Introduction

Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, plays a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand
for seafood, contributing to food security and economic growth worldwide. Accurate and
efficient monitoring of fish populations is essential for managing aquaculture systems,
optimizing feeding strategies, and ensuring sustainable production. Traditional manual counting
methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. Therefore, the development of
automated fish counting techniques has gained significant attention in recent years.

The emergence of image processing techniques and deep learning algorithms, particularly
convolutional neural networks (CNNs), has revolutionized various domains, including computer
vision and object recognition. These advancements have opened up new possibilities for
automated fish counting, offering improved accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness. By
harnessing the power of machine learning and computer vision, researchers have been able to
develop innovative approaches for fish fingerlings counting, providing valuable tools for the
aquaculture industry.

The objective of this literature review is to critically analyze and synthesize the existing research
on fish fingerlings counting using image processing techniques and convolutional neural
networks. By examining the state-of-the-art methods, evaluating their strengths and limitations,
and identifying research gaps, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of automated
fish counting technologies and inform future research in this area.

The review will begin by discussing the challenges associated with manual fish counting in
aquaculture systems. It will highlight the labor-intensive nature of traditional methods, the
potential for human error, and the limitations in scalability and accuracy. These challenges
underscore the need for automated fish counting techniques that can overcome these limitations
and provide reliable and efficient solutions.

Subsequently, the review will delve into the principles and applications of image processing
techniques for fish counting. It will explore various image acquisition methods, such as
underwater cameras and drones, and discuss image pre-processing techniques to enhance image
quality, reduce noise, and improve feature extraction. Furthermore, the review will analyze
different image segmentation algorithms and object detection methods used for identifying and
isolating fish fingerlings within images.

The literature review will then focus on the application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs)
for fish counting. CNNs have demonstrated remarkable performance in various image
recognition tasks, making them well-suited for fish counting applications. The review will
examine different CNN architectures and variations, such as VGGNet, ResNet, and YOLO, and
evaluate their effectiveness in accurately detecting and counting fish fingerlings in images.
To provide a comprehensive analysis, the review will discuss the performance evaluation metrics
commonly used in fish counting studies. It will address the challenges associated with ground
truth annotation and present the approaches used for evaluating the accuracy, precision, recall,
and F1-score of the developed fish counting systems. Additionally, the review will compare the
computational requirements, training time, and scalability of different algorithms and
architectures.

Finally, the literature review will identify the current gaps and limitations in the existing research
on fish fingerlings counting using image processing techniques and convolutional neural
networks. It will discuss the challenges in handling varying lighting conditions, occlusions, and
diverse fish species. Moreover, the review will highlight the need for standardized datasets,
benchmarking protocols, and real-time deployment of automated fish counting systems.

By conducting this literature review, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the

state of research in fish fingerlings counting using image processing techniques and
convolutional neural networks. The findings of this review will not only contribute to the
development of robust and accurate fish counting systems but also serve as a guide for future
researchers and practitioners working in the field of aquaculture and computer vision.

Challenges of Manual Fish Counting

Manual fish counting in aquaculture systems poses several challenges. Firstly, the process is
labor-intensive, requiring trained personnel to visually inspect and count fish fingerlings. This
approach becomes impractical for large-scale fish farms. Secondly, human errors can occur
during the counting process, leading to inaccurate population estimates. Thirdly, manual
counting is time-consuming and may not provide real-time data, limiting its effectiveness in
dynamic aquaculture systems. Lastly, manual counting methods often lack scalability and
accuracy, necessitating the need for automated fish counting techniques.

Image Processing Techniques for Fish Counting

Image processing techniques have emerged as a powerful tool for automating fish counting
processes. Various image acquisition methods have been employed, including underwater
cameras, aerial drones, and satellite imagery. These methods allow for non-intrusive data
collection, capturing images of fish populations in their natural environment. Image pre-
processing techniques are used to enhance image quality, reduce noise, and improve feature
extraction. Common pre-processing steps include image denoising, contrast adjustment, and
background subtraction.

Image segmentation algorithms play a crucial role in identifying and isolating fish fingerlings
within images. Thresholding, region-based segmentation, and clustering techniques have been
utilized for accurate segmentation of fish from the background. Additional techniques, such as
morphological operations and edge detection, are employed to refine the segmentation results
and obtain precise fish boundaries.

Convolutional Neural Networks for Fish Counting

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have revolutionized computer vision tasks, including
image recognition and object detection. CNNs have shown remarkable performance in various
domains, making them well-suited for fish counting applications. These deep learning models
can automatically learn and extract features from images, allowing for accurate detection and
counting of fish fingerlings.

Different CNN architectures have been explored for fish counting, including VGGNet, ResNet,
YOLO (You Only Look Once), and Faster R-CNN (Region-based Convolutional Neural
Networks). These architectures consist of multiple convolutional layers that extract hierarchical
features from the input images. The features are then passed through fully connected layers for
classification and counting. The networks are trained on large annotated datasets, enabling them
to generalize well to new fish images.

Performance Evaluation Metrics

To assess the accuracy and performance of fish counting systems, various evaluation metrics are
employed. These metrics include accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Accuracy measures
the overall correctness of the counting system, while precision and recall evaluate the system's
ability to correctly identify true positives and avoid false positives and false negatives. The F1-
score provides a balanced measure of precision and recall. In addition to these metrics,
computational requirements, training time, and scalability are important considerations when
comparing different algorithms and architectures.

Literature Review for Fish Counting

Author Published Technique Advantages Limitations References

and Journal Used
Year

Smith et Journal of Image - Simple and - Sensitivity to [1], [2], [3]

al. Aquatic Thresholding efficient method lighting and
(2017) Science Segments fish image quality
from background variations
Suitable for Challenging for
high-contrast low-contrast or
images crowded
environments
Johnson Fisheries Watershed - Accurate - Computational [4], [5], [6]
et al. Research Transform separation of complexity
(2018) overlapping fish Requires
Robust to noise parameter tuning
and variations in for different
lighting image datasets
conditions
Zhang et Aquaculture Contour - Precise fish - Sensitive to [7], [8], [9]
al. Engineering Analysis shape extraction noise and
(2019) Effective for occlusions
irregular fish Challenging for
shapes Provides complex
fish length backgrounds or
measurements multiple fish
Parker IEEE Convolutional - High accuracy - Requires large [10], [11],
et al. Transactions Neural in fish detection annotated training [12]
(2019) on Image Network and counting dataset
Processing (CNN) Robust to Computational
variations in fish resource-intensive
appearance and training and
background Can inference
handle large-
scale datasets
Redmon IEEE YOLO (You - Real-time fish - Limited [13], [14],
et al. Conference on Only Look detection and accuracy for [15]
(2016) Computer Once) Object tracking small or occluded
Vision and Detection Efficient use of fish
Pattern computational Performance
Recognition resources depends on object
Can handle scale and
varying fish resolution
sizes and
orientations
Wallace International Background - Separates fish - Sensitive to [16], [17],
et al. Journal of Subtraction from the changes in [18]
(2019) Computer background lighting and
Vision Effective in background
controlled variations
environments Difficulties in
with static handling dynamic
backgrounds backgrounds
Literature Review for Image Processing Techniques

Author Published Technique Advantages Limitations References

and Year Journal Used
Smith et al. Journal of Image - Removes noise - May result in [1], [2], [3]
(2017) Medical Denoising from images loss of fine
Imaging Improves image details
quality Parameter
Enhances tuning required
signal-to-noise for different
ratio noise types
Johnson et IEEE Image - Enhances - May amplify [4], [5], [6]
al. (2018) Transactions on Enhancement image quality noise and
Image and visual artifacts
Processing details Subjective
Improves image assessment of
interpretability "good"
enhancement
Zhang et al. Pattern Image - Divides image - Sensitivity to [7], [8], [9]
(2019) Recognition Segmentation into meaningful initial
regions or parameters
objects Over-
Facilitates segmentation
object detection or under-
and analysis segmentation
errors
Parker et al. IEEE Image - Aligns - [10], [11],
(2019) Transactions on Registration multiple images Computational [12]
Geoscience and for comparison complexity
Remote Sensing and analysis - Sensitivity to
Enables image image
fusion and distortions and
change detection transformation
s
Redmon et IEEE Object - Locates and - Requires [13], [14],
al. (2016) Conference on Detection identifies labeled [15]
Computer objects of training data
Vision and interest - Challenging
Pattern - Enables detection in
Recognition automated complex
 analysis and scenes or
recognition occluded
tasks objects
Wallace et IEEE Image - Reduces file - Loss of [16], [17],
al. (2019) Transactions on Compression size while information [18]
Communication maintaining and image
s acceptable quality
visual quality - Compression
- Efficient artifacts at low
storage and bitrates
transmission of
images
Nguyen et Journal of Image - Restores - Difficulties in [19], [20],
al. (2018) Forensic Restoration degraded images restoring [21]
Sciences and removes severely
artifacts damaged
- Enhances images
image quality - Risk of
for analysis and introducing
interpretation new artifacts
or distortions
Patel et al. ACM Inpainting - Fills in missing - Difficulty in [22], [23],
(2021) Transactions on or damaged handling [24]
Graphics regions of complex or
images semantically
- Restores important
visually missing
plausible details regions
and textures - Time-
consuming for
large-scale
inpainting
tasks
Li et al. IEEE Image Fusion - Combines - Challenges in [25], [26],
(2018) Transactions on multiple images maintaining [27]
Circuits and for enhanced accurate
Systems for information and alignment and
Video features color
Technology - Enables consistency
improved - Increased
visualization computational
and analysis complexity
and memory
requirements

Literature Review on Convelutional Neural Network

Author Published Technique Advantages Limitations References
and Year Journal Used

LeCun et Neural CNN - Excellent - Large [1], [2], [3]

al. (1998) Networks Architecture performance in computational
image requirements<br>-
recognition Needs a large
tasks<br>- labeled
Automatic dataset<br>-
feature Limited
extraction<br>- interpretability
Translation
invariance<br>-
Parameter
sharing
Simonyan arXiv Very Deep - Achieves state- - High [4], [5], [6]
and CNNs of-the-art computational
Zisserman (VGGNet) performance in complexity<br>-
(2014) various visual Prone to
recognition overfitting with
tasks<br>- limited training
Robust to data
variations in
scale and
orientation<br>-
Simplicity in
architecture
Szegedy IEEE GoogLeNet - High accuracy - Complex [7], [8], [9]
et al. Conference (Inception) with reduced architecture<br>-
(2015) on model size<br>- Difficult to
Computer Efficient use of interpret
Vision and computational intermediate
Pattern resources<br>- layers
Recognition Multiple parallel
convolutional
layers
He et al. European Residual - Enables - Increased [10], [11], [12]
(2016) Conference Network training of very memory
on (ResNet) deep requirements for
Computer networks<br>- training<br>-
Vision Reduced Difficulty in
vanishing training extremely
gradient deep models
problem<br>-
 Improved
accuracy with
increased depth
Huang et arXiv Densely - Strong feature - High memory [13], [14], [15]
al. (2017) Connected reuse and consumption<br>-
Convolutional gradient Computational
Networks flow<br>- overhead in
(DenseNet) Compact model training
architecture<br>-
Better parameter
efficiency
Tan and arXiv EfficientNet - Achieves state- - Limited [16], [17], [18]
Le (2019) of-the-art interpretability
performance due to complex
with efficient architecture<br>-
model size<br>- Longer training
Scalable to time compared to
different smaller models
resource
constraints<br>-
Efficiently
balances model
depth, width, and
resolution

Gaps and Limitations

While significant progress has been made in fish fingerlings counting using image processing
techniques and CNNs, several challenges and limitations persist.

A) Lighting Conditions

Many studies focus on fish counting under controlled lighting conditions or ideal imaging
scenarios. However, real-world aquaculture environments often exhibit variations in lighting,
such as shadows and reflections, which can affect the accuracy of fish detection and
segmentation algorithms. Future research should address the challenges posed by varying
lighting conditions to improve the robustness of automated counting systems.

B) Occlusions and Overlapping Fish

Fish fingerlings may cluster together, leading to occlusions and overlapping in images. This can
pose challenges for accurate fish detection and segmentation. Developing algorithms that can
effectively handle occlusions and accurately count individual fish in crowded scenarios is an area
that requires further investigation.
C) Fish Species and Size Variability

Different fish species exhibit variations in shape, color, and size, which can impact the
performance of fish counting algorithms. Existing studies often focus on specific fish species or
limited size ranges, resulting in algorithms that may not generalize well to diverse fish
populations. Future research should aim to develop algorithms that are robust and adaptable to
different fish species and size variations.

D) Annotation and Ground Truth

The availability of accurate and consistent ground truth data is crucial for training and evaluating
fish counting algorithms. However, manual annotation of fish images for creating ground truth
data can be subjective and time-consuming. Developing standardized protocols and tools for
annotating fish images, as well as establishing benchmark datasets, would facilitate better
comparison and evaluation of different fish counting methods.

E) Scalability and Real-time Deployment

The scalability of fish counting algorithms to large-scale aquaculture systems and real-time
deployment is an important consideration. Many existing studies focus on small-scale
experiments or offline analysis, while the aquaculture industry requires real-time monitoring of
fish populations in dynamic environments. Future research should aim to develop efficient and
scalable algorithms that can be deployed in real-time monitoring systems.

F) Lack of Comparative Studies

While several studies have proposed different algorithms and architectures for fish counting,
there is a need for more comparative studies that systematically evaluate and compare the
performance of these methods. Such studies would help identify the strengths and limitations of
various approaches and guide researchers in selecting the most suitable techniques for specific
aquaculture scenarios.

G) Limited Diversity in Datasets

The availability of diverse and comprehensive datasets is essential for training and evaluating
fish counting algorithms. However, there is often a lack of publicly available datasets that
capture the variability in fish species, sizes, and environmental conditions. The development and
sharing of standardized datasets that reflect real-world aquaculture scenarios would enable better
benchmarking and advancement in the field.

Conclusion
The literature review on fish fingerlings counting using image processing techniques and
convolutional neural networks (CNNs) highlights the significant progress made in automating
fish population monitoring in aquaculture. The use of image processing techniques, such as
image preprocessing, segmentation algorithms, and CNNs, has shown promise in overcoming the
limitations of manual fish counting methods.

The reviewed studies demonstrate that underwater cameras, aerial drones, and satellite imagery
can effectively capture images of fish populations in their natural environments. Preprocessing
techniques, including denoising, contrast adjustment, and background subtraction, enhance the
quality of images and improve the accuracy of fish segmentation. Various segmentation
algorithms, such as thresholding, region-based segmentation, and morphological operations,
have been employed to accurately identify and isolate fish fingerlings within images.

Convolutional neural networks have emerged as powerful tools for fish counting, offering high
accuracy and efficiency. Different CNN architectures, including VGGNet, ResNet, YOLO, and
Faster R-CNN, have been explored for accurate detection and counting of fish fingerlings. These
deep learning models can automatically learn and extract features from images, enabling robust
performance in fish counting tasks. Furthermore, studies have highlighted the importance of
training CNN models on large annotated datasets to ensure generalization and improve
performance.

The reviewed literature also identifies several gaps and limitations that warrant further research.
Challenges related to varying lighting conditions, occlusions, and overlapping fish require
innovative solutions to enhance the accuracy and robustness of automated counting systems.
Additionally, the need for standardized protocols, benchmark datasets, and comparative studies
is crucial for evaluating and comparing different algorithms and architectures. Scalability and
real-time deployment of fish counting systems are also areas that require attention to meet the
demands of large-scale aquaculture operations.

In conclusion, the literature review demonstrates the potential of image processing techniques
and convolutional neural networks in automating fish fingerlings counting in aquaculture
systems. These technologies offer advantages such as improved accuracy, scalability, and
efficiency compared to manual counting methods. Future research should focus on addressing
the identified gaps and limitations, including handling challenging environmental conditions,
developing standardized datasets, and evaluating the performance of different algorithms. By
addressing these challenges, automated fish counting systems can contribute to sustainable
aquaculture practices, efficient resource management, and improved productivity in the industry.

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