Can AI and machine learning help solve the bycatch crisis in commercial fishing? In this episode of the Catch Welfare Podcast, hosts Oliver McBride and Michelle Boonstra explore how Smartrawl, an innovative AI-driven fishing system, is revolutionising selective fishing and catch welfare.They are joined by Professor Paul Fernandes from Heriot-Watt University and Dr Shale Pettit Rosen from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, who explain how Smartrawl’s AI camera system detects, identifies, and sizes fish in real time, allowing non-target species to escape unharmed.This episode covers: 🔹 How Smartrawl works – AI cameras, smart gates, and precision sorting
🔹 The impact on bycatch reduction and fish welfare
🔹 Challenges of implementation and the road to commercialisation
🔹 Could AI-driven trawls become standard in global fisheries?
🔹 With fisheries facing increasing pressure to improve sustainability, Smartrawl could be the breakthrough the industry needs. But will it be widely accepted by fishermen? Tune in to find out!🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more insights into the future of fisheries and sustainable seafood!

In Episode 2 of Catch Welfare - The Podcast, hosts Oliver McBride and Michelle Boonstra dive deep into the welfare of pelagic fish, particularly mackerel and herring, alongside leading experts. Joining them are Lina de Nijs, Fisheries Researcher at the Pelagic Freezer Trawler Association (PFA), Claus Reedtz Sparrevohn, Chief Scientific Advisor for the Danish Pelagic Producers Organization, and Mike Breen from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research. The episode explores recent research on fish welfare, examining how stress during capture impacts fish vitality and quality. From monitoring oxygen levels in nets to assessing fish stress responses, the discussion reveals key insights into improving welfare standards for pelagic species.

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Welcome to Catch Welfare, The Podcast - Episode 01!