DigiFish aims to promote the use of digital technologies and innovative data analytical methods to support the application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) in Barbados. Phase 1 of DigiFish is being implemented by Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO) and Blue Shell Productions in collaboration with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust and Pelagic Data Systems (PDS). This initiative piloted the installation of 38 PDS vessel tracking devices on small-scale vessels in Barbados to illustrate how fishing effort changes through space and time.
The pilot demonstrates how vessel tracking systems can be used to make informed decisions about how fisheries can be best managed to balance diverse societal and environmental objectives while improving livelihoods. It also aims to foster productive partnerships between industry stakeholders, the Coastal Zone Management Unit and Barbados Coast Guard in applying integrated data solutions to support fisheries management and marine spatial planning. This pilot is now being replicated in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Phase 2 of DigiFish aims to address the fragmentation of seafood value chains and promote traceability by transforming landing sites into intelligent spaces. The project seeks to pilot the installation of 40 Remora Vessel Monitoring Devices aboard longline vessels and station two Smart Scales in the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex. The data intelligence and visualization platform will compile the data collected to determine catch location, calculate fishing effort, analyze landings and begin the traceability certification process.
This same data is also relevant towards achieving eco-labels related to the premium growing market of responsibly-caught fish. This phase is being implemented by Blue Shell Productions in collaboration with Remora Fishing Traceability and Mr. Fish Inc. Funding is provided by Export Barbados and Compete Caribbean Partnership facility.
Shellcatch: Advancing Electronic Monitoring in Barbados
As part of Phase 2 of DigiFish, Shellcatch’s Electronic Monitoring (EM) system is being deployed to enhance fisheries data collection, compliance, and traceability. Shellcatch’s AI-powered onboard cameras provide a real-time, automated monitoring solution that strengthens sustainable fisheries management.
Key benefits of the Shellcatch EM system include:
✅ AI-Powered Video Monitoring: Captures high-definition footage of fishing activities to ensure compliance with regulations.
✅ Automated Catch Verification: Uses AI to detect fishing events, identify species, and verify catch details.
✅ Seamless Digital Integration: Connects with existing vessel monitoring and traceability solutions to create a comprehensive fisheries data platform.
✅ Smart Compliance & Reporting: Enables real-time monitoring for fisheries managers, improving transparency and decision-making.
By integrating Shellcatch’s cutting-edge EM technology, DigiFish is setting a new standard for fisheries monitoring and traceability in the Caribbean.
Training session at the Barbados Fisheries Division led Alfredo Sfeir