With big challenges ahead and submissions on the future of commercial fishing, the industry is explaining why it believes the high-tech future has much to offer, much of which has already happened. I’m here.
From Dr Jeremy Helson, CEO Seafood New Zealand
Artificial intelligence can already do some big, revolutionary and potentially scary things. There is the risk of confusion from fake political advertising, the anxiety about what it means for our work, and the philosophical questions about what life is. something heavy. But there is also great potential for AI to have a positive impact in industries that have been previously untouched by cutting-edge technology.
Commercial fishing in New Zealand is that industry. Although many industries are concerned about the disruptive impact of AI, fisheries welcome it. We see the potential benefits it brings to us as operators and to everyone involved in the fishery, from New Zealand regulators to Kaimoana eaters.
Why are we talking about AI and fishing now? Not only is it World Oceans Day today (although changing tides fits the theme perfectly), but the future of commercial fishing is up for debate. It’s from Marines and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking launched the Fisheries Transformation Plan (ITP) at the end of April. He is accepting submissions until June 11th. This plan represents a vision for the future of commercial fishing in New Zealand.
In his preface, the Minister said that fisheries will play an important role in the future prosperity of the country. She also acknowledges that we face some significant challenges. Our coastal fleet is aging, costs are rising and, like many companies in the primary industry, it is difficult to find enough workers. Perhaps most difficultly, climate change means that we face changes in the marine environment.
I joined other experts in the Leadership Group who submitted their input to the draft Fisheries ITP. Everyone in that group is fully aware of the risks and threats we face.
But when you look beyond the downside, you see something else. Check out the body of the fisheries ITP. It speaks to a future built on respect and innovation as we fish with care and precision. Where the impact of fishing on the seabed is minimized and the carbon footprint is reduced. In the future, we will be proud of our increased productivity and profitability, helping our employees and communities thrive.
It may sound idealistic, but this is my imagination.
We see a future where AI, in conjunction with drones and underwater sensors, guides ships to the most productive fishing grounds where fish are abundant, making the most efficient use of time and fuel. The same drone can tell us if we’re getting close to vulnerable marine mammals, so we can change course. High-efficiency engines also help reduce fuel usage, making fish one of the lowest carbon proteins in the world.
Other AIs monitor what is in our net. If anything goes wrong, you can send an alert to the captain. Using an underwater camera, the captain can remotely open the net and release the animals once he has confirmed that there are seals among the prey.
In the future, AI and new trawl technology will allow trawl gear to fly as far above the seabed as possible, and if contact is required, it will fly faster and lighter.
In this future, New Zealanders can be justifiably proud of a best-in-class fishery that creates great jobs and supports families. AI helps traceability and efficient supply his chain. We can all enjoy affordable seafood, and the world has come through our door to buy sustainable, low-carbon, and delicious Kaimoana, fueling our economy and increasing our allocations. brings a significant return on investment to the interests of the Maori who own it.
With so much potential for our future, it’s easy to see why so much of the industry is embracing the opportunities presented by AI and other emerging technologies.
But there are twists and turns here. This is no pipe dream. The vision I set out here is becoming a reality. Some already do.
We are currently developing technology to open fishing nets underwater if they catch marine mammals. This has been tested by New Zealand’s Precision Seafood Harvesting Team, who are working with the Department of Primary Industries and Plant Food to provide a new method of trawl fishing that is currently helping to improve the quality of the fish caught. I’m here.
We already have a prototype of AI being used on fishing vessels to recognize unwanted and accidental catches. Nelson fisherman and businessman Dom Taljancic is the man behind his Advanced Conservation Solutions, which is experimenting with using AI to detect what enters fishing nets. in real time.
More efficient engines are already on board new fishing vessels, significantly reducing their carbon footprint. In addition, fish is already one of the lowest carbon proteins in the world.
We are already using vessel locating technology to keep fishermen returning to the same fishing grounds year after year, reducing our annual trawl footprint to just 2% of the water body.
With all of this going on, it’s no surprise that fishing in New Zealand will look very different in the next five to ten years.
The ITP could be the starting point for the industry to go faster and further. We are at a tipping point. Either we invest seriously and work with the government to do our best, or we can change as the tide changes. It is unacceptable to me and to the great people I work with in New Zealand’s commercial fisheries.
We are now making great strides towards a visionary future for a seafood industry that is the envy of the world and the pride of New Zealanders. If you believe in that future too, we invite you to submit to the Fisheries ITP to celebrate the progress we have already made and help us push it further.
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Dr. Kherson is a marine biologist, lawyer and attorney who has worked in fisheries management with the Ministry of Primary Industries. He was previously CEO of Seafood Inshore New Zealand and is currently CEO of Seafood New Zealand, an industry governing body.
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