Submitted Ideas

Reduce Bycatch & IUU in Commercial Fisheries

SmartCatch proposes to deploy DigiCatch, a fully digital, Real-Time Video Catch Monitoring System consisting of real-time HD video camera(s), LED lighting and sensor system. The project’s activities will demonstrate with member vessels from the California Groundfish Cooperative how fishermen can optimize their catch, improve efficiencies, and reduce harvesting of non-target species. Fishermen will be able to more accurately assess their quota share, reduce by-catch fines and minimize both fishery waste and time/fuel spent in the water. It will represent a viable strategy for a wider adoption by trawler vessel owners in the West Coast ground fisheries industry and help reduce IUU fishing practices worldwide.