Anchoring VisTools in the Flemish fisheries sector

General introduction

With the VISTools Flow project, ILVO, together with the Shipowners' Association and VIVES, ensures the continuity of the VISTools data platform. The researchers improve the data flow and tailor ease of use, technical support, and training to the needs of shipowners. By developing a realistic business model and a sound management structure, they are enabling practical application and upscaling. In this way, VISTools Flow increases the technological (TRL) and business maturity (BRL) of the system for the Flemish fishing industry.

Research approach

The implementation is based on four work packages: Maintenance & Support for stable data flows and technical service; Business Case & Financing Model with scenarios for sustainable cost sharing; Ease of Use & Training through better dashboards, communication, and training; and Governance & Long-Term Strategy with a focus on management structure, agreements, and even input for a strategic document on the future Belgian fishing fleet (Vision 2030). Specifically, VISTools Flow focuses on clear digital insights into fuel consumption, sailing behavior, and catches, so that the fleet can operate more efficiently and profitably. We are calculating potential collective financing models for operating costs and studying the scalability to smaller vessels and other maritime applications. A final important research question concerns the possible facilitation of traceability through stable data flows in policy instruments such as Visserij Verduurzaamt, GeoVIS, and VALDUVIS.

Relevance/Valorisation

The co-creative approach ensures that the fleet has opportunities for feedback and subsequently validated results. This project will strengthen VISTools technologically, economically, and organizationally. A European dimension lies in the (greater) potential connection with the Digital Twin Ocean.
Finally, VISTools Flow contributes knowledge and scenarios for the 'Vision 2030', providing clarity for the sector and policy.

Funding provider(s)
OVIS vzw