Game of Trawls | Objectives

In this project, the aim is to adapt the technological advances, made in recent years in the fields of artificial intelligence and neural networks, to fishing gear. Through several approaches, including real-time measurement of the incidence of the fishing gear using a network of sensors, or computer vision to be able to detect and identify in real time the species that enter the fishing gear.

To do this, it will rely on a series of sensors that will inform it in real time of the species caught, the abundance and size of these catches and the impact of the fishing gear on the marine environment. . Game of Trawls therefore aims to design these new active selectivity tools. Tools that remain to be defined but which will rely on artificial intelligence, underwater imagery, acoustics and powerful analysis software.

Pilot of the program, Ifremer has already carried out selectivity projects and has also studied the behavior of different species in the face of fishing gear. In this project, Ifremer will aim to develop active selective devices and will be able to rely on its test basin in Lorient to achieve this. An academic partner, UBS is involved in this project in aspects of computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematics and materials design. An industrial partner, Marport France will work on research and development of instrumentation for environmental measurements, geometry and acoustic imagery. Finally, CDPMEM 56, a professional partner, will provide its expertise on the transferability of sensors designed to real trawls in fishing action.

The Game of Trawls project therefore proposes a new approach to selectivity giving the initiative to the fisherman. Its long-term ambition is to significantly reduce accidental and unwanted catches, and thus better protect marine ecosystems. It will also allow professional fishermen to act even more actively in favor of sustainable and responsible fishing.