The Digital Blue Revolution
Roles of digital technologies in precision aquaculture
Description
“The Digital Blue Revolution” is a publication designed to explain how cloud computing, the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence and machine learning are facilitating the sustainable growth of aquaculture production. The publication explains how the intelligent application of digital technologies and meaningful processing of data guide feeding, farming decisions and resource-efficient production in fish and shrimp farming. The publication presents concrete examples of how digital tools are being adopted in aquaculture. Similarly, the publication highlights improvements in production efficiency, reduced feed waste, enhanced fish welfare, and reduced environmental impact.
Technology
The publication describes digital platforms for data collection and analysis, digital sensors for water quality, hydroacoustics for biomass and behavioural detection, imaging technologies for growth estimation, and intelligent hardware for automated feed distribution. Artificial intelligence and machine learning models are applied for feeding optimization, disease pattern recognition, and predictive analytics. Cloud-based infrastructure enables real-time and remote monitoring across production sites, providing farmers with continuous access to environmental and biological data to support informed decision-making.
Target
This publication could benefit aquaculture professionals, technology developers, researchers, investors, and policymakers interested in the intersection of digital innovation and sustainable aquaculture practices.
Business model
The document is published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as a fully open-access technical resource. The publication is freely available for education, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, having received 393 downloads as of December 2025.
Impact
The resource reports that feed conversion ratio (FCR) reductions ranged between 5 percent and 28 percent in 2020 among IT-engaged aquaculture companies. The document notes that fewer than 100 000 farmers currently use full-suite digital solutions across the sector. Feed control centres, with investment costs reaching up to USD 14.6 million, can distribute feed to as many as 15 million salmon per operator.
Partners
Aqua Spark; Aquaculture Innovation; FAO consultants
Four Betters
Better environment
Better production
Better life
