Manolin CEO Tony Chen Bets on AI to Reduce Fish Mortality, Transform Aquaculture

Why It Matters

By applying AI to aquaculture, Manolin helps producers cut losses, boost yields and meet growing demand for sustainable seafood, a critical lever for global food security and environmental goals.

Key Takeaways

• Manolin uses AI to cut fish mortality across oyster, salmon, tilapia farms
• Open‑source disease library now funded by Norway’s FHF grant for 2026
• AI models help farmers decide harvest timing, feed, and vaccination instantly
• CEO stresses AI augments, not replaces, traditional aquaculture expertise
• Funding will update 50 disease entries and add paid contributors

Pulse Analysis

Artificial intelligence is moving beyond land‑based agriculture into the ocean, where data scarcity and disease outbreaks have long hampered productivity. Manolin leverages real‑time sensor feeds, historical growth patterns and machine‑learning algorithms to surface actionable insights for aquaculture operators. By translating complex biological signals into clear recommendations—such as optimal feed ratios or early disease warnings—the platform helps farms reduce mortality rates and improve feed conversion efficiency, directly impacting profit margins.

A cornerstone of Manolin’s strategy is its open‑source disease library, a crowd‑sourced repository of pathogen information that AI models draw upon for diagnostics. In April 2026 the company secured funding from Norway’s Fiskeri‑ og havbruksnæringens forskningsfinansiering (FHF) to verify and expand the database, targeting 50 additional disease entries and establishing a stipend program for expert contributors. This investment not only enhances model accuracy but also creates a community‑driven knowledge base that can be rapidly updated as new threats emerge, addressing a critical gap in the aquaculture supply chain.

Looking ahead, Chen envisions AI driving deeper automation—from predictive harvesting to real‑time processing decisions—while also supporting scientific breakthroughs in fish health. As the sector seeks to scale sustainably, AI‑enabled precision farming offers a pathway to meet rising protein demand without overtaxing marine ecosystems. The convergence of advanced analytics, validated disease data and industry‑wide adoption positions Manolin as a pivotal player in the next wave of sustainable seafood production.