Enhancing Tilapia Harvesting through Semi-automated Fish Pen Elevating System and Single-input-multiple-output Aquaculture Pump System

Fish is a staple in the diet of nations globally and is cultured and harvested using various practices such as open sea fishing and aquaculture. In fact, the fisheries and aquaculture industry are valued at 250 billion as a whole and contribute to almost 2% of the Philippines' Gross Domestic Product; therefore, it is an industry with constant great demand. Aquaculture practice is where fish, shellfish, and other consumable marine species are cultivated by fishermen using traditional methods and experience typically manually operated via fish pens. However, occupational hazards exposed to fishermen in the industry often result in injury and long-term health effects. Thus, there is a need to semi-automate the labour-intensive task of fish harvesting by applying concepts from common current aquaculture practices and control systems engineering. This study develops two systems, namely: a fish pen elevating system and a single-input-multiple-output aquaculture pump system, for harvesting of tilapia in the Laguna de Bay, Philippines, based on the vastness of the lake, the quantity of open water fish pens located in the area, and the species being the most produced in this type of fish pen as a whole. The discussion of existing aquacultures around the world is also included in this study to show advancements in technology when it comes to this industry. The two proposed systems presented integrate the automation of the process where fish is brought to the surface via raising the base frame of the fish pen or its surrounding poles. The proper application of each system should result in more efficient harvests, fewer injuries to fishermen, and improved production volumes.