The Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation (DPPO) has introduced a new surveillance tool, 'Fully Documented Fishing,' on all member vessels.

As a result, over 50% of all Danish catches are now monitored using closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor technology. 

The system is owned and operated by the DPPO and supported by certified third-party Integrated Monitoring. It aims to ensure transparency in the industry and generate data for marine research and better management.

With the Fully Documented Fishing tool, all fishing-related activities on board are documented using a combination of sensors, AI and CCTV cameras placed on the vessel. The system's sensors and data infrastructure allow for the provision of data and information for use in science, management and traceability. All data is directly available for control authorities and scientific institutions.

At the same time, this new data enables the vessels to document that all relevant fishing regulations are being adhered to on board.

"It is extremely important for us to contribute to transparency in the fishing sector, so that both authorities and consumers can have full confidence in our work at sea and the sustainable seafood we harvest. Therefore, I am pleased that we can now set the standard for high-resolution data for both ocean research and better management of our marine resources," said Jens Schneider Rasmussen, chairman of the DPPO. 

The launch was part of the 19 expert recommendations on the future of fishing that the independent Fisheries Commission published in December 2023 on assignment from the Danish Parliament. The project is co-financed by the EU.