VOL. 18, NO. 4 / FALL 2023 / URNER BARRY'S REPORTER • 21
The application of AI in seafood processing for by-products holds significant potential to transform waste into valuable
resources. Here are several key uses of AI in maximizing the utilization of seafood by-products:
AI has already been making significant strides in the seafood industry, revolutionizing various aspects of the sector. These
applications will likely continue to evolve and expand over time. The integration of AI in seafood by-product processing
not only adds value to what was previously considered waste, but also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient
seafood industry. It opens doors to innovation, promotes responsible resource management, and creates new avenues
for economic growth.
Article contributed by Liz Cuozzo | lcuozzo@urnerbarry.com
Icons: ©Rvector / IconKitty / Chistoprudnaya / Anton Shaparenko / Shutterstock.com
AI can help identify valuable components within seafood by-products that can be repurposed
for other applications. For instance, AI-powered sensors and computer vision systems can
analyze compounds with potential value for pharmaceuticals, nutraceutical, or other industries.
AI algorithms can analyze the nutritional content and properties of seafood by-products to
develop new value-added products. This could include creating nutritional supplements, pet food, pharmaceutical
ingredients, or cosmetics from previously discarded materials. By turning by-products into valuable resources, the
seafood industry can reduce waste and create new revenue streams.
AI-powered robotic systems can automate
tasks like de-shelling, de-boning, and
extracting meat from by-products. Automation
improves processing efficiency, reduces
labor costs, and enhances consistency. AI
sensors and monitoring systems can track
the condition of seafood by-products in
real time, ensuring
they are handled
and stored under
optimal conditions to
maintain quality and
prevent spoilage.
Another usage of AI algorithms is formulating sustainable
aquafeeds by analyzing the nutritional content of seafood
by-products. By determining the ideal combinations and
proportions of by-products, AI can
help design nutritious feeds for
farmed fish and shrimp, reducing
the need for conventional fishmeal
derived from wild fish stocks.
AI-driven optimization models can
suggest the most efficient ways to
process by-products, minimizing waste
and reducing environmental impact. By
analyzing patterns in waste generation
and disposal, AI can suggest more efficient ways to
handle by-products, including recycling, composting, or
converting waste into biogas for energy production. This
aligns with sustainability goals by utilizing more of the
harvested seafood.
AI driven bioprocessing techniques
can be applied to convert seafood
by-products into high value bioactive
compounds, such as antioxidants,
proteins and lipids. AI can guide
extraction processes to obtain valuable
compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids, collagen,
and enzymes.