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AI-Powered Fish Population Monitoring Challenge

Posted on Tags: challenges, defra, AI, satellite, marine, conservation, fisheries

Challenge Published

DEFRA Marine Conservation Challenge

Industry solutions needed for AI-powered fish population monitoring using satellite imagery and multi-source data integration.

Challenge Overview

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) faces critical challenges in monitoring fish populations across UK waters to support sustainable fisheries management, enforce fishing quotas, and protect marine ecosystems. Current monitoring methods are costly, time-intensive, and provide limited real-time insights.

We seek innovative AI-powered solutions that can integrate satellite imagery, sonar data, environmental sensors, and fishing vessel tracking to provide comprehensive, real-time fish population assessments at scale.

Problem Statement

Current Challenges

  • Manual Survey Limitations: Traditional fish stock assessments rely on periodic research vessel surveys covering limited areas
  • Data Fragmentation: Multiple data sources (satellite, sonar, environmental, vessel tracking) exist in isolation
  • Real-time Gaps: Significant delays between data collection and actionable insights for fisheries management
  • Scale Constraints: Inability to monitor vast ocean areas continuously with current methods
  • Compliance Monitoring: Difficulty detecting illegal fishing activities and quota violations in real-time

Operational Impact

  • Inaccurate fish stock assessments leading to unsustainable fishing quotas
  • £45M annual losses from fish stock depletion and ecosystem damage
  • Limited enforcement capabilities for marine protected areas
  • Delayed response to environmental changes affecting fish populations
  • Increased risk of overfishing and species extinction

Technical Requirements

Core Capabilities Needed

  1. Satellite Image Analysis

    • Real-time processing of optical and radar satellite imagery
    • Detection of fish shoals, feeding patterns, and migration routes
    • Integration with ocean temperature, chlorophyll, and current data

  2. AI/ML Integration

    • Machine learning models for fish species identification and counting
    • Predictive analytics for population trends and migration patterns
    • Computer vision for automated analysis of underwater footage

  3. Multi-Source Data Fusion

    • Integration of satellite imagery, sonar data, environmental sensors
    • Fishing vessel AIS tracking and catch reporting systems
    • Weather, temperature, and oceanographic data correlation

  4. Real-time Processing

    • Near real-time analysis and alert generation
    • Dashboard interfaces for marine biologists and enforcement teams
    • Automated reporting for quota management and conservation decisions

Performance Standards

  • Coverage: Monitor 200,000+ km² of UK territorial waters
  • Accuracy: 85%+ accuracy in fish population estimates
  • Latency: Real-time alerts within 30 minutes of detection
  • Integration: Connect with existing DEFRA systems and databases
  • Scalability: Handle petabytes of satellite and sensor data annually

Success Metrics

Primary Outcomes

  • 50%+ improvement in fish stock assessment accuracy
  • 75% reduction in monitoring costs compared to vessel-based surveys
  • Real-time detection of illegal fishing activities and quota violations
  • £60M+ annual savings from improved fisheries management
  • Enhanced conservation of marine protected areas and endangered species

Performance Indicators

  • Number of fish populations accurately tracked and monitored
  • Reduction in time between data collection and management decisions
  • Improvement in fishing quota accuracy and sustainability metrics
  • Increase in successful prosecution of illegal fishing activities
  • Enhancement of marine ecosystem health indicators

Evaluation Criteria

Technical Assessment (40%)

  • AI model accuracy and reliability in diverse marine conditions
  • Scalability and performance of data processing systems
  • Integration capabilities with existing DEFRA infrastructure
  • Innovation in satellite imagery analysis and computer vision

Operational Viability (35%)

  • Cost-effectiveness compared to current monitoring methods
  • User experience for marine biologists and enforcement officers
  • Deployment timeline and implementation complexity
  • Training requirements and change management considerations

Impact Potential (25%)

  • Demonstrable improvement in fisheries management outcomes
  • Contribution to marine conservation and ecosystem protection
  • Economic benefits for fishing industry and coastal communities
  • Alignment with UK government sustainability goals

Available Data Sources

DEFRA Datasets

  • Historical fish stock assessment data (20+ years)
  • Fishing vessel licensing and catch reporting records
  • Marine protected area boundaries and regulations
  • Environmental monitoring data from coastal stations

External Data Access

  • Copernicus Sentinel satellite imagery (ESA)
  • MetOffice marine weather and oceanographic data
  • Crown Estate seabed mapping and habitat information
  • International fish migration and spawning data

Real-time Feeds

  • Fishing vessel AIS tracking data
  • Environmental sensor networks (temperature, salinity, pH)
  • Weather and ocean current forecasting systems
  • Marine traffic and shipping route information

Engagement Opportunities

Industry Collaboration

  • Initial Briefing: February 2025 technical workshop for potential solution providers
  • Pilot Phase: 6-month proof-of-concept with selected partners
  • Data Access: Secure API access to DEFRA marine datasets for development
  • Expert Advisory: Marine biologists and fisheries experts available for consultation

Development Support

  • Access to DEFRA marine research facilities and test vessels
  • Collaboration with UK Space Agency for satellite data access
  • Partnership opportunities with marine conservation organizations
  • Integration support with existing fisheries management systems

This challenge complements ongoing DEFRA programs including:

Next Steps

Interested in addressing this challenge?

  1. Register Interest: Email marine.innovation@defra.gov.uk with your initial approach
  2. Technical Workshop: Attend February 2025 briefing session (details to follow)
  3. Proposal Submission: Submit detailed technical and commercial proposals by March 2025
  4. Pilot Selection: Selected partners will participate in 6-month proof-of-concept

Challenge Details

Challenge Information

Department
DEFRA
Complexity
High
Estimated Impact
£200M+
Deadline
March 2025
Challenge ID
DEFRA-FPM-2024-001

Key Technologies

  • Artificial Intelligence

    • Computer vision
    • Machine learning
    • Predictive analytics

  • Satellite Technology

    • Optical imagery analysis
    • Radar data processing
    • Real-time monitoring

  • Data Integration

    • Multi-source fusion
    • Environmental sensors
    • Vessel tracking systems

Contact Information

Primary Contact:
Marine Innovation Team
DEFRA Digital Services
marine.innovation@defra.gov.uk

Technical Queries:
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Chief Marine Data Scientist
sarah.mitchell@defra.gov.uk

This challenge supports DEFRA’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation through innovative technology solutions. Solutions should demonstrate clear environmental benefits alongside operational improvements.