The DPPO has trialled Fully Documented Fisheries onboard its member vessels. Photo: DPPO
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation (DPPO) is pioneering the implementation of Fully Documented Fisheries (FDF) onboard its member vessels.
This innovative project aims to revolutionize data collection and analysis within the fishing industry through the integration of advanced technologies.
Fully Documented Fisheries involves documenting all fishing-related activities on board vessels using CCTV cameras and sensors strategically positioned throughout the vessels. The primary objective is to ensure compliance with relevant fishing regulations while also providing valuable data for scientific research and fisheries management.
The FDF project, spearheaded by DPPO, will focus on enhancing data collection, processing, and analysis to demonstrate the potential of this new information. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the project aims to improve the accuracy of catch information recorded in electronic logbooks. Unlike traditional methods, where catch composition is estimated based on crew samples, AI-powered video observation will enable comprehensive analysis of the entire catch, resulting in more precise reporting and better-informed management decisions.
Moreover, FDF is committed to supporting biodiversity conservation efforts and promoting an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. The project will collect data on interactions with Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) species to evaluate their relationship with fishing gear. This aspect aligns closely with European biodiversity agendas and fisheries policies.
Chief Science Officer Claus Reedtz Sparrevohn will lead the coordination of the FDF project, overseeing communication with industry stakeholders and facilitating collaboration between scientists and fishers. With support from partners such as Kamal Nasrollahi, a Professor of Computer Vision and Machine Learning, and Jens Schneider Rasmussen, owner of the vessel HM379 Lingbank, the project aims to advance knowledge and innovation in fisheries science and technology.
Consultants Jan Harbowy, Stefanie Haase, and Stefan Neuenfeldt bring invaluable expertise to the project, ensuring alignment with international fisheries standards and best practices.
The FDF project, co-funded by the European Union, represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable and transparent fisheries management. By harnessing the power of AI and collaboration, DPPO and its partners are leading the way towards a more efficient and environmentally responsible fishing industry.