Application of AI and 3D EM to collect biological data of the Belgian fisheries sector to improve real time management of stocks.

General introduction

VISIM III is about the applied use of Artificial Intelligence on board professional fishing vessels; specifically, the development of an advanced measurement system for automatic species recognition and length measurements of the fish just caught. The system builds on the results of VISIM II and uses image recognition and machine learning to collect accurate data. Integration with the Vistools platform extends the data flow from the Belgian beam trawl fishery while maintaining data quality. The system offers both scientists and fishermen improved insights into catch data, contributing to more accurate stock estimates and supporting scientific models. VISIM III thus makes an important contribution to sustainable and efficient fisheries management.

Research approach

The project combines state-of-the-art image recognition, machine learning, and durable hardware to create an integrated measurement system. Designed to operate autonomously aboard vessels, it links real-time data with metadata through the Vistools platform. The system’s algorithms are trained using large datasets (and synthetic data) to ensure accurate species identification and length measurements. Extensive testing aboard commercial vessels will refine the system, with self-learning capabilities enhancing its performance over time. The process is iterative, with ongoing feedback from both scientists and fishermen to optimize data accuracy and utility.

Relevance/Valorisation

VISIM III expands data collection in the Belgian beam trawl fishery by enhancing existing data flows while maintaining quality and consistency. This will lead to more accurate stock assessments and better scientific models, which are essential for sustainable fisheries management. The system also provides fishermen with real-time insights into their catches, allowing them to optimize their methods and increase efficiency. By integrating with existing systems, the system’s value is further increased, offering improved data quality for the sector. VISIM III is a step towards a more sustainable, data-driven fishery, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

Funding provider(s)
EFMZVA
FIVA