Photo: Sinerxia

ARVI and BDRI Advance with ‘EcoCerco’ to Reduce Cetacean Interaction in Purse Seine Fishing

SPAIN
Thursday, March 13, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Currently, the project is in the protocol preparation phase for sea trials, which will begin in May 2025.

The project will hold its first knowledge transfer day on the role of women in onboard observation at the WORLD MARITIME WEEK in Bilbao.

Vigo .- The Vigo Shipowners Cooperative (ARVI), in collaboration with the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), continues to advance in the development of ‘EcoCerco’, an initiative that seeks to minimize the interaction between cetaceans and purse seine fishing through the implementation of innovative technologies. This project is developed with the collaboration of the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, through the Pleamar Program, and is co-financed by the European Union through the EMFAF (European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund).

Alberto Prieto Araujo on the left (ARVI) and Bruno Díaz López on the right (BDRI)

One of the most recent milestones of the project has been the selection of the DDD03H pinger from STM Products, an acoustic device designed to deter cetaceans and reduce their interaction with purse seine nets. Its wide frequency range (5-500 kHz) and its random emission of acoustic signals seek to prevent cetacean habituation, reducing noise pollution and improving their quality of life. The choice of this model is based on a detailed analysis of the available technologies, considering their effectiveness in other fisheries and their compatibility with the operation of the purse seine fleet. This device has a sound pressure of 165 dB and a range of up to 500m, it is expected that its implementation will provide positive results similar to those obtained in trawling, where its use has demonstrated a significant reduction in cetacean bycatch. The product will be acquired from the Galician company Fish and Food Technology (FFT), distributor of STM Products, ensuring the availability of the necessary equipment to carry out the sea trials.

Currently, the project is in the protocol preparation phase for sea trials, which will begin in May 2025. These tests will be carried out aboard the vessel Cha-Veiga, which will collaborate with the project, allowing real-time evaluation of the effectiveness of the DDD03H pinger in reducing interactions with cetaceans. During this phase, the behavior of the animals in the presence of the acoustic devices will be analyzed and their impact on fishing operations will be assessed. The data obtained in this stage will be decisive to validate the technology and define future strategies for its integration in purse seine fishing in Galicia.

Fishing vessel 'Cha-Veiga' -->

‘EcoCerco’ also includes a dissemination and awareness component within the fishing sector, therefore it will be present at the WORLD MARITIME WEEK, which will take place from March 19 to 21 in Bilbao, to hold its first knowledge transfer day on the role of women in onboard observation, highlighting their contribution to marine exploration and ecosystem conservation. This event will be an opportunity to recognize the importance of female presence in the field of marine research and fisheries surveillance, addressing the challenges faced by women in this field and promoting their participation in the conservation of marine ecosystems.

With this project, ARVI and BDRI reaffirm their commitment to sustainability and the balanced coexistence between fishing activity and the protection of marine ecosystems. The results of the sea trials will be decisive to validate the use of this technology and define future strategies that facilitate its implementation in the purse seine fleet. The collaboration between ARVI and BDRI is key to the success of the project, as it allows combining the experience of the fishing sector with the scientific knowledge in the study of cetacean behavior, joining efforts in the search for effective and sustainable solutions.

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