Funded
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- Objectives
- Evaluate the suitability of different technologies to remotely and electronically identify FADs
- Background
- FADs may cause significant impacts species and ecosystems.
- Assessing impacts require efficient collection methods for high-quality data, including correct tracking and monitoring of individual FADs throughout their lifetime.
- Currently, FADs are identified using satellite-buoy identifiers, and appropriately obtaining buoys’ alphanumeric serial numbers has traditionally been difficult for observers, and not possible with current EMS capabilities.
- However, this information is key to merge and connect different IATTC databases.
- EMS can generate certain data on FADs (e.g. deployments, removals) but only those types of data that can be collected with cameras.
- An electronic system to automatically detect and identify FADs would improve the value and utility of all types of data, but particularly of data collected by EMS.
- Several technologies for remote identification of objects are currently on the market. These technologies should be tested under controlled conditions to better understand their advantages and disadvantages.
- Relevance for management
- Technologies to remotely identify FADs would improve data collection and analyses and the development of comprehensive management recommendations for target and non-target species in the EPO
- Duration
- 12 months, starting in March 2022 (delayed one year due to COVID-19)
- Workplan and status
- [M 1-3] Preliminary assessment of candidate technologies and providers; purchase equipment.
- [M 4-9] Test technologies under controlled conditions in the Achotines lab, Panama, gradually increasing distance between the FAD and the device used for detection and the potential severity of environmental conditions: tanks, coast, bay and open sea.
- [M 10-12] Report writing
- External collaborators
- Satlink and Digital Observer Services (DOS)
- Deliverables
- May 2023: reports for the FAD working group and SAC meetings with the summary of pros and cons of all the technologies considered, with specific proposals on preferred technologies for remote FAD identification and a future action plan.
- Updated date: 01 May 2024
- Progress summary for the reporting period
- A series of meetings were conducted with project partners.
The feasibility of testing different technologies and their pros and cons were discussed.
Final decisions were made on the technologies to be tested, and material purchased.
Fieldwork in tropical environments was planned and executed in spring 2024 in Achotines, Panama. Before that, the technology was tested in Galicia, Spain, in December 2023 and January 2024, with promising results, and the technology was recalibrated and reconfigured as necessary. - Challenges and key lessons learnt
- The electronic shortage and logistical issues due to COVID impacted the availability of many of these technologies, as well as the delivery times and custom clearance processes.
Engineering arrangements are being made to incorporate these technologies into experimental satellite buoys, so that fieldwork is efficiently conducted.
The at sea trials are promising although current prototypes require connection to the internet to successfully function and communicate to each other. This caveat could be overcome by developing a software interface that could make devices connect without requiring internet connection. - A presentation will be made at the 8th ad hoc FAD WG meeting and the report of the project will be submitted to the EU at the due time.
- Comments
- A project extension was requested and granted due to complications related to COVID (e.g. electronic shortage, travel restrictions, customs delays).