Camera targets bycatch; robots monitor lobster traps
The $15 million grant will fund two research efforts under a single award. The stated goal is to help commercial fishermen catch better and healthier fish while strengthening the region’s seafood industry from harvest through processing.
The first track focuses on a “third eye” camera system for groundfishermen. The technology is intended to let captains and crews see what is swimming into their nets before the net is hauled onto the deck. According to the project description, the innovation could be the difference between a haul full of bycatch — fish that crews don’t want, because they’re heavily regulated, or can’t keep — and a harvest that pays.
The second track will fund autonomous robots for lobstermen. The robots will detect environmental conditions underwater that could lead to bringing up traps filled with dead lobsters.
The award was made in late July to a coalition that includes New England fishing industry advocates, oceanographic researchers, and technology firms.
The reporting was by Nathan Collins of The New Bedford Light, distributed by The Associated Press.