A Donegal oyster producer has developed a new artificial intelligence system that uses sound to monitor oyster health and detect mortalities — a breakthrough that could help manage losses and improve sustainability in Irish aquaculture.
Lee Hunter, a marine biologist and owner of Oisirí Oileán Cróine Teoranta in Dungloe Bay, has created the system, known as The Oyster Pitch, which analyses the sound oysters make when they are handled to distinguish live shellfish from dead stock with a high degree of accuracy.
Developed in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Letterkenny and supported through Enterprise Ireland, early tests of the system have achieved 87% accuracy. Work is now underway to develop a prototype with a view to commercialising the technology.
The aim is to improve husbandry practices, gather better data, manage stock more efficiently and crucially, reduce mortality rates in commercial oyster farming — a major cost and sustainability challenge for the sector.
“I came up with the idea for The Oyster Pitch while grading stock in the factory,” Lee explained.
“A dead oyster when dropped into a container or hitting off another oyster, generates a completely different sound to a live one.
“By using AI to analyse recorded sounds, we were able to train a model that can identify the difference with a high level of accuracy.
“We brought the concept to Enterprise Ireland who put us in touch with ATU Letterkenny. Early test results were very encouraging and showed we were potentially onto something. Our intention now is to create a prototype and bring the product to market, which could be a very exciting breakthrough for the industry here in Ireland and further afield,” stated Lee.
Lee, who is also a member of the IFA aquaculture executive committee, has road-tested the idea through initiatives supported by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and received feedback from across the sector.
The 31-year-old started his own business only ten years ago. He has increased annual production tenfold, from five tonnes to 50 tonnes in that time.
“I am extremely passionate about this industry,” he said.
“It’s a great way of life and while not unlike other industries, it presents its fair share of challenges, there’s huge satisfaction in producing high quality seafood for international markets.
“It has kept me working and living at home when all my school-friends but one, emigrated. Ironically, the other lad who stayed here also works in aquaculture,” continued Lee.
The Dungloe-based producer also believes fully in the wider environmental benefit of oysters. They filter sea water and improve our ocean health which at a time of increasing focus on warming seas, is a vital function.
The very presence of an oyster farm provides a habitat for a vast array of both sea life and wildlife in our bays, something which is a source of great pride and pleasure for Lee.
Although he followed his father into oyster farming, Lee’s background also includes time working on aquaculture farms in Ireland and in France, one of the world’s leading centres of oyster production.
“Their industry is much larger than ours, but there’s strong respect for Irish producers and significant French investment in Irish farms. That can only be positive for skills, knowledge transfer and the long-term growth of the sector here.
“While we’re still very much a family operation with a small core team and seasonal staff, I believe we can continue to grow — and in doing so, help support coastal communities by providing sustainable jobs and building a better future for Irish aquaculture,” he concluded.
