Sea Delight Leads Research and Development of New Fishing Light System
Jan. 18, 2023
Since September 2022, Sea Delight has partnered with a European inventor and fishing technology engineer to evaluate novel fish-attracting light technology in the Vietnam Handline Tuna and Swordfish Fishery.
This innovative technology enables fishermen to adjust both the location and intensity of the fish-attracting lights. We anticipate that this advancement will not only enhance the capture of target species but also yield significant ecosystem benefits. Traditional fishing lights consume substantial electricity and rely on the vessel's fuel-powered electrical system. In contrast, the new lights consume considerably less electricity, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of any vessel equipped with them.
Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that the new lighting system will attract fewer unwanted bycatch species due to fishermen's ability to regulate the depth penetration and intensity of the attractant lighting in the water.
One Handline vessel committed to participating in trial tests, with the inaugural fishing trip was scheduled for November 2022. Please refer to the accompanying photos below:
Light being tested for squid and scad mackerel
Squid in small purse seine net
Planning meeting with Sea Delight, VINATUNA, handline vessel captains and the technology inventor
Light onboard fishing vessel, Nha Trang
Update Jan. 18, 2023
The trial fishing expedition has wrapped up, yielding a commendable catch of 27 yellowfin tuna despite the timing and weather challenges. The captain praised the user-friendliness of the lighting system, even in adverse conditions, yet emphasized the necessity for a more powerful light.
In February, the technician will return to Vietnam to evaluate the light's performance with this vessel's captain. Following this, we will organize trials in Binh Dinh province involving other COPPA captains. The aim is to conduct brief sea trials alongside the technician to fine-tune the operation of the fish-attracting light system.
Update March 25, 2023
In early April, Sea Delight and the inventor will journey to Tam Quan Bac, Binh Dinh, Vietnam, the largest landing port for handline-caught tuna and swordfish. There, we will facilitate trials for fishermen to assess the effectiveness of the light once more, alongside a new locally-designed solar-powered LED fish-attracting light. Additionally, we will conduct tests on the underwater light. These trials aim to recommend a more efficient light, projected to slash fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50% per vessel trip. Furthermore, the deployment of the underwater light is anticipated to aid in managing interactions with unwanted bycatch species.
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