China uses AI to monitor fish migration at Tibet dam

China has implemented an artificial intelligence-driven identification system to monitor fish species migrating through the Zangmu Hydropower Station in Tibet. The technology, described as “fish facial recognition,” allows for continuous, automated tracking of species, including those unique to the Tibet Autonomous Region, replacing previous manual counting methods.

The 116-meter-tall dam, located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, has utilized a fishway or “fish ladder” since its operation began in 2015. This structure has reportedly assisted approximately 570,000 rare fish in moving upstream. Yang Xiaocheng, the director of safety and environmental protection at the dam, stated that monitoring results indicate the fish population in the middle reaches of the river remains stable and has not declined due to the hydropower construction.

While hydropower provides renewable energy and flood control, experts note that dam construction can disrupt natural habitats and migration routes. However, officials at the facility claim the aquatic ecology and local flora and fauna in the middle gorge section of the river are showing positive changes.