$15 million federal grant will fund fishing tech projects

A $15 million federal grant will support fishing technology projects aimed at improving the commercial fishing industry in New England. The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded the funding to a group of commercial fishing advocates, oceanographers, and technology companies in late July. The primary goal is to develop innovative solutions that help fishermen catch the right species of fish, thereby boosting the regional seafood industry.

One key project involves creating a "third eye" camera system for groundfishermen. This technology would enable captains and crews to view what is swimming into their nets before the catch is brought onto the deck. By identifying and removing unwanted species, known as bycatch, from the haul, fishermen could avoid regulatory quotas and maximize profits from their catches.

Another aspect of the grant will fund the development of autonomous robots for lobstermen. These underwater robots will be designed to detect environmental conditions that could affect the health of lobsters trapped in their traps. By monitoring these conditions, the robots could help lobstermen bring up traps containing healthy lobsters, rather than ones that are dead or dying.

In addition to these technological advancements, the grant will also be used to enhance the processing side of the seafood industry. Researchers will investigate ways to improve the efficiency and quality of seafood processing, ultimately benefiting both fishermen and consumers alike. Jake Kritzer, executive director of the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems, which leads the grant-winning group, expressed optimism about the potential impact of these projects during an interview with The Light.