Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1540943
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 7 N OV E M B E R 3 , 2 0 2 5 intelligence across its farms to advance nearly every aspect of aquaculture. AI tools are being used to improve feed efficiency, estimate biomass, track growth, detect parasites, and monitor environmental conditions. In hatch- eries, technology also aids in gender and defect detection in juvenile fish, a process that previously relied on manual, visual inspection. Although aquaculture is only about 50 years old, the industry is already embracing transformative technology. Feeding once relied entirely on man- ual labor and approximation, often resulting in waste and overfeeding. Now, underwater cameras and sen- sors analyze fish behavior in real time, with algorithms determining the opti- mal timing for feed release. Maintaining healthy fish stocks also means confronting threats such as sea lice and algae blooms. To address this, Cooke is testing an AI-enabled monitoring system capable of identi- fying microscopic algae bloom spe- cies in real time, including whether they are harmful or harmless. is early detection allows the company to take rapid action, protecting fish health and minimizing loss. "It's better for the bottom line; it's better for our fish. Our fish are health- ier. We're able to take better care of them. It's better for our employees because their jobs become less manual and they can focus on other tasks. ey get excited about using new tools and technology. It's a win all around," says Steven Hedlund, director of public C ONTI NU ED ON FOLLOWI NG PAGE ยป Dedicated to supporting Maine's growth in an AI-powered economy As Maine businesses embrace artificial intelligence, trusted legal guidance is critical. Verrill draws upon experience from throughout the firm to help clients navigate AI's impact on employment, assess risk, protect innovation, and ensure compliance, including in highly regulated industries. Work with a law firm that understands both the law and the technology. www.verrill-law.com Cooke USA Fish Health Technician Jessica Lindsay alongside a net pen at a Machias Bay salmon farm. C O U R T E S Y / C O O K E U S A