HYDRA 360: More efficient feeding and fewer devices in the pen
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But even the best AI software depends on one thing: high-quality data. And high-quality data starts with the camera system in the pen.
"We make our living by delivering data that gives fish farmers greater insight and a stronger basis for decision-making. But the quality of those insights can never exceed the quality of the data being collected. With HYDRA 360, we have developed an all-in-one system that captures more precision data from the pen than any comparable solution on the market," says Darryl Weatherspoon, CTO of Aquabyte.
One system – multiple functions
HYDRA 360 combines a feeding camera, biomass and welfare camera, sonar, and environmental sensors in a single solution.
360-degree view
With seven separate camera lenses, HYDRA 360 provides a true 360-degree view of fish behavior and activity inside the pen. Users can freely pan, tilt, and rotate the view in real time, enabling better monitoring and the ability to observe fish from multiple angles simultaneously.
Built-in environmental sensors
The environmental sensors monitor temperature, oxygen levels, salinity, depth, and turbidity, bringing critical environmental monitoring together in a single unit—instead of requiring farmers to install and maintain multiple separate systems throughout the pen. If needed, HYDRA 360 can also be expanded with additional sensors.
Integrated sonar
The integrated sonar in HYDRA 360 offers significantly greater range than traditional cameras. This means operators are no longer limited to observing only the fish that pass directly in front of the camera lenses. Instead, they gain a broader and more comprehensive understanding of how fish are positioned, move, and distribute themselves throughout the entire pen. Complete visibility into fish location also makes it easier to position cameras and other equipment in the optimal locations.
Many fish farming sites today rely on multiple separate systems for collecting environmental data, monitoring biomass and fish health, and supporting feeding operations. With HYDRA 360, we have brought all of these functions together in a single compact solution. In addition, the integrated sonar provides access to entirely new data and insights.
"In short, we have created a system that gives fish farmers all the data they need to operate more efficiently, more precisely, and with better fish welfare,” says Darryl Weatherspoon, CTO of Aquabyte.
Fewer units – more comprehensive insights
Bringing multiple functions together in a single system offers several practical advantages. Fewer units in the pen mean simpler logistics, less maintenance, and a reduced workload for site personnel. At the same time, integrating multiple data sources gives farmers deeper insights into the fish within the pen.
"It is only when data on fish behavior, biology, and the environment are analyzed within the same system that you can truly understand what is happening in the pen. When all information is brought together in one place, it becomes easier to understand relationships, identify trends, and make better decisions," says Darryl Weatherspoon, CTO of Aquabyte.
A tool for more efficient feeding
One area where integrated data systems can make a particularly significant impact is feeding. Today, operators must interpret and analyze large amounts of information from multiple systems simultaneously. As a result, the workload and information pressure during feeding operations are considerable.
This can lead to important decisions being made on the wrong basis or based on what has already happened. The result is underfeeding or overfeeding. HYDRA 360 can help make feeding more precise.
Using advanced real-time analysis of data from cameras, sensors, and sonar, our system can count and track feed pellets as they move through the water, map fish swimming patterns, and, based on this information, predict fish appetite ahead of time.
“These predictions enable feeding operators to act proactively based on robust data and analysis rather than reacting after the fact. The result is more efficient feeding,” says Thomas Fekete Rønningen, CCO of Aquabyte.
Control over feed consumption and growth
Aquabyte has also launched new software in the form of the FÔRING product, a smart feeding assistant that fully leverages the potential of the data collected by HYDRA 360 in the pen. Together, Aquabyte’s new camera system and software provide unique insights into both input and output: feed consumption and fish growth.
The feeding assistant brings all relevant data together in a single, intuitive user interface—from feeding intensity and pellet tracking to sonar imagery showing where fish are positioned within the pen.
Combined with real-time feed conversion ratio (FCR) data and our proprietary Regional Growth Index (RGI), this gives operators full control over both the feed entering the pen and the impact it has.
“The result is more precise feeding and reduced feed waste every time. When feed costs account for around 50 percent of the total costs in fish farming, even small improvements can deliver significant economic benefits,” says Thomas Fekete Rønningen.
Hardware that enables better software
Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics depend entirely on stable, accurate, and continuous datasets. To achieve this, the hardware deployed in fish pens must perform reliably – every single day.
That is why HYDRA 360 is equipped with self-cleaning sensors and camera lenses, while its surfaces are treated with a specialized coating that reduces biofouling. This allows HYDRA 360 to remain submerged for extended periods without requiring maintenance or cleaning. For fish farmers, this means less downtime, fewer operations, and consistent collection of critical high-quality data over time.
“Software is important. But without good hardware, you cannot generate good data. And without good data, it becomes difficult to make good decisions – both for efficient feeding and improved fish health,” concludes Rønningen.
