Fisheries crime and unbalanced harvesting are eroding the ocean’s fragile resources, threatening not only marine ecosystems but also public trust in the sector. Rachel Tiller, researcher at SINTEF Ocean and OptiFish partner, reflects on this challenge and asks an essential question: Why isn’t the fishing sector embracing the technologies that could help it thrive?
The ocean is under pressure
Most of us understand the implications of land development: how small losses of natural areas eventually add up. But a similar story is unfolding beneath the waves.
The ocean isn’t just space for fisheries, aquaculture, and recreation. It provides the oxygen we breathe and food security for billions. Managing it responsibly is a matter of global importance.
And yet, underreporting, illegal fishing, and inefficient monitoring persist. Recent headlines in Norway have brought these issues to the forefront, revealing how manual catch reporting systems can fail through both human error and deliberate fraud.
A disconnect between technology and trust
Projects like OptiFish and EVERYFISH are demonstrating the potential of new tools – camera systems, sensors, and artificial intelligence – to automate catch reporting and improve accuracy.
So why isn’t the fishing sector embracing them?
Rachel Tiller compares this reluctance to being repeatedly told to “switch sides of the bed” without being given a good reason. With every regulatory change, fishers are asked to adapt, often without clear communication about why it matters or what’s in it for them.
Five benefits of smarter catch monitoring
At OptiFish, we believe the benefits of automated catch reporting should be clearly communicated and developed in partnership with fishers, not imposed from the top down. Here are five reasons to support smarter fisheries monitoring:
- High-precision data on species, weight, and catch location
- Reduced bycatch and better decision-making at sea
- Less paperwork for fishers
- Real-time insights for smarter area management
- Greater transparency and stronger global trust in seafood
A fairer, more sustainable future
The future of fisheries management relies not only on smart technology but on dialogue. At OptiFish, we believe the best solutions are co-created with the people who know the sea best: the fishers themselves.
That’s why we’re inviting stakeholders to share their views through workshops and direct conversations. The earlier we collaborate, the better our systems will work – for fishers, policymakers, and the ocean.
Together, we can build a smarter, fairer, and more sustainable future for our oceans.
Originally published as a reflection by Rachel Tiller (SINTEF Ocean) in Fiskeribladet, this article has been adapted for the OptiFish blog with permission.
The photos are sourced from Freepik.