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Description
The project will develop a system (Custodian), consisting of three low-cost devices and a web platform for tracking small vessels and buoys. This will aid fisherman in their operations and equipment management, as well local authorities and businesses bringing all parts together to optimize this industry and minimize losses and pollution. During testing of the prototypes, fishermen might encounter savings due to: i) the faster location of the fishing gear, potentially saving approximately 12€ of fuel per launch; b) recover of potentially lost nets (50 % success rate would lead to 5% increase on net income); iii) fishermen testing the prototype of the service that provides real-time market pricing may also experience an increase in net profit due to the timely choice of market based on the current catch (tentative quantifications of the extra income generated by this would be too speculative at this stage).
Summary of project results
The Custodian project is a comprehensive initiative that strives to transform the fishing industry through innovation and technology. By engaging stakeholders, designing advanced tracking devices, developing a state-of-the-art digital platform, exploring market expansion, and implementing effective communication strategies within the industry, the project aims to revolutionize the way fishing gear is tracked and managed in the Atlantic region. Ultimately, Custodian seeks to promote sustainable practices, improve resource conservation, and drive positive socio-economic impacts in the fishing sector.
The Custodian project concluded successfully with the final event in Abril 2024, comprising a dedicated workshop and public presentation of results with actual live tests and devices. Since the beginning of the project, significant involvement with stakeholders has been ensured, including fishermen and regional authorities, to define requirements and map the characteristics of fishing equipment. Subsequently, prototypes of the C-Beacon, C-Point, and C-Mesh have been developed using LPWAN technologies and tested with several field tests. Such tests have been performed in different geographies, in the Azores and in mainland Portugal and onboard fishing vessels. The developed equipment underwent successive iterations resulting in a final elegant solution close to the market. The Custodian platform was created, adopting an innovative approach based on serverless computing and cloud containers. Feedback from stakeholders allowed to evolve the platform to include additional value-added services. Furthermore, studies were conducted to assess the feasibility of expanding the project to other markets in the Atlantic. Promotion and communication efforts were also undertaken, including dissemination events and project presentations at international conferences, dedicated workshops, and technical publications. These activities have facilitated informing stakeholders, communicating project progress, highlighting the advantages of the developed products and platform, and engaging with the scientific community. The involvement of a donner state organisation partner was also ensured, having participation in key project events including a dedicated session in Azores with an EEA grants committee and with the participation of the Norwegian ambassador. The positive outcomes achieved in the Custodian project allowed all partners to confidently express their willingness to further continue collaborating beyond the project lifetime with additional developments and identification of follow-up opportunities.
Lost fishing gear is a significant global concern, posing navigation hazards and contributing to ocean pollution, ecosystem depletion, and economic losses in marine tourism and for fishermen. In Portugal, studies show that fishermen allocate 10% of their annual budget to locating and repairing lost gear. Some fishermen invest in costly tracking equipment for buoys to mitigate losses, but these are only viable for larger vessels due to high prices, power consumption, and limited range. The existing fishing monitoring system, MONICAP, is impractical for small vessels and buoys, hindering effective tracking. Custodian, in collaboration with key stakeholders, developed an innovative solution for improving sustainabity and profitability in the fishing communities. Three low-cost, long-range, and energy-efficient devices enable tracking of small vessels (under 12m) and fishing gear, connecting to fishermen''s mobile phones via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). A web and mobile application facilitate tracking, reducing gear loss, plastic pollution, and ghost fishing, while streamlining lost gear reporting and promoting maritime digitalization. Additional features include digital logging of catch details and pricing information to optimize profits. The project pioneered the use of IoT LoRaWAN communications in ocean environments, achieving a world-record longrange communication of 1336 km between a device in Sesimbra and a gateway in the Canaries. Custodian collaborated with Portuguese SMEs, research institutions, and stakeholders, organizing 6 public communication events and garnering community support for the development of the system. Positive outcomes and significant impacts were observed with live demonstrations and communuity interst, with partners recognizing the innovation''s commercial potential beyond Portugal. Patent request was initiated to protect future exploration, and partners committed to continued collaboration and device development beyond the project''s lifespan. The project''s success was demonstrated at public events, attracting local media and policymakers'' attention. Regional stakeholders expressed support for initiatives like Custodian, aiming to accelerate the blue economy for a sustainable ocean community.
Summary of bilateral results
The involvement of NTNU in the Custodian project facilitated several key outcomes that includes the adaptation of system requirements to align with the operating environmental conditions of Norway, confirmation of the potential applicability of the developed technologies within the Norwegian context, planning for future collaborative testing activities and finally active participation in dedicated project key events, notably including a demonstration of project results to an EEA grant committee with the Norwegian ambassador present, enhancing the project''s visibility.NTNU''s participation played a pivotal role in affirming that the issues addressed by the Custodian project are of similar concern to those of Norway, such as data confidentiality and tracking of fishing gear assets and activities. Additionally, agreements for potential new testing activities beyond the project''s lifespan have been reached, and collaboration in related areas has been initiated.