A groundbreaking innovation in the crab fishing industry is transforming how fishers manage their catches. Traditionally, crab fishing involves a labor-intensive process where fishers prepare pots, deploy them at sea, and later retrieve them after waiting periods ranging from 12 hours to a week. Once the crabs are caught, fishers must meticulously measure each crab's size and weight, sort them according to regulations, and record these details manually. However, a new solution developed by SeafoodAI, based in Palo Alto, California, aims to streamline this arduous task using artificial intelligence.
In April, SeafoodAI introduced CrabScan360, an advanced tool designed to automate the measurement, sorting, and data recording of crabs. This technology offers two versions: one tailored for use in the field and another intended for factory settings. The portable field version is compact and can be deployed quickly on boats or docks. Fishers place individual crabs onto the scanner, which captures images and uses sensors alongside custom software to analyze and log crucial information about each crab instantly.
The factory version of CrabScan360 is fully automated. Crabs travel along a conveyor belt and pass under a scanner that evaluates them comprehensively. Based on the analysis, the crabs are sorted accordingly, and each scan generates a detailed digital record uploaded to the cloud. These records provide valuable insights into trends such as average size, yield, and legal catch percentages across entire harvests.
Beyond just simplifying processes, CrabScan360 creates a unique digital fingerprint for every scanned crab. This feature ensures precise digital documentation linked to specific harvest locations, times, and dates. As crabs move through the supply chain, this data accompanies them, establishing a transparent chain of custody from capture to processing. Rob Terry, SeafoodAI’s founder and CEO, highlights that this enhanced data accessibility allows seafood companies to make more informed decisions, improving efficiency and profitability within the supply chain.
Terry envisions expanding SeafoodAI's reach beyond crabs to include other seafood markets like tuna, salmon, and shrimp. By building a real-time database connecting harvesters, processors, regulators, and wholesalers, SeafoodAI seeks to create a more efficient and transparent model beneficial especially for smaller producers often hindered by costs or complexities. This modern approach not only meets increasing demands for traceable seafood but also supports sustainability initiatives valued by major retailers.