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CatchScanner is an artificial intelligence (AI) based monitoring system to provide real-time catch registration directly onboard fishing vessels. By automatically identifying and recording catch composition during fishing operations, the system delivers immediate information to the vessel bridge, enabling fishers to make informed decisions and avoid unwanted catches.
By improving the accuracy and speed of catch reporting, CatchScanner supports both operational efficiency and more transparent fisheries management.
The challenge
Accurate catch registration is essential for sustainable fisheries management, but traditional recording methods are often manual, time-consuming, and delayed.
This can lead to limited real-time knowledge of catch composition during fishing operations, reduced ability to avoid unwanted or non-target species and inaccurate or incomplete catch reporting. This create challenges for fisheries managers in obtaining reliable data.
Providing timely and reliable catch information directly during fishing operations is therefore crucial for improving both selectivity and monitoring.
The solution
CatchScanner is designed to automatically register catch composition in real time and provide immediate feedback to the vessel bridge.
The system integrates sensor technology and intelligent data processing to:
- Automatically record catch composition during fishing operations
- Provide real-time catch information to the bridge
- Link catch data with vessel location and gear type
- Improve the accuracy and reliability of catch reporting
- Support operational decisions to avoid unwanted species
By combining real-time monitoring with operational data, CatchScanner helps fishers adapt their fishing strategy during operations.
Development and progress
The CatchScanner concept was first conceived nearly ten years ago and has been progressively developed through several research and innovation projects catch scanner.
Early development began during the SmartFish project, and further progress was achieved through EveryFish, where CatchScanner systems were installed on five pilot vessels for testing under operational conditions catch scanner.
Within MarineGuardian, development focuses on the next generation of CatchScanner, aiming to:
- Improve system reliability and efficiency
- Demonstrate performance in a real fishing environment
- Achieve catch registration accuracy acceptable for local fisheries management authorities
- Deliver real-time catch information directly to vessel operators
Ongoing work includes the development of installation and calibration procedures, improvements to user manuals, and evaluation of system components to enhance robustness and overall design.
Expected impact
CatchScanner enhances fisheries monitoring and operational decision-making by providing accurate, real-time information on catch composition. This allows fishers to avoid unwanted or non-target species, improve catch selectivity, and reduce discards during fishing operations. The system also increases the accuracy and transparency of catch reporting, supporting compliance with fisheries regulations. Overall, CatchScanner contributes to more data-driven, transparent, and sustainable fisheries while maintaining operational efficiency for fishing fleets.
