Amy Fitzgerald, a researcher at Swansea University and a member of the IGNITION project, has been awarded the 2025 Young Author Award by Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries for her outstanding contribution to aquaculture science.
Her paper, titled “Machine vision applications for welfare monitoring in aquaculture: challenges and opportunities,” offers a comprehensive review of how camera-based systems, paired with artificial intelligence, can be used to monitor fish health and behaviour. The article explores current applications in assessing growth, posture, skin condition, and even signs of stress or aggression, highlighting the potential of machine vision for real-time, non-invasive welfare monitoring in aquaculture systems.
The editorial board of Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries praised Amy’s work for its originality, clarity, and potential to shape future research and industry practices. As the inaugural recipient of this newly established annual award, Amy sets a high standard for excellence in early-career aquaculture research.
Her work is closely aligned with IGNITION’s goal of advancing welfare-friendly aquaculture practices through technology and innovation. By identifying both opportunities and knowledge gaps, the paper contributes directly to IGNITION’s mission of making aquaculture more efficient, ethical, and sustainable.
You can read the full paper here: https://zenodo.org/records/15722279
