IoT-Based Monitoring System for Fish Farming: A Case Study of Entrepreneur Shafiul Alam

Shafiul Alam, an entrepreneur in the field of fish farming, initially lacked extensive experience in the industry. His approach to managing and monitoring his fish farm was traditional, leading to challenges in maintaining essential water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia (NH₃) levels, and temperature. This often resulted in suboptimal production levels, which did not meet expectations by the end of the year.

However, Shafiul’s journey took a significant turn when he became involved in a baseline survey project under the IDF RMTP initiative. The project focused on safe fish and fish product production and commercialization. As part of this project, Shafiul participated in various training sessions that introduced modern fish farming techniques, including the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in aquaculture, smart feed systems, probiotics, biosecurity practices, and pond maintenance.

Building on the knowledge gained from these sessions, Shafiul took a decisive step towards modernizing his fish farming practices. On September 24, 2023, he installed an IoT-based monitoring system in his 30-decimal fish pond with support from the project. This web-based system allows him to monitor and control critical water parameters such as pH, DO, NH₃, and temperature. Through this system, Shafiul can access real-time data on these parameters remotely, using his smartphone.

The system provides Shafiul with valuable insights into water quality. For instance, if the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels fall below 4 mg/L, or if the pH or ammonia content becomes hazardous to the fish, he is alerted and can take corrective action immediately. This capability has greatly enhanced his ability to maintain optimal pond conditions, ensuring a healthier environment for his fish.

As a result of these improvements, Shafiul is now successfully cultivating fish in his nursery pond. To date, his fish farming operations have generated approximately 3, 26,000 Taka in sales. Looking ahead, Shafiul aims to develop a fully automated smart fish farming system. This future project will integrate smart fish feeders and a web-based platform that uses IoT technology and data analysis to automatically deliver fish feed. The system will enable remote monitoring and control, further streamlining his operations and enhancing efficiency.