Innovation doesn’t come without challenges — and that’s exactly why we test!
The FishScanner, developed by Star-Oddi in collaboration with Hafrannsóknastofnun – Marine & Freshwater Research Institute, is being tested. Designed in two versions – a scientific model with stereo cameras for detailed data collection, and a commercial model built to be compact and non-intrusive – the FishScanner is set to transform how we monitor fish stocks.
During the most recent capelin survey between Iceland and Greenland, the scientific FishScanner was installed in the survey trawl. As fish passed through, the device counted them and measured their length in real time, allowing weight estimates of fish entering the trawl.
During this trial on board Árni Friðriksson (one of the research vessels from MFRI), the FishScanner was tested with a higher frame rate than before, resulting in darker pictures due to fewer photons per frame at the same light intensity.
But when we worked with capelin, we needed red light because their behavioural reaction to light is strong. However, everything else worked smoothly.
These are valuable lessons that will directly improve the device with stronger light, but still red.
The next trial is scheduled for January – stay tuned as we continue to refine this technology and push boundaries in fisheries research.
