IHB deputy director HU Wei introduced the Intelligent Fish Monitoring System to CAS president HOU Jianguo. (Credit: IHB)

The Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is leading advancements in aquatic conservation and aquaculture with its groundbreaking “Intelligent Fish Monitoring System.” Unveiled at the 2024 CAS–Guangdong Science and Technology Fair on November 17, 2024, the system captivated industry leaders, policymakers, and businesses in the Greater Bay Area for its transformative applications.

Leading the IHB delegation, deputy director HU Wei showcased the system’s achievements, emphasizing its role in supporting the“Ten-Year Fishing Ban” in the Yangtze River. “We’ve made significant progress in protecting fish resources and monitoring aquatic ecosystems,” Hu told CAS president HOU Jianguo, who praised the system for its innovative solutions and practical impact.

Developed by IHB Prof. DUAN Ming and his team, the Intelligent Fish Monitoring System addresses long-standing challenges in underwater observation. By integrating advanced technologies—such as multi-modal databases, intelligent recognition algorithms, and acoustic-optical design—the system delivers precise, real-time, and non-invasive data on fish species, behavior, biomass, and habitats.

The system has already been deployed successfully in diverse aquatic environments, including the Yangtze River, Qinghai Lake, Chaohu Lake, and the South China Sea. Its ability to monitor biodiversity and fish populations with unparalleled accuracy has earned accolades from both experts and end users.

DUAN Ming’s leadership in developing the system was recognized with the 2024 Zhu Liangyi Analytical Instrument Innovation Award for “Application Innovation” at the 9th Academic Conference on Analytical Instruments (ACAIC 2024) on November 15, 2024.

Award certificate (Credit: IHB)