Between Nets and Data: The Technological Revolution in Fishing

Fishing, with origins dating back more than 40,000 years, is a prime example of adaptation and resilience. From primitive nets made of plant fibers and bone-carved hooks to today’s sophisticated technologies, fishing has always reflected human ingenuity and the drive to innovate.

GORKA GABIÑA, AINHOA CABALLERO, ELSA CUENDE and IÑAKI QUINCOCES, researchers at Sustainable fishing technologies

Today, the use of technological advances is essential on fishing vessels, both for traditional boats from the ports of Bizkaia (from Zierbena to Ondarroa) and for the sophisticated freezer tuna boats from Bermeo that navigate more distant waters. This technological transformation, or “technological revolution,” goes beyond constructing next-generation vessels; it also includes implementing digital solutions that improve operational efficiency and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Data for more efficient fishing

The ability to measure various variables on fishing vessels is of utmost importance. Processing this information and integrating it with data from different sources (such as oceanographic and meteorological variables) allow for a deeper understanding of the phenomena associated with fishing, thereby optimizing various operations on a fishing vessel.

Machine learning models applied to these data sets renable systems to learn and continuously improve data interpretation, with the aim of further enhancing fishing efficiency. That’s why artificial intelligence has become a key ally in evaluating and monitoring fishing processes. Several applications can process large amounts of onboard data to train learning models, improving fishing techniques, onboard safety and comfort, energy efficiency, decision-making by predicting favorable fishing areas, monitoring protected or unwanted species, and implementing avoidance operations. One example is the control and tracking of onboard catches through electronic monitoring systems using computer vision. However, developing these learning models is still in its early stages due to the limited data currently collected onboard. Another potential use of the data generated is analyzing multiple environmental parameters, such as catches, consumption, and environmental variables, to develop predictive models for favorable fishing zones. These models become more precise with larger data sets, providing more reliable predictions for onboard decision-making. On the other hand, real-time detection and identification systems for populations provide essential information to research centers to advance their studies and enable authorities to set fishing quotas that benefit both the marine ecosystem and the local economy.

More technology for fewer resource needs

Given the current climate change paradigm, setting goals to help mitigate and adapt to it is essential. Climate neutrality is a factor that also applies to fishing activity. Technology, and especially the development of digital monitoring systems that automatically characterize operational and fuel consumption patterns, supports decarbonization strategies by improving energy efficiency and exploring innovative solutions like new fuels or alternative propulsion systems.

Moreover, the adoption of circular economy strategies to reduce waste in fishing activities is gaining momentum and will need to be addressed in the coming years. This includes reusing and recycling materials, implementing sustainable fishing practices, and reducing waste through advanced processing and preservation technologies. Furthermore, collaboration among governments, industries, and fishing communities will be crucial to developing policies and practices that promote sustainability and resilience in the fishing sector in the face of environmental challenges.

More selective catches for responsible and sustainable exploitation

Reducing the impact of fishing on marine biodiversity is necessary to maintain the balance and protection of marine ecosystems. Improving the selectivity of fishing gear — that is, enhancing the ability to capture only commercially valuable species and avoid unwanted ones — is key to complying with the regulations set out in the Common Fisheries Policy.

Improving selectivity focuses on redesigning fishing gear and using selection devices that, considering the animals’ morphology, behavior, and physiology, allow the capture of desired species and individuals while enabling the escape of non-target specimens. The effectiveness of these designs is tested through experimental campaigns aboard research and fishing vessels, where the catches are characterized and analyzed using statistical models. Additionally, installing underwater cameras on fishing gear to observe and later analyze interactions with different species and individuals can shed light on the effectiveness of implemented selection measures.

Reducing the bycatch of protected or vulnerable species, such as cetaceans, birds, or sharks, is a crucial, mandatory objective. However, data on their incidental capture is limited, making remote monitoring systems essential for improving our knowledge and establishing precise prevention and mitigation measures. This approach is critical to avoid generalized measures that overlook each fishery’s specific characteristics when addressing bycatch issues due to insufficient data. Electronic monitoring systems can also provide relevant information on the effectiveness of various deterrent or avoidance systems for protected or vulnerable species. This is the case, for example, with pingers (acoustic systems installed on boats to deter species like dolphins), whose effectiveness in certain fisheries has been evaluated and proven through thorough monitoring. This data is fundamental to ensuring the sustainability of fishing practices and
the conservation of marine biodiversity.

Collaboration for a sustainable future

As we face challenges such as the sustainability of fishing activities, resource overexploitation, and climate change, having advanced tools to optimize fishing operations and promote more sustainable practices is crucial. In this journey toward the future, combining tradition with technology and fostering collaboration between the sector and science will be essential to ensure our waters remain productive and healthy for future generations.

This article was originally published on the 10th issue of the BizkaiaTech magazine.