A deep look to the SYMBIOSIS Project

25 September 2018

Researchers from the University of Haifa and two teams from the IMDEA Networks Institute have developed a new autonomous system to monitor schools of fish in real-time using acoustic and optical technologies.

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The SYMBIOSIS system’s real-time monitoring capability will allow a more evidence-based approach to fishing policy development and enhance our ability as humans to protect the marine environment, as its optical/acoustic approach helps to prevent false alarms. Current fish monitoring methods include deploying research boats with crews within limited areas. SYMBIOSIS is designed to cover far more area without the need for a human crew —the chief expense during the assessment of marine stocks— and it also aims to enhance today’s detection capabilities.

For the researchers, led at IMDEA Networks by Dr. Paolo Casari, the SYMBIOSIS system is merely a prototype, a starting point. From that point, they  hope to extend the capabilities of autonomous underwater monitoring technologies in multiple ways, including further reduction of energy consumption; miniaturization of the system; and modification of the mooring platform aboard different vessels to promote a more mobile use of the system.

An article published by the Environmental Monitor provides an in-depth look at SYMBIOSIS. You can read the full article here.

Photo caption: The team prepares to deploy SYMBIOSIS during a recent research test run.
(Credit: © IMDEA Networks Institute | SYMBIOSIS Project)