The National Science Foundation announced a $15 million grant awarded in late July to a coalition of New England commercial fishing advocates, oceanographic researchers, and technology firms. The partnership, led by the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems, will focus on projects that help local fishermen catch healthier fish, reduce unwanted bycatch, and strengthen the region’s seafood processing industry.
“Third‑eye” cameras for groundfishermen
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology will use a portion of the funds to develop a camera system that can be placed inside fishing nets. The “third‑eye” camera will stream live video to a deck‑side screen, allowing captains to see exactly what is entering the net before it is hauled aboard. By identifying regulated species early, crews can avoid exceeding quota limits and reduce bycatch that must be discarded.
Dean Kevin Stokesbury said the data will be stored securely for later analysis, providing valuable information for both captains and onboard observers who monitor compliance with fishing regulations. “If there’s ever a dispute, the recorded footage can help resolve it,” Stokesbury explained.
Autonomous robots for lobster traps
The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance will apply grant money to build autonomous underwater robots that detect adverse environmental conditions such as high water temperatures and pockets of low dissolved oxygen—known as hypoxia. These conditions often cause lobster traps to surface filled with dead lobsters. By warning vessels of such zones, the robots aim to improve trap survivability and overall catch quality.
Reviving the processing side of the industry
Beyond catching fish, the grant includes $500,000 earmarked for “supply‑chain roadmapping.” The goal is to assess how much of New England’s seafood processing capacity has moved overseas and to develop a plan for bringing those jobs back to the region. New Bedford, once a bustling hub for seafood processing, has lost at least 150 jobs since 2023, according to local reporting.
Former processing facilities such as Blue Harvest Fisheries (closed 2023) and True North Seafood (shuttered 2024) eliminated dozens of jobs, leaving many families searching for new employment. Jake Kritzer, executive director of the Northeastern Regional Association, said the analysis will draw on existing data from NOAA and state agencies, but a comprehensive study has not yet been conducted.
“It’s one thing to support a strong harvest sector,” Kritzer said. “It’s another to rebuild a processing sector that has largely left the region.” He added that the industry’s risk‑averse nature makes it hesitant to adopt untested technologies, underscoring the importance of careful stewardship of public funds.
Why the grant matters for local families
For New Bedford families, the initiative promises both economic and environmental benefits. Reducing bycatch helps preserve regulated fish populations, supporting sustainable fisheries that families rely on for income. More reliable lobster catches can stabilize earnings for trap crews, while a revitalized processing sector could create stable, well‑paying jobs for the community.
The partnership’s broader vision is to create an “innovation ecosystem” that encourages collaboration among fishermen, scientists, and tech companies. By fostering local research and development, the region hopes to remain competitive in a global seafood market while honoring the stewardship principles many families and faith‑based communities hold dear.
Looking ahead
Implementation will begin this fall, with prototype cameras and robot trials slated for early next year. The supply‑chain analysis is expected to be completed within 18 months, after which recommendations for bringing processing jobs back to New Bedford will be presented to state and local leaders.
Stakeholders say the grant represents a rare opportunity for a traditionally risk‑averse industry to embrace modern technology without sacrificing the values that have sustained New England’s coastal communities for generations.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
