Artificial intelligence counts trout: success story in MV!

Artificial intelligence counts trout: success story in MV!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, an innovative approach to count on sea trout is used: artificial intelligence. This technology is used to determine the number of fish in the Poischower Mühlenbach, a water in the Northwest Mecklenburg district. The counting device, which has now been put into operation, uses underwater cameras to record the swimming trout. Then a AI evaluates the recordings and identifies the fish. This project is headed by the Institute for Fishing of the State Research Institute for Agriculture and Fishing MV to evaluate the success of the resettlement measures that began in the 1990s after the trout in the region had almost disappeared.

The decline in the sea trout, according to project manager Armin Steibli, resulted primarily from the pollution of the waters and structural measures that affected the natural habitat of the animals. "The trout could no longer rise from the Baltic Sea into the rivers and streams to reach their spawning areas," said Steibli. Thanks to a resettlement program, obstacles have been reduced in recent years and new trout has been successfully exposed to the waters. Today there are almost 60 waters in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that have a healthy existence of trout again.

The return of the trout

The resettlement measures have proven to be extremely effective. According to the Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD), most of these waters can now contribute independently to reproduce trout. "The efforts that we have made show fruit," remarked Backhaus, referring to the valuable progress in the fish stock of the coastal waters. The success of the resettlement of the waters is positive news, after years in which the fish population was greatly decimated.

Steibli pointed out that there are still differences between sea trout and brown trout. However, these are considered to be scientifically regarded as a species, the European trout. Part of the trout wanders between spawning spaces in rivers and streams and the eastern or North Sea. This hike is not only important for reproduction, but also for the survival of the species. In autumn, the animals return to their original waters to give their eggs there.

An interesting aspect of reproduction is that some of the smaller male trout often remain in the streams. This mechanism serves as a natural safety precaution. If part of the hiking population does not return for certain reasons, such as environmental changes or predators, reproduction is still secured. This strategy was not only created by evolution, but also proof of the resilience and adaptability of the trout.

The implementation of AI to monitor fish populations is a promising step in modern fishing industry and offers numerous advantages. With precise data, targeted protective measures can be developed that ensure survival and preservation of the species. In addition, this progress opens up opportunities for future research projects and enables scientists to better understand changes in the ecosystem.

The latest developments in the counting of the trout and the subsequent protective measures are not only important for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, but could also have a model character for similar projects in other regions. Overall, it can be seen that technological innovations, coupled with sustainable environmental practices, are crucial for the future of endangered species such as the sea trout. More information on this can be found here