use of ”rem” and ”cctv” technologies in denmark ”trial in 2015”

Use of ”REM” and ”CCTV” Technologiesin Denmark ”Trial in 2015”

Danish Agrifish Agency

By Søren Palle Jensen and Heidrikur BergssonDanish Agrifish Agency

• Since 2008 DTU Aqua and the Danish AgriFish Agency have conducted catch quota trials using REM and CCTV technology in the demersal fishery.

• Since 2012 it has been mandatory for all Danish mussels dredgers fishing inside Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) to be equipped with ”Blackbox” to document the fishery.

10. marts 2016Danish Agrifish Agency

Remote Electronic Monitoring tools and CCTV to monitor Danish fishery

• REM system data (sensor data and video footage) can be used to verify fisher logbook recordings.

• By using REM systems we can ensure reliable management of the fisheries and provide high quality data for the scientific advisory work.

• In a landing obligation management system (discard ban) REM systems can be used to document if discarding takes place and ensure reliability of the discard ban.

• Several rules can be repealed.− Simplification and return responsibility to the industry – “reverse the burden of proof”.

• A sanction system for not complying with the rules has to be in place.

• The cost for using a REM system is cheap compared to the use of observers on board fishing vessels.


What we have learn from using Remote Electronic Monitoring tools and CCTV in the catch quota trials

• REM system data (sensor data and video footage) are stored on hard drives and have to be changed manually.

• Software updates, troubleshooting and adjustments need to be done on board the vessel.

• Handling and upload of data is time-consuming and demands manpower.

• Handling hard drives can result in loss of data.

• Flexibility with the numbers of cameras.

• Data has to be shared among inspectors with access to the Analyzer.


Challenges observed since the beginning in 2008

• Examine possibilities of transferring video footage via the 3G and 4G networks.

• Examine possibilities for installation and operating a Wi-Fi- access point in a chosen harbour.

• Changing technical setup – new “REM” and “CCTV” systems on all participating vessels.

• Develop data systems to receive video footage electronically.

• Developing the “Blackbox” analyzer in order to analyze video footage.

• Access for all authorized inspectors to the received data.

• Develop the use of “REM” and “CCTV” system to document compliance for fisheries under the landing obligation.


Another focus -aim for trial in 2015

Technical setup ”Blackbox” VX


10. marts 2016

Data is collected and stored on the “Blackbox” onboard the fishing vessel. The box can contain a data history/data backup of minimum 6 months

Sensor data is sent via the GSM network. Video footage is sent via 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi network to a server at the Danish Agrifish Agency

Another way of handling data -Work flow from vessels to the Danish Agrifish Agency

Data is analyzed using the “BlackBox” Analyzer application. The application connects directly to the dedicated server. All authorized inspectors can use the application



“Blackbox” analyzer - viewing mode


“Blackbox” analyzer - Live view mode


Feedback to the skippers - Developing reports

September 2015

October 2015

November 2015

December 2015

January 2016

Fishing Grounds for HM635 ”Karbark”September 2015 - January 2016

What have we achieved in 2015

• All 13 vessels where equipped with the “Blackbox” VX CCTV system. Price ex. Installation = 6,600 Euro. Yearly fee for software updates = 200 Euro.

• 15 percent of all hauls have been analyzed (Target 10 percent).

• The time spent for analyzing a haul have decreased from 34 min. to 17. min.

• Access for all authorized inspectors to the received data.

• We developed the Blackbox analyzer in order to analyze video footage effectively.

• The Budget costs for the trial in 2015 = 375,000 Euro.


• Sensor data and videos are all transferred electronically by 3G or 4G.

• Received data are from the last trip = new data.

• We had an available access point in a chosen harbour - but it did not work well.

• An automated report to the skipper was developed.

10. marts 2016

Thank you for your attention


The project have been carried with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark and

the European Fisheries FundThanks to all involved colleagues and participating skippers

and crews on the trial vessels

use of ”rem” and ”cctv” technologies in denmark ”trial in 2015”

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