An image processing approach for estimating the number of live prawn larvae in water

We address the problem of accurate estimation of prawn larvae numbers in small water-filled containers using image processing techniques. Images of the containers are captured from sampled video signals of a camera suspended over the containers. The images are preprocessed for noise removal and enhancement. The resulting images are then processed to estimate the number of prawn larvae with an acceptable accuracy. Our preliminary results show that estimates of prawn larvae numbers with accuracy of between 90-95% are achievable under controlled conditions. Some issues of system development and practical implementation are discussed.