Transforming fishing with digital innovation

Fishing is undergoing a digital transformation, thanks to projects like VISTools. This cutting-edge initiative uses technology to make fishing more efficient and sustainable by automating data collection of fishing boats. With smart sensors onboard, VISTools monitors catch details, fuel consumption, and location in real-time, giving skippers and shipowners valuable insights into their operations.

Turning the tide on data collection

Traditionally, fishing activities have relied on manual record-keeping, with skippers and shipowners using paper logs to track catches, fish box contents, and trip profitability. With new smart sensors onboard, VISTools allows fishers to monitor catch details, fuel consumption, and location in real-time, giving them valuable insights into their operations. Tools like GIS mapping help track catches more accurately across different fishing grounds. In collaboration with the fishing industry and scientists, VISTools aims to roll out its platform across the Belgian fleet, improving decision-making and reducing environmental impact.

Thanks to EMFF funding, the VISTools project has grown to a commercial level and is now being used in 62% of Belgium’s fishing fleet. Without EU funding, this growth would not have been possible.  It has enabled the development of an initial data system, which then supported the development of hardware and the installation of VIStools to five vessels to test how it could be scaled up. 

New automated approach

The VISTools project is transforming fishing by automating data collection and combining it with key factors like fish and fuel prices. This gives fishers a clearer picture of their vessel’s performance, helping them boost efficiency and cut down on environmental impact.

“With VISTools we can constantly see what we are doing. We can see if adjustments need to be made and if we need to cut down on fuel consumption. It helps us get smarter and we hope the system further grows to incorporate more aspects of ‘smart fishing’ in the future” said Dany Vlietinck, one of fishers participating in the project. 

Quantum leap in digital transformation 

By automating data collection and offering real-time insights, the developed technology empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions that enhance both economic and environmental performance. The project's collaborative approach, gradual scaling, and user-centric development have laid a strong foundation for future innovation in precision fishing. 

More information

Project presentation (in EN): Fisheries Information System & Tools: Centralization and integration of fleet information in a GIS Application - ILVO Vlaanderen

Project presentation (in NL): Vissersvaartuig als dataplatform: het VISTools project - ILVO Vlaanderen