How tech is transforming commercial fishing

Fishing has been a human activity for millennia, dating back to prehistoric times when early humans used primitive tools to catch fish. Among the earliest evidence of fishing is a carved bone found in Japan, dating back to between 27,000 and 29,000 BC, which illustrates a man fishing with a rod and line. This artefact, uncovered in 1957, marks a significant point in the historical development of fishing. Since then, the methods and technologies have evolved dramatically.

In the UK, fishing has historically been a prominent industry and previously ranked as one of the world’s biggest. Today, fishing enterprises are critical in ensuring food security and supporting fishing communities.

The progression of fishing methods has evolved from basic traps and nets used in nearby lakes and rivers to advanced technologies that allow for fishing in deeper ocean areas. Innovations have included the development of better and larger vessels, more sophisticated fishing gear, and enhanced preservation techniques. Significant mechanisation in the 1950s, such as the introduction of power blocks and power-driven drums for handling various nets, triggered a steady advancement in fishing technology.  

Recent tech advancements

In recent years, the commercial fishing industry has integrated several technological improvements to enhance selectivity (ensure only the target species is caught), efficiency, sustainability and, safety. Modern fishing vessels utilise various technologies:

• Fish finders locate schools of fish and relay key data about their size, behaviour, and depth.
• LED lights on nets that attract certain types of fish and repel unwanted species.
• Fishing nets with panels allowing the escape of marine mammals, smaller, non-target species and juvenile fish while simultaneously retaining the targeted species.
• Sensors and cameras fitted to nets to identify target species and to manage the quantity of catch in each haul, assuring the highest quality of the product.
• Reliable communication systems facilitate seamless coordination with other ships and authorities to ensure crew safety and compliance with regulations.
• Electronic navigation systems help avoid collisions and maintain accurate courses.
• Automated fishing gear employs mechanical and hydraulic devices to refine fishing techniques, improving efficiency.
• Monitoring and control systems track engine performance, fuel consumption, and temperature to reduce emissions and optimise resource use.
• Safety equipment improves crew safety and supports emergency responses.
• Data management systems aid decision-making and ensure fisheries regulations and marine conservation laws compliance.

• Weather and environmental monitoring tools help in planning sustainable fishing activities.

How tech promotes sustainable fishing

At North Atlantic, we currently implement a variety of advanced technology aboard our vessels, including radar, sonar, acoustic and electro-magnetic deterrent devices (“pingers”), and weather and ocean environment monitoring equipment. We’re also exploring new tech, such as drones, to improve our ability to localise ‘marks’ of fish and help us reduce our emissions and improve efficiency, fuel use, and cost management. Satellite communication equipment helps us to review and dynamically manage fishing operations once the vessels have left harbour to assure the right volume and quality of catch to meet our customers’ requirements. In addition, we can share our catch data with scientific institutions to inform future fisheries management decision making.

We consistently scan the horizon for emerging technologies to help us further support sustainable fisheries management. Advances in sonar capabilities, underwater cameras, remote electronic monitoring equipment and computing systems all contribute to our efforts to minimise bycatch and ensure regulatory compliance.

Sustainable fisheries management is crucial for the future of food production from the sea and to protect and enhance the wider marine ecosystem’s’ health.

Tech-based careers in the fishing industry

Fishing vessels increasingly rely on technology, demanding skilled workers in STEM fields. The industry offers a wide array of learning opportunities where individuals can gain specialised skills, especially as the sector already depends on highly skilled labour. As technology advances, the need for skilled marine engineers, naval architects, and experts in AI, robotics, and computer science grows. 

There is a high demand for engineering officers on large, modern vessels, which rely heavily on digital technology and automation. These roles require workers who are tech-literate yet also possess traditional maritime skills. Additionally, the operation of ships in increasingly congested waters requires highly skilled personnel to manage advanced electronic navigation, radar, sonar, and communication systems effectively.

The future is greener and cheaper

The fishing industry has and continues to evolve and adapt as new technology emerges to enable precise and responsible fishing operations. We anticipate increased automation and digitalisation, with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms set to transform fisheries management data quality and quantity. Drones and autonomous vessels are expected to become more widespread, offering cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for monitoring, mapping, and perhaps even transporting catches.

With the adoption of these technological innovations, the fishing industry’s future looks promising – the combination of responsible fishing practices, sustainable fisheries policy and regulation, and coherent marine management and protection can deliver improved food production opportunities. This will help ensure a thriving and responsible fishing industry for future generations and continue to provide a sustainable, low cost, low carbon and highly nutritious food supply to a growing world population.