Acoustic detection and identification of pelagic shrimp – Toward a more sustainable shrimp fishery

Project summary

This project develops advanced acoustic technology to distinguish shrimp from fish in pelagic trawling, aiming to reduce bycatch and strengthen the sustainability of Norwegian shrimp fisheries.

Background

Pelagic shrimp fisheries currently struggle with unintended bycatch of protected and unwanted fish species. Existing trawl equipment cannot reliably differentiate between shrimp and fish before the gear is hauled, which leads to unnecessary bycatch, discards, and challenges for sustainable management and certification.

Solution

In collaboration with the Institute of Marine Research and leading shrimp fishing operators, Waive is developing sonar-based acoustic technology that:

• Identifies shrimp versus fish with high accuracy before the trawl is hauled
• Enables more selective and precise trawling decisions in real time
• Reduces bycatch and discards of unwanted and protected species
• Supports Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and more sustainable shrimp fisheries

Method

The project integrates:

• Waive’s expertise in sonar and acoustic signal processing

Pelagic shrimp trawling with 3D sonar

Waive is leading a pioneering research project to investigate whether high‑resolution 3D multibeam sonar can detect, identify and quantify deep‑water shrimp (Pandalus borealis) in the water column. If successful, this will enable pelagic trawling as a more sustainable alternative to traditional bottom trawling.

The project is funded by FHF with a total budget of NOK 9,974,000, of which NOK 4,990,000 is FHF funding and the remainder is self‑financed by the partners. It is carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Research, Egersund Trål AS and Dyrøyne AS.

Why this project?

Deep‑water shrimp is the most important shellfish resource in the North Atlantic, but is currently harvested exclusively with bottom trawls. This method:

• leaves a physical footprint on the seabed
• causes high bycatch
• leads to significant CO₂ emissions

In Skagerrak and the Norwegian Trench, shrimp have had poor recruitment since 2008, resulting in lower quotas and reduced profitability. Pelagic trawling — where the trawl is lifted off the seabed — can:

• eliminate bottom contact
• reduce bycatch
• cut wear on gear and marine littering

To make pelagic trawling possible, fishers must be able to locate shrimp in the water column. Waive’s 3D sonar technology is being tested to provide that capability.

What is being investigated?

The project combines acoustic modelling, controlled experiments and full‑scale field trials to answer a central question:

Can shrimp be detected, identified and quantified acoustically in the water column?

Phase 1 — Controlled experiments with 3D multibeam sonar

Lead: Berit Lunde Heltne, Waive AS

Under controlled conditions, the project tests and validates detection of shrimp with high‑resolution 3D sonar. It examines how: