As dawn breaks in Largs Boat Harbour on the rugged west coast of Scotland, the day’s task is already in motion for seasoned fisherman, Ian Whiteman. Despite the yearning for more sleep and the increasing downpour, sturdy Ian steadfastly sets sail on the River Clyde, for there is a livelihood to maintain, langoustines to catch.
A vocation he has devotedly followed for nearly four decades, seafaring is not without its perils. From faulty fishing nets and swarming sea creatures to whimsical aquatic conditions, any setback could cripple the day’s haul, thereby dwindling the earnings for stalwarts like Mr. Whiteman.
His ship, under the golden morning sun, glides smoothly on the Clyde waters. Dotted with lights, cameras, and sensors, the net forms an intriguing impression as he prepares to drop it overboard. Mr. Whiteman is testing equipment from SafetyNet Technologies, devices expected to improve fishing efficiency while diminishing bycatch, an ever-present issue in the fishing world where the untargeted sea life becomes entangled in fishing gear. Dealing a significant blow to marine biodiversity, this unintentional catch often meets a bleak fate, as Alison Cross, the director of fishery sustainability at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), elaborates.
Among his testing gadgets, the LED lights intrigues him. These devices, he observes, have a dual charm. They attract precious marine entities like squid, thereby improving the efficiency of his catch. Conversely, they repel unintended marine life, such as dolphins, thus mitigating bycatch. Researchers from Arizona State University echo his sentiments. Their studies, carried out in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, attest to the effectiveness of these lights, which reportedly reduce bycatch by 63% and save fisherman around an hour in untangling nets.
This promising technology, according to Ms. Cross, is of utmost relevance today, where the emphasis is on striking a balance between sustainable fishing practices and effective marine conservation. She, along with WWF, conducts worldwide trials using coloured LEDs to reduce accidental sea-life entanglement in nets. Their studies lean towards green lights, which have proven effective in preventing turtle entanglement.
While the upshot of LED technology in fishing is laudable, obstacles regarding its adoption persist. The chief executive of a non-profit organisation encouraging technological implementation for eco-friendly practices in Indonesian communities, Akbar Digdo, points out that cost remains a significant barrier. However, he proposes finance coupled technology could pave a smoother path toward adopting such advanced tools.
On another brilliant note, the boat’s ensemble includes an underwater camera, the Catch-Cam, that attaches to the fishing net. Through this camera, the fisherman can now easily monitor happenings beneath the water surface, speeding up operational efficiency. Then there is Enki, a data collection system that measures underwater pressure, depth, and temperature, sending the data to the cloud for easy access.
As the day unfolds and the catch is sorted, Mr. Whiteman beams with satisfaction, noting the minimized bycatch, signifying optimal usage of resources and efficiency – positive signs for the future of an industry challenged by the changing global landscapes. Indeed, technology may yet play a critical role in guiding fishers forward.
