Tidal's Orca system being deployed.
Photo: Tidal
Aquaculture technology company Tidal has introduced its latest product, the "Orca", an AI-powered underwater camera system designed to enhance monitoring and operations in fully submerged fish pens.
According to Tidal, the Orca system offers a range of features including autonomous feeding control, multi-depth data analysis through an automated winch, and remote monitoring tools intended to streamline equipment needs and improve efficiency. The company says its system enables aquaculture operators to make more informed decisions on feed strategies and fish welfare in environments where direct observation is difficult.
"This will reduce required equipment in pens and provide more value from a single system, simplify maintenance, and create operational transparency within these pens, supporting hands-off control," Tidal claims.
In addition to monitoring fish biomass, lice, and welfare, the Orca system includes behavioural analytics such as swim speed and tilt angle, the company has announced. The system also uses "BioShield" technology, a biofouling-resistant coating applied to the camera lenses, which the company says reduces maintenance requirements.
“We are pleased to be able to support a broader range of operations and to unlock new layers of insight in environments where manual sampling is nearly impossible," said Tidal General Manager Anders Fossøy, in a press release. “Thanks to Orca’s modular design, we can continue adding new features that meet our customers’ evolving needs,” he added.
Tidal, which began as a project within Alphabet’s X (formerly Google[x]), focuses on developing AI tools for sustainable aquaculture. Launched in July 2024, and headquartered in Silicon Valley, the company expanded into Norway last year, announcing the appointment of Anders Fossøy, former Aquabyte commercial director, as its general manager in Norway, in September 2024.
