Mediterranean Use Case
Commencing along the Adriatic coast in July 2023, the Mediterranean use case is led by WWF Adria. NEMO VMS devices are integrated into small-scale vessels used by fishers who predominantly use set nets (trammel nets, gillnets), traps, and demersal and pelagic longlines. Stakeholder consultations and established relationships with fisher’s associations guide the selection criteria, prioritizing the acquisition of specific fisheries data in the Fisheries Restricted Area (FRA) of the Velebit channel and other significant fishing communities. Currently, 21 devices operate along the Adriatic coast (GSA 17), with a growing interest from collaborative-minded fishers. The Mediterranean use case also started to test NAOS e-gear devices (currently 2 active and next 8 to activate) for marking of fishing gears. Organized conferences and meetings have provided insights into VMS usage, fostering close connections with fishers actively engaged in the project’s objectives. Supported by local Fisheries local action group representatives (FLAGs), collaborative sessions maximize fisher engagement. The introduction of the FishWeb platform, offering open access to their data, underscores the project’s inclusivity. The indispensable collaboration of small-scale fishers has been pivotal, overcoming initial resistance and fears about data transparency and the potential loss of fishing grounds. Looking forward, the focus is on installing additional devices and maintaining close contact through ongoing feedback, ensuring continuous support as fishers navigate these evolving technologies.
Contact for collaboration:
Hrvoje Čeprnja (WWF Adria)
hceprnja@wwfadria.org
Fabijan Hrvatin Peronja (WWF Adria)
fperonja@wwfadria.org
Baltic Use Case
The Baltic Use Case in contrast to the other Fish-X Use Cases is dedicated to the development of the Traceability Platform. Hence, the lead for this Use Case is taken by the Fish-X consortium member OURZ GmbH with support provided by the project coordinator TransMarTech Schleswig-Holstein (TMT). The overall intention of the Use Case is to successfully implement the Traceability Platform within the SSF sector in the Baltic region following a co-development approach with key industry stakeholders. Overcoming adverse circumstances (e.g. deteriorated fish stocks, severe quota cuts, aging and decline of workforce) OURZ has managed to establish a sophisticated group of collaboration partners representing all relevant steps of a seafood supply chain. Based on thorough analysis and continuous exchange with these partners the goal is to identify the specific needs and requirements of all involved actors and to adjust the Traceability Platform accordingly. Currently the analysis phase (e.g. interviews, questionnaires, research) of the development process is underway, with the generated insights being utilized to ensure a holistic scoping of the aspired platform prototype. Throughout the remainder of the project ongoing feedback loops and testing with the collaboration partners will guarantee a solution that is customized to the specific demands of the SSF sector.
Contact for collaboration:
Immanuel Virdi (OURZ)
immanuel@ourz.world
Atlantic Use Case
The Atlantic use case started in the summer of 2023 and is taking place in the South coast of Portugal. Sciaena and ANP|WWF Portugal are working on the field to install NEMO devices (VMS equipment) in vessels from different small-scale fishing communities, facilitating the transition to digital fisheries. The fishers that are voluntarily participating in the project operate with trammel nets, gillnets and longlines.
The type of communities and fishing gears were selected based on a preliminary stakeholder consultancy and prior working relationships with some of the fisher’s associations. So far, 26 NEMO devices have been installed in vessels from three different fishing associations and others have expressed their interest in collaborating with the Fish-X project. The main motives for participating fishers involve being able to collect their position at sea and proving their fishing ground in the event of maritime spatial planning process. Moreover, interviews to the fishers were also carried out to collect additional information about their fishing practices and training sessions were held to explain to them how to use the FishWeb platform (where they can access their own data) and take advantage of the device. For the upcoming months, the main tasks are to install more devices and maintain close contact and training sessions with fishers to support them in this transitioning process.
Contact for collaboration:
Nicolas Blanc (Sciaena)
nblanc@sciaena.org
Raquel Pereira (Sciaena)
rsa@natureza-portugal.org
Rita Sá (ANP|WWF Portugal)
rsa@natureza-portugal.org
Joana Oliveira (ANP|WWF Portugal)
joliveira@natureza-portugal.org
Ireland Use Case
The Ireland use case commenced in June 2024 and is being delivered by the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation PO (IIMRO) in partnership with WWF. The aim of the use case is to collect spatial and temporal data for small scale fishing vessels around the Irish offshore islands using Nemo iVMS and NAOS gear marker devices. Most boats do not currently have VMS due to their small size and current regulations and the aim is to deploy 20 devices.
Data collected will demonstrate the benefits of fisher owned data and study the potential of digital tools in fisheries co-management. This will in turn reduce risks of displacement by offshore renewable energy and marine protected area designations as well as improve the wider marine spatial planning process.
Contact for collaboration:
Seamus Bonner, IIMRO
seamus@iimro.org
Laure Guillevic, WWF
lguillevic@wwf.eu
