Virtual Modelling To Change Barramundi Production

As virtual modelling becomes increasingly available everywhere, the field of aquaculture is also taking advantage of it, new research in Australia shows.

Jessica Hintzsche from the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia is using a computer simulation for the development of ‘digital twins’—a virtual model for the genetic tools available for barramundi farming.

A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system that spans its life cycle, is updated from real-time data, and uses simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help decision-making, according to IBM.com.

Hintzsche is a PhD candidate at UQ, and the project is in conjunction with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).

“We are creating the farm’s virtual twin—a 3D digital replica of the real thing to allow us to run simulations,” Ms. Hintzsche said for UQ News.

“The benefit of a digital twin is that we can test the impact of different genomic, breeding and production technologies such as parental selection and harvesting options before they are rolled out on the farm.”

According to Ms. Hintzsche, the advantage of using digital twins is that the farm can try a new technology before they buy it, which will help them in the decision-making process.

“It would allow producers to make decisions about how to take their business to the next level with healthy fish populations,” Ms. Hintzsche said.

Australia produces 9, 000 tones of barramundi per year as a part of the aquaculture industry in the country, which is valued at $223 million (US $131 million) with the projection to become $1.34 billion by the year 2030.

Digital twins’ technology has been so far implemented in the cattle industry, in the sugar cane industry and in wheat production in Australia, but it is a novelty for aquaculture.

Why Is This Research Needed

Ms. Hintzsche explains that the industry needs this research because aquaculture is growing fast, but the implementation of genetic technologies into barramundi breeding programs is slow, pointing out that only 10 percent of globally farmed fish descend from genetically improved lines.

“We are at a tipping point globally where the production of farmed fish is about to overtake wild-caught fish in fisheries,” Ms. Hintzsche said.

“To meet demand and keep up with other agricultural industries, genetic tools need to be integrated into breeding programs.”

A key reason why AI’s digital twins’ technology might be revolutionary to the aquaculture industry is the high cost of genetic technologies, like genotyping, for example, which costs $30 per sample (i.e.individual), explains Ms. Hintzsche.

For cattle sampling, this might be justifiable, considering that one animal can be worth $4,000, but for the prawn industry, for example, each individual is worth less than a dollar; thus, $30 is a rather high price to find out the genotype of a certain individual.

There are many benefits of using AI in aquaculture development and sustainability, the young scientists think.

“No one yet has the capacity to apply these techniques in aquaculture, and it is amazing to be on the forefront, using this technology to push the boundaries of aquaculture.

“Really, the sky is the limit,” Ms. Hintzsche optimistically concludes.

What Is Virtual Modelling?

Virtual modelling refers to the process of creating digital representations or simulations of real-world objects, environments, or systems, and it is a technology commonly used in various fields, including engineering, architecture, entertainment, medicine, and more.

There are several types of virtual modelling.

3D Modelling: Creating three-dimensional digital representations of objects or scenes using specialized software. 3D models can be static or dynamic, depending on their intended use.

Virtual Reality (VR) Modelling: Involves creating interactive, immersive experiences that simulate real-world environments or artificial worlds. Users can explore and interact with these virtual spaces using specialized VR headsets or devices.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD): CAD software is widely used in engineering and product design. It enables the creation of detailed virtual models of mechanical parts, machines, and products, facilitating the design process.

Architectural Visualization: In the field of architecture, virtual modelling allows architects and designers to create digital mock-ups of buildings and environments. This helps stakeholders visualize the proposed designs before construction begins.

Medical Modelling: Virtual modelling is utilized in medicine to create accurate 3D representations of human anatomy for surgical planning, medical education, and research purposes.

Virtual modelling has become increasingly sophisticated and accessible with computer graphics, hardware, and software advances. It plays a crucial role in improving design processes, enhancing user experiences, and driving innovation in various industries.

Interesting Facts About Barramundi

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), also known as Asian sea bass, is a popular and highly prized fish species found in Australia, Southeast Asia, and some parts of the Indian subcontinent.

The word barramundi originates from the Aboriginal language in Australia and, in translation, means “large-scaled river fish.”

Barramundi is known for its excellent taste and has become a popular fish in many cuisines around the world.

Here are some interesting characteristics and facts about barramundi:

Appearance: Barramundi has a sleek, elongated body with a large mouth and sharp teeth. They have a silver to light grey colour on their sides and a white underbelly. Juvenile barramundi often has a dark vertical banding pattern on their bodies.

Habitat: Barramundi can be found in a variety of environments, including rivers, estuaries, coastal waters, and even freshwater impoundments. They are euryhaline, meaning they can tolerate a wide range of salinities, making them adaptable to both marine and freshwater conditions.

Biology: Barramundi has a complex life cycle, starting as eggs are released in estuaries and coastal waters. They are hermaphroditic (both male and female) and change sex during their lifetime. They are first born as a male, and at the age of five to six years old, they become female, for which they require salt water.

Aquaculture: Barramundi is a popular fish for aquaculture due to its rapid growth rate, high tolerance for different environments, and excellent flesh quality. It is farmed in many countries to meet the demand for its culinary value.

Nutritional Value: Barramundi is considered a healthy fish as it is low in fat and calories. In 100 g serving of this fish, there are 92 calories, 1.5 g of fat, 0 g of carbohydrates, and 19.4 g of protein.

Due to its taste and versatility in cooking, barramundi has gained popularity not only in its native regions but also in international markets. It is often sought after as a delicious and sustainable seafood option.