Accurately tracking what happens at sea is one of the biggest challenges in managing bycatch. Work Package 5 (WP5) of Marine Beacon focuses on solving that challenge through innovation. By combining artificial intelligence (AI), molecular tools like environmental DNA (eDNA), and smarter data-sharing systems, WP5 is developing the next generation of monitoring approaches for sensitive marine species.
These tools aim to give scientists and fishers faster, clearer, and more reliable ways to detect protected species in real time and improve the accuracy of long-term monitoring.
Technology that Sees What Others Miss
WP5 is testing underwater cameras and embedded AI systems that can recognise and record when a protected species is caught. These systems include self-contained devices designed to work directly on fishing gear, capturing images and sending information back to researchers or crews. The goal is to make monitoring easier to use, even in remote or challenging conditions.
In one example, the Game of Trawls platform is being used to test real-time species detection on pelagic trawls. It combines acoustic communication, edge-computing, and onboard visualisation to track bycatch as it happens. Other tools include mobile apps for fishers to log what they see, conveyor-belt cameras on vessels, and 3D recognition software for identifying species on longlines.
From Genetics to Image Libraries
WP5 also explores how eDNA can help monitor bycatch in fisheries where direct observation is more difficult. By collecting water samples from fishing gear or onboard tanks, researchers can detect the presence of species that may have gone unnoticed. This method can help assess the biodiversity of bycatch in different regions and improve understanding of species behaviour.
To support AI tools, the team is building large libraries of labelled images and videos from real fishing operations and controlled environments. These datasets help train machine learning models to improve detection accuracy and cover more species over time.
Creating Smarter Systems for Sharing and Learning
Good tools are only as useful as the systems behind them. WP5 is developing a central platform to store and share monitoring data. The platform is designed to encourage contributions while recognising the value of rare, high-quality, or hard-to-collect data. Partners are helping shape how this system works, including how to manage data access, ownership, and rewards for sharing.
Benchmarking will also play an important role. WP5 is comparing the strengths and weaknesses of AI-based monitoring, molecular techniques, and traditional methods. This will help guide future monitoring strategies in different types of fisheries.
Why This Matters
Reliable monitoring is essential for reducing bycatch. Without it, we cannot measure progress or make informed changes. WP5 provides the tools to observe protected species more clearly and respond more quickly.
By combining innovation with collaboration, WP5 is helping Marine Beacon move closer to its goal: practical, scalable solutions that support both conservation and sustainable fishing.