CRIMAC Workshop on applying in-trawl and towed camera systems to scientific surveys

Objectives

In-trawl and other towed camera systems are becoming increasingly available and offer less invasive sampling with higher spatial and temporal resolution. Combined with machine learning algorithms for automated image analyses and near real time data processing and transfer, the systems offer great potential as sampling tools in scientific surveys. However, only a few surveys have so far implemented trawl-camera based sampling as a routine praxis. 

The aim of the workshop is to share knowledge on the latest developments and initiatives within the application of cameras to scientific trawl surveys. Topics that will be covered include 1) image data collection, processing and transfer methods, 2) collection of representative physical biological samples (e.g. open/close codend systems) and 3) how to include the data in assessment models. Participants will be invited to contribute to a manuscript that aims to provide recommendations for non-invasive scientific sampling with towed and in-trawl cameras based on the workshop outcomes. 

Approach

The workshop is organized in three parts, and we invite presentations to parts 1–3:

1. Stock assessment surveys: What information is currently required from trawl samples and how can it be replaced by image data?
2. Technology: In-trawl and towed camera systems including methods for data processing and transfer  
3. Examples of planned or implemented use of in-trawl and towed camera systems in scientific surveys 
4. Discuss and draft manuscript (optional) 

Program 

Day 1 (Tuesday 4 March)

11:30–12:00 Lunch
12:00–12:10 Welcome, introductions and plan for the day (Maria Tenningen, IMR)
12:10–12:20 CRIMAC Centre for research-based innovation (www.crimac.no) (Nils Olav Handegard, IMR)
12:20–12:30 IMR plans on using camera systems in research surveys (Geir Huse, IMR)

Part 1

12:30–14:00 Stock assessment surveys: What information is currently required from trawl samples and how can it be replaced by image data?

12:30–12:45 Criteria for Including In-Trawl Camera Surveys in Fishery Stock Assessments (Steven Cadrin, UMass)
12:45–13:00 Image-based surveys for stock assessment: current status and challenges (Fabian Zimmermann, IMR)
13:00–13:15 Acoustic and swept area trawl surveys for pelagic species (Hector Peña, IMR)
13:15–13:45 Discussion: How can image data meet the criteria for application in stock assessment surveys? What data can be replaced by trawl and towed camera and how? 

Coffee break ~13:45–14:00

Part 2

14:00–18:00 Technology: In-trawl and towed camera systems including methods for data processing and transfer

14:00–14:15 Smart trawl (Paul Fernandes, Heriot-Watt University)
14:15–14:30 Toward Fully Automated Intelligent Fishing: From Game of Trawls to Horizon Europe Marine Beacon (Julien Simon, Ifremer)
14:30–14:45 NepCon: Real-time camera observation in the trawl fisheries (Ludvig Kraag, DTU Aqua)
14:45–15:00 ActSel active-selection bycatch reduction device. Triggering and feedback methods, potential application for collecting biological samples and handling aspects (Craig Rose, Fishnext Research)
15:00–15:15 FX system: a cable-based platform that integrates sonars, cameras, lamps, and various other instruments with the trawl, enabling real-time monitoring. (Jason Holgerson, KD Canada)
15:15–15:30 CamSounder (Hege Hammersland, Scantrol Deep Vision)
15:30–16:00 Discussion: State of the art technology, how well does it meet the needs for data collection on scientific surveys and what is missing?

Coffee break ~16:00–16:15

Part 3

16:15–17:30 Examples of planned or implemented use of in-trawl and towed camera systems in scientific surveys
16:15–16:30 Plankton cameras (Jules Jaffe, UCSD)
16:30–16:45 Improving the SMAST Video Trawl Survey (Nicholas Calabrese, UMASS)
16:45–17:00 A new pelagic and benthopelagic towed camera and environmental sensing array. (Astrid Leitner, Oregon State University)
17:00–17:15 How can images help inform or improve survey trawl catch inference (Kresimir Williams, NOAA)
17:15–17:30 Discussion: Examples of planned or implemented use of in-trawl and towed camera systems in scientific surveys

19:00 Dinner (in the same location as the workshop)

Day 2 (Wednesday 5 March)

08:30–09:00 Doors open and morning coffee

Part 3 cont.

09:00–11:30  Examples of planned or implemented use of in-trawl and towed camera systems in scientific surveys

09:00–09:15 towed video for stock surveys in the Scottish trial electro fishery for razor clams (Clive Fox, SAMS)
09:15–09:30 towed divers and towed cameras to allocate acoustic echoes (Anne Mouget, MNHN)
09:30–09:45 Swedish ideas, and attempts in the Baltic Sea, with CamSounder (Hans Nilsson, SLU)
09:45–10:00 Deep Vision in tropical waters- experiences, bottlenecks and future usage (Kathrine Michalsen, IMR)

Coffee break ~10:00–10:15 

10:15–10:30 In-trawl cameras to sample mesopelagic organisms (with machine learning) (Taraneh Westergerling, IMR)
10:30–10:45 Obtaining clear images from demersal survey trawls (Georgina Vickery, IMR)
10:45–11:00 Discussion: Examples of planned or implemented use of in-trawl and towed camera systems in scientific surveys

Part 4 

11:00–11:30 Summary discussion, draft manuscript and meeting closure
11:30 End of formal meeting

11:30–12:00 Lunch

12:00–14:00 Time for manuscript drafting, spin-off meetings and discussions if needed

Program CRIMAC 4-5 March 25.pdf

Registration

• For contributing presentations to the WK: Register by 24 February or until spaces are filled
• For in person attendance: Registration by 24 February or until spaces are filled 
• For online attendance: Registration by 28 February

• Link for registration

Questions – send an e-mail to arrangementshjelpen@hi.no