As our appetite for seafood increases, marine ecological degradation follows. In recent decades, the demand for marine food sources rose. Fisheries attempt to meet societal needs by overfishing, harming the natural ecology.
Eco-friendly engineers came to the rescue, developing various sustainable fishing devices. They decrease the environmental interference of seafood extraction and help fisheries thrive. As more individuals adopt these practices, we will restore the aquatic ecosystem.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is a fishing method society used since 500 BC, which recently came back into the light. Fish farming sustains society’s nutrition demands while reducing the harms of overfishing. Major consumption species include salmon, tilapia and catfish, which humans can generate through aquaculture.
Many fish farmers use hydroponics to improve the sustainability of their production. In condensed fish populations, waste can contaminate the water and affect native species. Fishers grow aquatic vegetation in the region to filter toxic elements and preserve the environment’s natural composition.
Hydroponics combined with green technology can provide sustainable seafood to the global society. Light-emitting nets, smart devices, origin detection technology and geolocating gadgets may help fishers meet eco-consumers’ demands.
Light Emitting Nets
A company in the U.K. developed light-emitting devices, helping reduce bycatch. Today, one out of ten fish caught are unsuitable for the market. Fishers are unable to sell endangered and small fish, leading to 16 million tons of annual waste.
They also waste 20% of space on ships, increasing environmental, ecological and economic costs. As fishers continue to practice wasteful collection methods, the marine ecosystem suffers. Environmental scientists developed a solution to the sustainable seafood problem.
They developed the Pisces light kit, which attaches to fishing gear. The devices fasten onto fishing nets to attract a target catch and repel bycatch, eliminating waste. Pisces uses LED lights, increasing the system’s energy efficiency.
LED lights use 75% less electricity than conventional light bulbs. They also last 25 times longer, generating less waste over time.
Smart Seafood
Purchasing seafood that financially supports sustainable fishing is smart. Sourcing seafood with artificial intelligence (AI) is downright futuristic.
The SMARTFISH H2020 technology enhances sustainable fishing, providing fishers with the resources necessary to protect the marine ecosystem. Environmental engineers at the company utilize machine vision technology, data procession, visibility devices, machine learning methods, AI, hydroacoustic systems and more, making eco-conscious fishing possible.
Their devices locate sea beds, ensuring fishing equipment only penetrates regions with sufficiently abundant target species. They also have a size and species recognition system. The instrument assesses the length, weight and type of fish below the boat, maximizing catch efficiency and decreasing waste.
Origin Detection Technology
IBM recently teamed up with the Norwegian Seafood Association, Sjømatbedriftene, generating blockchain technology for fishers. The device allows industry members to track supply chain data, ensuring the safety and sustainability of seafood. Origin detection technology increases transparency in the industry, creating a single version of the truth.
Fishers install blockchain technology on their vessels, recording the time, location, temperature and more, regarding their catch. Industry members can then access this information to ensure accurate labeling on store-sold seafood. Customers may also gain access to this information in the future.
Eco-consumers demand more documentation for the goods and services they consume. In coming years, customers can access the blockchain information in the store. They will see when fishers caught the seafood, where it is from, its consumed feed and processing facility’s sustainability.
Geolocating Devices
Similar to IBM’s technology, innovators at pelagic developed geo-tracking boat devices. Nearly half of the seafood supply derives from small-scale fishing boats. It is challenging to regulate small vessels on conventional identification systems, allowing them to go unregulated.
Pelagic developed geolocating boat devices to track smaller fishers’ practices. Large seafood distributors now require all small vessels to install the data collection system, showing the company where and when they catch seafood. It optimizes the sustainability of the overall business, restricting non-sustainably sourced purchases.
Demand
Sustainable Seafood
Eco-consumers make up the most extensive customer base in America. For fisheries to remain competitive in the industry, they must adopt green fishing technology and sustainable practices. When consumers demand sustainable seafood and fishers eliminate ecologically degrading procedures, we can restore the marine ecosystem.
