4.2 Sensors

This section describes the sensors deployed in the ILIAD North Sea Fisheries case, serving as an example for implementing data collection systems in a beam trawl fleet. Key considerations for implementation are provided for each sensor.

Fishery-Specific Sensors

1. GPS Sensors

• Function: Enables precise vessel navigation
• Data Collected:
  • Latitude, Longitude
  • Speed (knots)
  • UTC Time
  • Vessel Direction
  • Number of Satellites
• Considerations:
  • Most standard GPS comply

2. Fuel Consumption Meters

• Function: Monitors main engine fuel usage. Ideally expanded to fuel use of auxilliary engines
• Manufacturers used in NSF-case: Marelec Economter, AquaMetro FMS, direct connection to ABC Engines
• Data Collected:
  • Fuel consumption (liters/hour)
  • UTC Time
• Considerations:
  • Use meters that provide real-time readings for fuel monitoring.
  • Regularly calibrate meters to maintain accuracy.
  • Use meter that compensate for ‘backwash’ of fuel in fuel pipes

3. Catch Scales

• Function: Measures and records fish landing weight
• Manufacturers used in NSF-case: Marelec, VCU
• Data Collected:
  • Catch Weight (kg)
  • Species Identified (FAO Codes and scientific name)
  • UTC Time
• Considerations:
  • Check if scale has a correction of wet weight (difference between weight on vessel and weight while landed)
  • Maintain calibration according to legal fishing regulations.
  • Use fishery specific scales

4. Towing Force Sensors

• Function: Monitors towing force and rope tension to assess gear performance and ensure efficient fishing operations.
• Manufacturers used in NSF-case: Marelec
• Data Collected:
  • Towing Force (kg)
  • Rope Length (meters)
  • UTC Time
• Considerations:
  • Ensure correct calibration

Environmental Sensors

1. NKE WiSens CTD Sensor

• Function: Monitors key oceanographic variables such as salinity, temperature, and depth
• Manufacturers used in NSF-case: NKE
• Model: WiSens CTD
• Data Collected:
  • Conductivity (S/m)
  • Water Temperature (°C)
  • Depth (m)
  • UTC Time
• Considerations:
  • Attach securely to nets to prevent loss during trawling.
  • Check battery life frequently
  • Follow calibration routines as provided by manufacturer
  • Ensure wireless compatibility with data transmission systems.

2. NKE WiSens TBD Sensor

• Function: Measures turbidity, temperature, and depth to monitor water clarity and detect suspended particles.
• Manufacturers used in NSF-caser: NKE
• Model: WiSens TBD
• Data Collected:
  • Turbidity (NTU)
  • Water Temperature (°C)
  • Depth (m)
  • UTC Time
    
• Considerations:
  • Attach securely to nets to prevent loss during trawling.
  • Check battery life frequently
  • Regularly clean the sensor lens to maintain accurate turbidity readings.
  • Follow calibration routines as provided by manufacturer
  • Ensure wireless compatibility with data transmission systems.

3. Zebratech TD Sensor

• Function: Continuously measures water temperature and depth during fishing operations to monitor environmental conditions near the fishing nets.
• Manufacturers used in NSF-case: Zebratech
• Model: Moana TD Sensor
• Data Collected:
  • Water Temperature (°C)
  • Depth (m)
  • UTC Time
• Considerations:
  • Attach securely to nets to prevent loss during trawling.
  • Check battery life before each session.
  • Follow calibration routines as provided by manufacturer
  • Ensure wireless compatibility with data transmission systems.

4. Airmar 120WX WeatherStation Instrument

• Function: Provides real-time weather monitoring for navigation safety and operational planning.
• Manufacturer: Airmar
• Model: 120WX Data Collected:
  • Air Pressure (Bar)
  • Air Temperature (°C)
  • Wind Chill Temperature
  • Wind Direction (degrees)
  • Wind Speed (m/s)
  • UTC Time
    
• Considerations:
  • Mount at the highest point on the vessel for unobstructed readings.
  • Ensure waterproof housing is intact.
  • Regularly inspect for corrosion and connectivity issues.

Conclusion

The sensors described here are deployed in the ILIAD North Sea Fisheries project and illustrate how a beam trawl fleet can implement similar technologies for comprehensive data collection.