OptiFe3D – ten million for sonar-based feed optimization

The Research Council of Norway has awarded ten million kroner in innovation funding to the OptiFe3D research project – the largest single allocation among this year's innovation projects. Waive leads the project, and the award is a strong recognition of both the technology and the vision behind it.

OptiFe3D – Optimization of feeding strategies using 3D sonar monitoring – aims to optimize the feeding process in salmon farming. The project develops a decision support system that combines new methods for behavior analysis with high-precision pellet detection and environmental monitoring.

The project has four sub-goals: establish a solid dataset for machine learning through collection of environmental, biological, and sonar data from two facilities over one full year; develop ML algorithms to monitor and identify behavior in individual fish and schools before, during, and after feeding; develop algorithms for accurate estimation of pellet loss during feeding; and integrate these algorithms into a unified decision support system for feeding intensity and duration.

The research is conducted in collaboration with SINTEF Ocean – one of the world's leading aquaculture research institutes – as well as Université Grenoble Alpes and ISTerre in France, who are adapting acoustic processing for increased accuracy in salmon and trout analysis.

With the SeapiX 3D sonar as a foundation, OptiFe3D provides farmers with a tool for more precise feeding, reducing feed waste, and making better decisions based on real-time data – strengthening profitability, sustainability, and fish welfare.