Precision Ranching in Malta: How AI and Data are Transforming Bluefin Tuna Management
By Wes Trade Ltd.
Malta has established itself as one of the world’s leading centres for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna ranching, positioning the country as a strategic player within the Mediterranean aquaculture industry. As global demand continues to grow, the sector increasingly requires innovative tools that improve operational efficiency, strengthen sustainability, and support data-driven decision-making.
One of the longstanding challenges in tuna ranching has been the accurate estimation of fish biomass within offshore cages. Traditional methods often rely on manual handling or statistical sampling techniques that can be labour-intensive, disruptive to operations, and prone to uncertainty.
Through the MARINA PLUS project, Wes Trade Ltd. is contributing to the digital transformation of aquaculture by developing an advanced Decision Support System (DSS) powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), introducing new capabilities for precision ranching in Malta.
Bringing Digital Innovation Underwater
The MARINA PLUS system uses underwater imaging technologies and AI-based analysis to estimate fish size and biomass in a completely non-invasive manner. Instead of physically handling fish, the system analyses underwater video footage and converts visual measurements into highly accurate biomass estimates.
By reducing operational disruptions and minimizing fish stress, this approach offers a practical and scalable solution for modern aquaculture operations.
The project represents an important example of how emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, computer vision, and environmental data integration—can be translated into real-world applications within traditional economic sectors.
From Data Collection to Decision Support
The true innovation of MARINA PLUS lies in its Decision Support System, which transforms raw environmental and biological data into actionable operational insights.
The platform is designed to support fish farm operators through:
Monitoring fish condition and growth trends
Early detection of operational risks
Automated alerts on stock performance indicators
Feed optimization and harvest planning support
Improved inventory and biomass management
This enables operators to move from reactive management practices toward more predictive and informed decision-making.
Supporting Competitiveness and Sustainability
For Malta’s aquaculture industry, technologies such as MARINA PLUS represent more than a technological upgrade—they signal a broader transition toward precision ranching and digital transformation.
Data-driven systems have the potential to increase operational predictability, optimize resource use, and support higher standards of environmental and economic sustainability.
Projects such as MARINA PLUS also demonstrate the growing importance of research and innovation partnerships in strengthening Malta’s blue economy and maintaining competitiveness in international markets.
As the project advances into its next phases, including enhanced monitoring capabilities and further system development, Malta continues to position itself at the forefront of innovation in sustainable aquaculture.
The MARINA PLUS project has been funded by Xjenza Malta under the 2024 FUSION R&I Technology Development Programme LITE.
