we have not yet even considered? Drones that monitor rice fields, robots that sort harvests, sensors that track soil nutrients, apps that guide farmers in real time. The opportunities are endless—if we are willing to act. 

So let me end with a strong suggestion: the Philippines should not just be a passive consumer of foreign technology. We must be an active developer and adapter of AI systems for our own industries. Yes, let us learn from Norway. Yes, let us seek their help. But let us also invest in our own research and development. 

We owe it to our fish farmers. We owe it to our consumers. And most of all, we owe it to our future food security.  

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres 
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

12-12-2025 

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