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EMREP
The Development of Integrated Electronic Monitoring and Reporting (iEMR) Technology for Fisheries in Portugal (EMREP).
Improving overall fishing data collection and reporting capabilities (compliance, scientific and management) and reducing bycatch, using deep-sea elasmobranchs as a case study.
Project Background PDF Report: DOWNLOAD
Most of the world’s commercial fish stocks are heavily depleted and an estimated 70% of fish populations are biologically vulnerable and depleted to well below their Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) due to sustained over fishing.
FUNDED BY
Through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are partners in the internal market with the Member States of the European Union. As a way of promoting a continuous and balanced strengthening of economic relations and trade, the parties to the EEA Agreement have established a multiannual Financial Mechanism, known as EEA Grants.
EEA Grants aim to reduce social and economic disparities in Europe and strengthen bilateral relations between these three countries and beneficiary countries. For the period 2014-2021, a total contribution of €2.8 billion has been agreed for 15 beneficiary countries. Portugal will benefit from an amount of 102.7 million euros.
Learn more at eeagrants.gov.pt/pt
PROGRAM OPERATOR
The EMREP project is promoted by the Blue Growth program.
The Blue Growth Programme’s main objective is to increase value creation and sustainable growth in the Portuguese blue economy. In addition, the intention is to increase research and promote education and training in marine and maritime areas.
PROMOTOR
OLSPS International is the Global distributor of the Olrac Electronic Logbook Solutions, Fisheries Management Solutions, Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning Solutions, Data Analysis Training. OLSPS International actively markets and sells Software and Solutions in Europe, North, Central and South America, Australia and Asia.
PARTNERS
Sofia Graça Aranha, currently a PhD student from the University of Algarve, is undertaking valuable research for the EMREP project.
Imenco, based in Norway, has developed a vast product range and smart solutions for the oceanic industry.
This project had the support of The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)
OUR PROJECT
The aim of the EMREP project is to deploy the Integrated Electronic Monitoring and Reporting (iEMR) solution, specifically modified to fit the Portuguese commercial fishing fleet with the objectives of improving overall fishing data collection and reporting capabilities (compliance, scientific and management) in Portugal and reducing bycatch, using deep-sea elasmobranchs as a case study.
Objective 1
Create an innovative and complete technological system which is convenient to both researchers and fishers, allowing them to quickly and accurately enter environmental and fisheries related information in the Olrac system.
Objective 2
Transmit environmental and fisheries related information to their respective research institutions or other potential stakeholders such as fisheries, management authorities or policy advisors.
Objective 3
Provide an additional means of verification of fishing activities happening on board deep-sea crustacean bottom-trawlers by integrating Electronic monitoring (using photos, video, etc.) of discards, bycatch and other fishing activities will be integrated with the Olrac system.
Objective 4
Customize the existing proprietary technology – which is currently at TRL9 – and developing it for the specific use of Portuguese research institutions and fisheries sector.
The Integrated OLRAC System
Funded by the EEA grants, the EMREP project aim is to improve fishing practices by equipping the Portuguese commercial fishing fleet with a real time, modern and effective, integrated electronic, monitoring and reporting system (iEMR). The final iEMR solution will allow resource managers to significantly improve the management of the Portuguese fish stocks and fishers to improve their fishing performance while at the same time ensuring resource conservation and the reduction of, unwanted and vulnerable, by-catch species.
PROJECT TEAM
Project funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, through the EEA Grants