Aquaculture has become one of the fastest-growing food production sectors, contributing 130.9 million tons globally in 2022 (FAO, 2024), yet it continues to face persistent challenges such as labor intensiveness, high feed costs, energy inefficiency, and environmental concerns. This APO e-course equips participants with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges through the adoption of smart technologies including sensors, automation, the IoT, big data, and AI.

Building on the success of the 2025 APO Workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability Applied in Aquaculture, this e-course aims to deepen understanding of how digital innovations enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in aquaculture systems. Participants will explore practical applications of smart technologies in feed optimization, water quality management, and resource monitoring.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify appropriate smart aquaculture solutions for their local contexts and promote inclusive, innovation-led productivity growth in the aquaculture sector across APO member economies.

Course Objectives

The main objectives of this course are:

• Learn about key concepts and applications of smart technologies in aquaculture. 
• Address challenges related to labor intensity, feed costs, energy saving, and water quality control through smart technologies.
• Promote sustainable aquaculture practices among APO member economies.

This e-learning course will cover the following modules:

Module 1: Overview of aquaculture transformation for sustainability and introduction to smart aquaculture
Module 2: Principles and applications of sensor, automation, IoT, and AI technologies in aquaculture
Module 3: Integration of smart technologies in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
Module 4: Applying AI-IoT technologies for water quality, feeding, and disease management in typical aquaculture farms
Module 5: Smart aquaculture case studies: From accessible and cost-effective solutions to advanced precision technologies

Important Notes:

1. Participants who register to take this course and pass the final examination with a score of 70% or higher will be eligible to receive the APO certificate. Please note that the final examination can be taken only once. Therefore, the most appropriate time to take the examination should be chosen carefully. The self-assessment quizzes are for personal evaluation only and are not related to the final examination results.
2. Participants who perform well in this course and receive the APO certificate will be given preference, on a merit basis, for selection to attend follow-up face-to-face multicountry APO projects on similar topics, when nominated by their NPOs and if slots are available.
3. Notes 1 and 2 are applicable only to participants from APO member countries. Participants from nonmember countries are welcome to take the course for self-improvement, although they will not have an opportunity to attend the follow-up face-to-face multicountry APO projects.
4. Each module is in a prerecorded video format in which the expert delivers presentations by explaining each slide. Participants can access the video by clicking on the link provided under the title of each module.