Development of a real-time catch monitoring system with automatic detection of the catch composition to minimize catch of unwanted species and sizes (AutoCatch) (39765)

The purpose of the project is to develop an automatic catch information system that provides detailed information on the catch entering the trawl to enable fisherman in real-time to make informed decisions based on the ongoing catching process. The focus will be on Nephrops and the fish categories of flat- and round-fish that are most relevant for the large Danish fleet operating in the Nephrops directed fisheries. The suggested approach can however be further developed to include all relevant species in the future.

The project will utilize already established knowledge and newly developed technologies to develop a new product that, for the first time ever, can inform fishermen what is caught in real-time as well as the ratio of wanted and unwanted catches. The technology developed in this project will significantly improve the ability of each fisherman to best capitalize on his vessel's quotas and thus significantly strengthen the sector's competitiveness while ensuring that the objectives of the EU CFP are achieved. This is especially true in the Nephrops directed fishery where catches of unwanted species and sizes challenges the biological and economical sustainability under a landing obligation system even with the use of more selective fishing gears.

Partners
DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources (coordinator)
Centre for Collaborative Autonomous Systems, DTU Electrical Engineering

Funding
The project is funded by European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and Danish Fisheries Agency. 

Research area: Fisheries Technology
Research area: Observation Technology