The Transformation of Fishing Industry with Technology

The worldwide fishing dilemma will not be solved by technology alone, but it can be a catalyst for a shift in fishery practices and laws.

Fremont, CA: Two main issues confront the world's fisheries: the shift in fish populations due to climate change and the need to sustainably feed millions of people with a nutritious protein source. Even if there is huge potential to conserve the ocean, maintain healthy fish populations, feed 3 billion people and secure the livelihoods of more than 260 million people, and adapt to the impacts of climate change, we still face many challenges.

Sustainable fisheries management and seafood business practices are made possible by technological developments that empower fishers and provide more information to customers so that they can make more responsible seafood choices.

For example, the cod fishery in Alaska is an example of how modern technologies are helping the fishing sector become more efficient and sustainable. With the use of computer vision and machine learning, the cod fishery hopes to prevent overfishing of Pacific halibut, an extremely valuable species that is commonly found alongside cod in the region.

As a result, the cod fishery may be closed if the Pacific halibut bycatch limit is exceeded, even though cod is the primary target. Cod fishermen in the Pacific are exploring new electronic monitoring devices that automatically count or measure bycatch halibut and other species as they arrive or are discarded in an effort to meet the Pacific bycatch limit. Faster estimations mean that fish spend less time out of the water and are more likely to survive.

A consumer's ability to understand the environmental and social consequences of their food choices and their own personal influence can be improved through the use of technological tools. For example, companies like Bumble Bee Foods can tell their customers where and when their FairTrade tuna comes from.

SAP Cloud Platform Blockchain service is used by Bumble Bee, which enables customers to track the tuna they purchase from the Western and Central Pacific Oceans all the way to their plate. These enterprises are able to track their seafood goods throughout the supply chain using this technology, according to SAP. By scanning the QR codes on the tuna packaging with their smartphones, customers can find out more about the fishery's sustainable fishing methods and the fish they're eating.