Innovative Marine Robot Developed to Monitor Fish Populations and Support Ecological Conservation
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Synopsis
Israeli researchers at the University of Haifa have created an innovative marine robot that autonomously monitors fish populations, aiding in ecological conservation and sustainable fisheries management. This energy-efficient robot provides accurate data while minimizing bycatch, demonstrating a commitment to preserving marine ecosystems amidst the challenges posed by overfishing.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative underwater robot developed by Israeli researchers.
- Monitors fish populations with precision and automation.
- Helps maintain ecological balance and sustainable fishing.
- Operated by one person, capable of detecting fish as small as 6 cm.
- Energy-efficient, operating continuously for up to five days.
Jerusalem, Jan 13 (NationPress) Researchers from Israel have unveiled a groundbreaking underwater robot designed to monitor fish populations with precision and automation, as reported by the University of Haifa (UH).
Overfishing poses a significant threat to marine resources, and the absence of sophisticated monitoring tools in various regions worsens the situation. This lightweight underwater robot aims to support fishermen and fisheries authorities globally, promoting ecological balance and sustainable management of fishery resources, according to the university.
This advanced robotic system, which can be operated by a single individual, merges effective depth regulation with active sonar technology for the autonomous detection and measurement of schools and individual fish as small as 6 cm. Once fish are detected, the robot surfaces and transmits its data via satellite communications.
Fishing authorities can utilize these measurements to assess fishing conditions, while fishermen can enhance their efficiency and significantly minimize the bycatch of undersized fish, species under fishing restrictions, or endangered marine life.
The statement notes that this robotic system is energy-efficient, capable of functioning continuously for up to five days, and can be deployed in swarms for enhanced detection accuracy. The estimated cost of each robot is a few thousand US dollars.
In trials conducted in Lake Malawi, the robot successfully monitored unique species, including vibrant 6-cm cichlid fish, which are endemic to the lake and serve as a vital income source for local communities, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Global fish populations are increasingly at risk due to overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices. According to a UN report published in 2022, more than a third (35.4 percent) of global fish stocks were classified as overfished in 2019.
