How fish-recognition tech is assisting demand for canned tuna

Fishermen sorting the fish from the net. Some vessels are installing video cameras, sensors and systems that use algorithms to detect different types of fish and marine life, said Zimring. — AFP

The pandemic is forcing marine protection observers to adopt technology that monitors fishing boats remotely instead of getting on the vessels and risking infection.

Commercial fishing fleets are facing a jump in demand for canned tuna, but the coronavirus outbreak has prevented industry watchdogs and environmental groups from sending people onto boats to monitor whether the catches are sustainable. Traditionally, those observers spend months on vessels collecting data and watching for illegal activity.