Farm in a Box will integrate ReelData's leading AI products for land-based aquaculture
ReelData
The CEO and co-founder of ReelData, Matt Zimola, makes an assessment on the journey and evolution of the AI camera technology company, based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, which has been one of the main operational support partners of choice for land-based aquaculture since 2019.
"When we established ReelData, we realized quickly that land-based aquaculture has a phenomenal opportunity to grow and will play a significant, if not dominant, role in the future of sustainable seafood production," he highlighted.
According to Zimola, evidence of this is the proliferation of post-smolt facilities and full-cycle production facilities, as well as the diversification of species in land-based aquaculture. All of this shows that the aquaculture industry is on the verge of experiencing significant changes.
"We’ve worked hard here at ReelData to develop technology and solutions that provide significant value for our aquaculture partners, and as we continue to improve the products in our portfolio today, and also deliver new solutions, we’re energized about what the future holds for ReelData," he expressed.
The Canadian firm announced in July, its latest product, ReelVision, a new specialised camera for aquaculture monitoring using AI. This everyday IP (Internet protocol) camera is engineered to support AI-driven tasks such as behavioral analysis, feeding rate monitoring, fish health assessment, and overall welfare.
Buoyant Ventures and S2G (Seed to Growth) Ventures share the same vision for sustainable aquaculture production, which is why they have provided financial support to ReelData. Along with the Nest Family Office, both venture capital companies have invested a total of US$8 million.
Regarding the partnership, Amy Francetic, co-founder and Managing Partner of Bouyant Ventures, commented: "Buoyant Ventures invested in ReelData because their technology can further support the next wave of innovation in land-based fish farming to help improve production efficiency and economics, thereby supporting the long-term trajectory of land-based aquaculture and sustainable seafood supply."
Additionally, CFO for ReelData, Adam Bird said: "Any company associated with Buoyant and S2G will undoubtedly benefit from their support as both companies offer value to help develop and accelerate high-growth businesses. Their partnership and guidance has been instrumental and invaluable for ReelData."
The collaboration between ReelData and The Kingfish Company marked the first attempt to adapt ReelData's existing AI-based weighing technology for kingfish. Moreover, the Canadian company partnered with Salmon Evolution to provide them with its feeding software, ReelAppetite.
Jon Åge Stakvik-Løvås who is an automation engineer at Salmon Evolution ASA and a direct user of ReelData’s ReelAppetite technology quickly recognized the benefits of this tool: "It provides us with real-time insights into feed spill and appetite changes, enabling automated feeding adjustments based on dynamic conditions. It allows us to stay on top of changes across all our fish tanks simultaneously."
Also, Samherji Fiskeldi ehf has conducted a pilot of ReelAppetite for over a year at their facility in Staður, Reykjanes. The Icelandic company has confirmed feed optimization and an opportunity to improve farming techniques.
"The ReelData team consistently provides exceptional support and outstanding management and follow-up. They continually demonstrate an incredibly high level of customer service to support our operations," assured Sigurpáll Hjörvar Árnason, Technical Manager at Samherji fiskeldi ehf.
Finally, Zimola concluded: "Today in the market, I feel ReelData is already well-recognized and is also a well-respected key player and partner in land-based aquaculture. In the future, however, our ambition is to have the name ReelData synonymous with any new facility, development plans, growth objectives, or efficiency projects in land-based aquaculture. We’re delivering on the technology, the value is proven, now we get our systems in the water."
