Hokkaido Prefecture Seeks Innovation in Fixed Net Fisheries with Remote Underwater Camera Trial
Hokkaido Prefecture has announced the commencement of a public tender for a commissioned project focused on the practical application of remote underwater camera technology within its fixed net fisheries. This initiative, scheduled to begin with the tender announcement on August 22, 2025, signifies Hokkaido’s commitment to embracing advanced technologies to enhance its vital fishing industry.
The core objective of this project is to evaluate the efficacy and benefits of deploying remote underwater cameras in fixed net fishing operations. Fixed net fishing, a traditional and important method in Hokkaido, involves setting stationary nets in strategic locations to capture fish. While effective, monitoring the performance of these nets, observing marine life interactions, and assessing the overall fishing environment can be challenging and resource-intensive.
The introduction of remote underwater cameras is anticipated to offer several significant advantages. These cameras can provide real-time visual data from beneath the water’s surface, allowing fishermen and researchers to:
- Monitor Net Performance: Observe the condition of the nets, identify any damage or entanglement promptly, and understand how the nets are positioned and functioning in various sea conditions.
- Analyze Fish Behavior and Catches: Gain insights into the species and volume of fish entering the nets, as well as observe the behavior of non-target species, contributing to more sustainable fishing practices.
- Assess Environmental Conditions: Document the underwater environment surrounding the fishing grounds, potentially identifying changes or factors that may impact fish populations or the fishing operations themselves.
- Improve Operational Efficiency: Reduce the need for frequent manual inspections of nets, potentially saving time and labor for fishing crews.
- Enhance Safety: Minimize the risks associated with divers or crew members entering the water for inspections in potentially hazardous conditions.
This “Remote Underwater Camera Practical Test Commissioned Work” is being tendered through a general competitive bidding process, inviting qualified companies and organizations to submit proposals for the development, deployment, and potentially the data analysis aspects of the project. Hokkaido Prefecture is seeking innovative solutions that can demonstrate the practical value and economic viability of integrating this technology into the daily operations of its fixed net fisheries.
The successful bidder will be responsible for carrying out a trial implementation of the remote underwater camera system, likely in collaboration with local fishing cooperatives and fishermen. The results of this trial will be crucial in informing future decisions regarding the wider adoption of such technologies across Hokkaido’s fishing sector.
This forward-thinking initiative underscores Hokkaido’s dedication to modernizing its traditional industries, promoting sustainability, and ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of its marine resources and the communities that depend on them. By investing in technological advancements like remote underwater cameras, Hokkaido aims to strengthen its position as a leader in responsible and efficient fisheries management.
定置網漁業遠隔水中カメラ実証試験委託業務に係る一般競争入札実施のお知らせ
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北海道 published ‘定置網漁業遠隔水中カメラ実証試験委託業務に係る一般競争入札実施のお知らせ’ at 2025-08-22 00:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.