Innovative techniques and methods delivering sustainable development for the fisheries sector – Information systems and decision-making support tool

In order to secure the future of fishing in France, Europe and beyond, policy-makers in the public and private sectors must first have access to reliable data on the current state of fish stocks and the impact of fishing on ecosystems. This shared knowledge will facilitate decision-making relating to conservation and restoration of fish stocks within the context of sustainable development for the fishing industry.

The TEMIS-SIAD project comprises 3 initiatives

• RECOPESCA – This data-recording network of fishing activity and environmental parameters involves volunteer fishermen and scientists working together. Using sensors installed on board fishing boats and equipment and an on-board secure data capture and transmission system, RECOPESCA can create a network of direct data recordings relating to levels of fishing activity and environmental factors. Information collected for scientific purposes will also supplement the skipper’s on-board electronic log. Research undertaken at moderate cost should enable more than 300 vessels based in France and French overseas territories to be equipped. 
• WEB SIG SIH – This Internet service for the processing and retrieval of captured data will be accessible to those working in the fishing industry, scientists, experts, policy-makers and the general public. It takes the form of a geographical information system of localised indicators of current fish stocks. 
• SEALOE – This decision-making tool makes it possible to draw up resource management parameters incorporating biological and economic parameters for mixed langoustine/hake fishing in the Gulf of Gascony. The method developed will be transferable to other sites and other types of mixed fisheries.

SIAD offers innovative data capture and analysis tools whose use can be facilitated and optimised using the land/sea link proposed by the officially recognised “INTERNET PECHE BAS COUT” project.

SIAD PROJECT PARTNERS

Companies

• Capgemini Ouest in Brest is ranked close to the top of major information management companies and is developing its skills for use in the maritime sector, most notably for optimisation of professional resources and deployment of specific information integration and management systems. Capgemini Brest is jointly responsible with IFREMER for the overall project. 
• NKE Electronics, based in Hennebont (56), is well known in the world of competitive sailing with its equipment being used by top skippers. NKE Instrumentation designs and manufactures field measuring equipment for oceanography and environmental studies. 
• Océanic Développement, in Concarneau and Brest, offers technical support for the processing, economic and commercial development and quality assurance of sea products. 
• SODENA, at its Saint-Philibert (56) facility, produces information systems for the maritime professions relating to navigation, safety, piloting and optimum vessel functioning – fishing, surveillance, dredging, surveying, etc. Exports account for 70% of SODENA SA sales.

Research centres

• CEDEM in Brest is the Centre de droit et d’économie de la mer (Maritime Law and Economics Centre) of the Université de Bretagne Occidentale, comprising the European University Marine Institute. Its work focuses on the relationships between man and the marine environment. It has extensive experience in analysing and evaluating fishery management issues. 
• ENIB in Brest and its RESO lab specialise in electronics, optics and signal processing. They are developing methods for use in biology. 
• IFREMER in Brest is the institute jointly responsible with Capgemini for the project. Several of its research teams are involved, most notably the departments of Maritime Economy (DEM), Fishery Science and Technology (STH), Technology Testing and Research (ERT) and Maritime Data and Information (IDM).

Fishing industry representatives

CRPMEM is the Comité régional des pêches maritimes et des élevages marins (Regional Committee for Sea Fishing and Fish Farming) in Brittany. It is involved in monitoring the project and is liaising with those in the industry for the initial experimental phase and subsequently for developing the outcomes.

Contacts
jean.boucher@pole-mer-bretagne.com
rachel.sellin@pole-mer-bretagne.com