Seafood sector set to be transformed by satellites

THE Scottish seafood sector is set to be transformed by satellites providing more bespoke fishing information – cast from space.

Edinburgh company Space Intelligence, which turns satellite data into useful information for governments, companies and non-governmental organisations worldwide, has been asked to turn its attention to the Scottish fishing fleet.

According to Fisheries Innovation Scotland (FIS), the “groundbreaking collaboration between space and sea” is the first time a satellite technology company has been invited to support the Scottish fishing industry in this way.

FIS, which brings together seafood experts, scientists and the Scottish Government to champion practical innovation in fishing, have recently commissioned a number of innovative projects – from the digitalisation of vessels, to quantifying the fleet’s carbon footprint – to bolster the sustainability and prosperity of the sector.

This latest project will see Space Intelligence conduct a pioneering review of the role that satellite technology could play in supporting Scottish fisheries.

Space Intelligence are specialists in Earth observation and transforming satellite data into “actionable information”, with a focus on supporting nature-based solutions to climate change – for example, by providing maps of changing carbon sinks and restoration opportunities.

Pitlochry-based FIS said the unlikely partnership highlighted the “innovative, forward-thinking nature of a traditional sector often condemned as old-fashioned”.

With Scotland a global leader in seafood production, as well as a rising star in space exploration and satellite technology, the country is wellpositioned to foster novel collaborations between the two, the public-private partnership added.

“This project is the first of its kind,” FIS executive director Kara Brydson said, adding: “We’re excited to learn from Scotland’s satellite data analysts to support our future fisheries.”

Space Intelligence co-founder and chief executive Murray Collins said there were numerous ways in which satellites could drive transformational change – from cutting-edge “agile space”, where satellites are launched to perform bespoke research for specific challenges, to tracking vessels and mapping.