Digital Transformation of the Fishing Fleet: AZTI Explores the Future of the Industry with AI and Sustainable Solutions
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- A new report by AZTI presents technological innovations that can improve the sustainability of fisheries, drive the digitalisation of the fleet and reduce its environmental impact.
- Through practical examples, it highlights effective solutions to challenges such as climate change, rising fuel prices, changing consumer patterns and new regulations.
Sukarrieta, 8 April 2025 – The European fisheries sector directly employs almost 120,000 people and produces a total catch of 3.49 million tonnes worth €6.6 billion, according to the latest data available for 2022. The industry has a significant economic impact on the continent, but factors such as climate change, rising fuel prices, changing consumer patterns and strict regulations are threatening its long-term sustainability.
The AZTI technology centre, which has extensive experience in research applied to the fisheries sector, has published a report exploring how new technologies can contribute to more sustainable and efficient fishing.
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Digital Transformation of the Fishing Sector
Digital transformation of the fishing sector In the report, AZTI highlights the opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) offers for the digital transformation of the European fishing fleet, with two main objectives: improving operational efficiency and optimising the control and traceability of catches.
One of the main areas of innovation is fishing efficiency. The report highlights how the development of predictive algorithms specifically designed for key species in the Bay of Biscay pelagic fleet, such as anchovy and tuna, has proved very useful. These algorithms make it possible to identify the areas with the highest probability of catch, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from vessels.
Machine vision is also becoming a key tool for modernising the sector. Its ability to automatically identify, classify and count catches on board vessels facilitates more efficient management of marine resources, promoting responsible and sustainable exploitation of fish stocks.
Innovation to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Fishing
Technological innovation is crucial to reducing the environmental impact of the fishing industry. Key challenges include reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and decarbonising the fishing fleet.
“As the fishing fleet is very diverse, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the type of vessel, fishing gear or fishing area, a detailed assessment of each situation is essential. From there, we can implement adapted strategies that combine solutions such as optimising fuel consumption, the use of new materials in vessels, alternative energies and improvements in operational efficiency,” explains Gorka Gabiña, AZTI’s Sustainable Fishing Technologies coordinator.
The report also highlights circular economy strategies as an effective way to reduce marine litter. The recovery of discarded fishing gear and the use of biodegradable or innovative materials in fishing designs are examples of how sustainability can be combined with innovation. Although adequate infrastructure is still needed to implement large-scale marine waste collection and management systems, promoting these solutions can significantly improve the health of the marine environment and create new economic opportunities,” adds Gabiña.
Another problem associated with fishing is bycatch, including juvenile fish, sharks, sea turtles, birds and cetaceans. This phenomenon has environmental, economic and legal consequences, for which AZTI proposes several promising solutions.
From electronic monitoring systems that combine video cameras, sensors, GPS and data analysis software to provide accurate real-time information on catches; to technical innovations in fishing gear or innovative devices for releasing accidentally caught marine wildlife, AZTI makes available very practical and valuable information to promote sustainability in the fishing sector.
