Optimising Tuna Fishing Operations with AI and Digital Technologies: The TunaTech Solution
Objective
The global tuna fishing sector faces major challenges: rising fuel costs, inefficient fishing trips, accidental capture of non-target species (bycatch), and increasing pressure for sustainable, traceable practices. These issues affect profitability, compliance with regulations, and access to environmentally conscious markets.
Solution
TunaTech by ZUNIBAL is a smart digital system designed to help tuna fishers increase efficiency, reduce costs, and fish more sustainably. It uses AI, satellite data, real-time environmental monitoring, and blockchain technology to support better decision-making at sea and throughout the supply chain.
The system includes:
- AI-powered fishing zone prediction: Identifies where tuna schools are likely to be, including estimated size and species.
- Real-time route optimization: Combines buoy, ocean, and vessel data to cut down on fuel use and travel time.
- Digital traceability: Uses blockchain to track every catch from sea to store, ensuring full transparency.
- Decision Support System (DSS): Provides captains and crews with easy-to-use tools for planning sustainable and profitable trips.
Benefits
- Fuel savings and fewer unnecessary trips thanks to better fishing zone forecasts.
- Lower bycatch rates, protecting marine life and ensuring compliance with conservation rules.
- Traceable, responsible fishing that boosts consumer trust and meets strict export standards.
- Real-time insights allow faster, data-backed decisions at sea.
Practical Recommendations
- Equip vessels with TunaTech-compatible devices to access predictive tools and real-time data.
- Train crews to interpret the system’s recommendations for optimal results.
- Collaborate with buyers and supply chain partners to maximize traceability benefits and market access.
TunaTech turns complex data into clear actions, helping fishers fish smarter—not harder—while protecting ocean resources and opening doors to premium, sustainability-driven markets.
Additional information
Author: Iratxe Arraibi
Affiliation: Zunibal, S.L.
Transparency solutions for transforming the food system
Ongoing | 2022-2026
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, Finland, Poland, United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia