Experts at the Leon Charney School of Marine Sciences at the University of Haifa have developed an innovative underwater robotic system for autonomous and precise fish population monitoring.
Led by Prof. Roee Diamant, head of the Underwater Acoustics and Navigation Laboratory, and in collaboration with the University of Zagreb and funding from the Schmidt Foundation, the system addresses global challenges in fishery management.
Experiment with the robot in Malawi
(Video: Haifa University)
This advanced system, designed to assist fishermen and regulatory authorities in maintaining ecological balance and sustainable fish resource management, operates independently using acoustic signals for real-time detection and measurement of fish schools and individual fish.
The robot adheres to underwater acoustic standards, minimizing noise pollution that could harm marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the system can function as a solar-powered buoy, enabling prolonged operation of up to five days without reliance on battery life.
"Overfishing and bycatch often result from indiscriminate fishing practices, especially in developing countries where precise monitoring tools are lacking," explains Prof. Diamant.
"Our lightweight underwater robotic platform is operable by a single user and integrates efficient depth-control mechanisms with active sonar scanning," add Shlomi Dahan and Yeshayahu Pevzner, co-developers of the system.
"It autonomously detects and measures the size of fish schools and individual fish, with a minimum length of 6 cm. Upon detection, the robot surfaces and transmits its findings via satellite communication. This data enables fishing authorities to monitor fish populations effectively, while fishermen can minimize bycatch of undersized fish, protected species or endangered marine animals like sea turtles. The solution is cost-effective, energy-efficient and can operate continuously for up to five days."
The project, named "SOUND," has undergone extensive trials in Israel and Croatia with successful results.
In collaboration with the World Bank, the team established partnerships with the government of Malawi, a nation facing challenges in managing the natural resources of Lake Malawi, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes (approximately 2300 feet deep).
During trials conducted at Lake Malawi, the robot successfully monitored endemic fish species, such as colorful African cichlids measuring 2.3", which are native to the lake and contribute significantly to Malawi's economy through the global aquarium trade.
"Malawi maintains strong ties with Israel, which facilitated this collaboration. The fishing authorities in Malawi recognize the system's potential to monitor fish populations effectively, especially amid political tensions with neighboring Tanzania over access to the lake's resources," says Prof. Diamant.
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The SOUND system's technological development is complete, and the final product is now undergoing testing ahead of commercialization. End-users in Malawi, Croatia and Mexico are providing feedback.
"Our system represents a breakthrough in fishery monitoring, offering a practical solution for smart natural resource management. Beyond its technological contribution, it fosters international collaboration and promotes innovative tools in developing nations," explains Prof. Diamant.
"We also aim to implement the system in Israel and are working closely with relevant authorities managing marine nature reserves, hoping the robot will support the monitoring of protected marine habitats locally."