eDNA offers a way to obtain high resolution and high-quality estimates of the species composition of the catches and address possible mis- or underreporting of (by)catches. OptiFish will focus on optimising the eDNA sampling strategy to accurately detect and quantify the biomass of pelagic species (e.g., herring, mackerel) and flatfishes (sole, plaice) from the catch water using validated, rapid target-specific DNA-based assays.
Develop robust practices for monitoring the biomass of fish stocks in order to detect Protected, Endangered and Threatened (PET) species as well as disease and parasites.
EM (Electronic Monitoring) Camera systems will be optimised to monitor activities and indicate tampering and will be connected with sensors and other catch recording systems. EM video footage will be used to create training data sets for the developing deep neural networks for species identification, counts and measurement.
OptiFish is developing an innovative, cost-effective mechatronic/robotic system designed to improve the accuracy of automatic catch monitoring. By systematically unstacking fish piles, the system reduces occlusion, ensuring clearer images and more precise species identification.
Hyperspectral cameras will be used for onshore tests to select the correct spectral bands for the multispectral cameras.
Multispectral cameras will be used onboard to detect blood accumulation, skin damage, deterioration-related compounds, bacteria, and visible parasites. This valuable information on fish quality and health enables fishers to adapt their operations accordingly.
Α single integrated data platform for the collection and analysis of catch control data, that goes beyond traditional reporting systems by including catch composition data, DNA-based assays, sensor data and Copernicus, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
The Fisher’s Decision Support System (DTS) will provide near-real-time geospatial information on vessel catches and discards from electronic monitoring (EM), as well as overviews of gross revenue, fuel consumption costs, and quota usage. This information will give fishers valuable insights to improve their operations.
A template for a control agreement on integrating AI-based catch monitoring systems will be co-created through collaboration among fisheries experts—including scientists, fishers, and policymakers—in a series of working groups.
Learn more about the technologies OptiFish will use.
