Watermind

Watermind

Watermind

AI-powered early detection of harmful algae blooms, enabling climate-resilient salmon aquaculture

Puerto Varas, Los Lagos, Chile

CHL

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

We focus on early detection of harmful algae blooms (HABs) to prevent massive fish mortalities. In Patagonia alone, HABs cause up to US$800 million in annual losses (link) and affect over 1,000 square kilometers of marine ecosystems (link). Globally, HABs are estimated to inflict economic damages exceeding US$13 billion each year, disrupting aquaculture, desalination, tourism, and public health. Climate change (more specifically heat waves and increased ocean temperatures) is intensifying this crisis, driving more frequent and severe blooms. Current detection methods are reactive—they identify blooms only after they have reached salmon farms, leading to irreversible environmental and economic damage. Meanwhile, salmon producers collect extensive data that remains underutilized for monitoring HAB risk, despite compelling research evidence supporting its predictive potential. Our solution leverages advanced satellite technology and machine learning to anticipate HAB events in their earliest stages. By enabling proactive interventions, we aim to avert catastrophic fish mortalities and safeguard both marine ecosystems and the livelihoods dependent on them.

Our solution revolutionizes HAB monitoring by integrating satellite imagery, hydrodinamic models & sensor data and generating HAB risk assesment based in AI. First, our proprietary machine learning models analyze high-resolution satellite data to detect harmful algae blooms (HABs) at their inception—long before they reach salmon farms. Next, our real-time hydrodynamic model predicts how these blooms will move over the coming days, offering actionable forecasts. Finally, we merge on-site sensor readings and water sampling data from salmon farms to refine our predictions, assessing whether a bloom will intensify or subside based on environmental and oceanographic conditions. This comprehensive, data-driven approach enables proactive interventions that can prevent massive fish mortalities and protect marine ecosystems, ensuring climate-resilient aquaculture.

Our solution is designed primarily for aquaculture operators—especially salmon producers in regions like Patagonia, Canada and UK where harmful algae blooms (HABs) pose severe risks. These operators, along with the coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on sustainable aquaculture, are currently underserved by outdated, reactive monitoring systems that detect blooms only after significant damage occurs. By providing early warning—up to seven days in advance—our solution empowers producers to take proactive measures (such as relocating fish or modifying operational practices) to avoid catastrophic losses. In Patagonia alone, HABs are responsible for annual economic damages of up to US$800 million and have disrupted over 1,000 square kilometers of marine ecosystems. On a global scale, HAB-related losses exceed US$13 billion per year, affecting aquaculture, desalination, tourism, and public health. Beyond protecting financial investments, our technology safeguards marine biodiversity and supports local job markets by preventing large-scale fish mortalities. In short, our solution not only improves the immediate operational resilience of aquaculture businesses but also enhances long-term environmental sustainability and community well-being in climate-vulnerable regions.