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Description
The PELADRONE service will operate drones specially adapted to marine conditions, which will take-off and land on the fishing vessels. With the help of artificial intelligence (image processing), the drone will be able to search for surface-related indicators, enabling potential catches to be identified at long ranges. The drone is also equipped with a sonar device that can be lowered into the sea and, with the help of artificial intelligence (sonar), identify biological masses below the surface, e.g. type and quantity of fish, presence of bycatch. The drone then communicates this information to the control center, thereby providing real-time information to the fishing boat, giving the skipper an overview of the location and value of the nearest catches. 1. Primary Objective: To increase the competitiveness and sustainability of Portuguese SME fisheries within the focus area of Blue Growth by developing and implementing innovative digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drones, in fishing processes.2. Secondary (shorter term) Objective: To improve the sustainability of marine ecosystems through the collection and mapping of ocean litter and marine ecosystems data.3. Secondary (longer term) Objective: To rejuvenate coastal communities through digitalization and a blue circular economy model enabled through bilateral relations with Norway and Sweden within industry and research.Four (4) main activities with deliverables are defined for the PELADRONE project:Maturing the PELADRONE digital technologies for streamlining the search phase for traditional pelagic fishing vesselsImplementing and field testing the PELADRONE system including communication and AI functionalityDeveloping the business model of the PELADRONE system and recognizing added opportunities for ocean data collection such as the detection of marine litter.Project Management & Communication
Summary of project results
PELADRONE addressed significant challenges within Portuguese small and medium-scale fisheries struggling with declining competitiveness and sustainability and inefficient fishing practices threatening marine ecosystems and the economic future of coastal communities. For example, considerable fuel and resources are spent searching for catch while noisy engines disturb sonar systems, providing inaccurate readings resulting in inefficient catches.
PELADRONE develops innovative digital technologies and AI for ocean data collection to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of small- and medium-scale fisheries. Using a drone-enabled reconnaissance and mapping solution for pelagic fishing, PELADRONE facilitates more precise and efficient fish capture, significantly reducing sea time, operational costs, emissons, and fishermen’s personal risk.PELADRONE included the following:• Drone system solution for pelagic fishing • Pilot drone testing • User-friendly mapping tool• Service simulation test results• Field testing report and lessons learned• Operational manual for PELADRONE system• Business plan for PELADRONE LDA• Overview of core resources and capabilities of Peniche Fishery Industry• Communication Platform
Peladrone will markedly improve fishing operational efficiency. The PELADRONE service will reduce average time at sea by 50%, significantly decreasing fuel consumption—approximately 5,000 liters per vessel each season. This will result not just in cost savings but also reduced emissions. Additionally, the project fosters the economic revitalization of coastal communities by integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional industries.PELADRONE’s success is crucial for Portuguese fisheries’ long-term sustainability. By integrating digital solutions, PELADRONE not only provides immediate economic and environmental benefits but also sets a precedent for future technological integration in traditional sectors. The continuation of these benefits beyond the funding period highlights the project''s sustainability and its role in promoting long-term positive impact on communities and industry. PELADRONE is a prime example of a “twin transition” innovation in which digital solutions effectively address complex economic, social, and environmental challenges in traditional industries, leading to significant, sustainable changes for communities and ecosystems.
Summary of bilateral results
The Peladrone Project greatly benefited from the inclusion of the project partners, which enhanced the scope and impact of our work. Having this partnership was crucial as it brought additional expertise and resources that were pivotal in achieving our project objectives. This collaboration allowed us to leverage the donor''s extensive knowledge in drone technology (Birdview) and maritime technology (Borgen Eckey), which significantly advanced our own capabilities and understanding of practical applications in environmental monitoring.One of the main outcomes of this bilateral partnership was the development of advanced drone systems tailored to map marine biodiversity more efficiently. This was a shared result, showcasing how collaborative efforts can lead to innovative solutions. The partnership not only improved our technological knowledge but also fostered a deeper understanding of coastal communities, the pelagic fisheries, and new marketsThe collaboration led to wider effects as well. It strengthened international ties and set the groundwork for future cooperation on ocean mapping initiatives. Our joint efforts have been recognized in several forums, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling global challenges.As for the future, we are enthusiastic about continuing this successful partnership. Plans are already in place to expand our collaborative projects, with all parties committed to further developing the solution. We aim to explore new areas where the Peladrone solution can be applied, promising even greater impacts in environmental conservation and data collection.This partnership exemplifies how collaboration across borders can enhance technological advancements and lead to mutual benefits. We are excited to see where this continued cooperation takes us and the further innovations it will bring.