EveryFish

In the project, a high-tech catch registration system based on image analysis is being developed in collaboration with the Dutch fishing sector. This system uses new and smart methods to determine the species, weight and length of every fish (EveryFish!) that passes through the catching process. In this way the catch is fully documented.

Using the latest innovations in automatic catch recording, these monitoring technologies contribute to food security and sustainable management of natural resources in European waters. Since the introduction of the landing obligation within the renewed Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union, the fishing sector is obliged to register all catches of species under management, this includes the part of the catch that is not marketable, e.g. catch outside available quota and below the minimum size. For the Dutch fishery, this creates a significant increase in the administrative workload of catch registration and inefficiency of the catch processing process on board. Computer vision technology will automate the recording of catches on board, which will benefit policy compliance, increased transparency, and ultimately sustainable management and operations of the fishing sector.