The Spanish tuna fleet is pioneering a new initiative to use more than 1,500 smart buoys to help ensure catch is targeted at species with healthy stock levels.
The ‘SelecTuna’ project is a collaboration between the Organisation of Associated Producers of Large-scale Freezer Tuna Vessels and tech firm Satlink. It will see the buoys, which can differentiate between tuna species, deployed in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
“The commitment to improving our fishery has sought to have the most cutting-edge mechanisms available to optimise and control our activity and ensure that our catches result from transparent, sustainable and responsible fishing,” said Julio Morón, managing director of OPAGAC.
“This project is a step further in the same direction, integrating the most advanced solutions for the sustainability of our fishing activity.”
The Selective smart buoy has a unique dual echo-sounder and acoustic technology system that enables it to differentiate between skipjack tuna on the one hand, and yellowfin and bigeye tuna on the other, allowing the Spanish fleet to focus on its target species.
Data collected during the SelecTuna project will enable Satlink to enhance the technology both for this application and for other developments. SelecTuna will also increase knowledge about the biology, behaviour, and distribution of tropical tuna populations, helping inform decision making.
“SelecTuna is a perfect example of our commitment to developing technology solutions that contribute to the sustainability of the oceans and fisheries management, by promoting resource protection, improving scientific knowledge, and optimising fleet operations,” said Faustino Velasco, president of Satlink.
