The current infrastructure is well used by local ferries and larger vessels to collect and disembark up to 200 passengers. Our funding allows for additional berth space at BLS for local businesses to offer trips from the heart of Plymouth. In periods of bad weather, it will also act as a safe haven for commercial fishers who, while they can’t land catches on the BLS, can use it for safe mooring.
Benefits we expect to see from this investment:
The ribbon-cutting event, held on 20 February 2024, was well attended with MMO represented by Plymouth-based Marine Environment Officer, Sara Wordley.
Paul Errington, MMO’s Acting Director of Finance and Resources said:
We’re delighted to support Cattewater Harbour Commissioners in their vision to further develop the BLS. FaSS is well known for its support of commercial fishing, and this project is a good example of how the scheme can also support recreational fishers. These new pontoons will create opportunities for the businesses that rely on the BLS, those they employ and the many visitors they welcome each year. The safe haven this facility provides in bad weather is an added benefit for the entire local fishing community.
“We wish CHC every success with this endeavour, especially as they prepare to celebrate their 150th anniversary, and we look forward to seeing the realised impacts of this development.”
The Mayflower Pontoons, three new pontoons connected to the BLS provides over 60 meters of additional mooring space. Equipped with shore power and mains water they will provide a dedicated area for pick up and drop off for charter vessels, and other small vessel passengers with prior arrangement via CHC.
CEO and Harbour Master, Capt. Richard Allan said:
It is fantastic to see this aspiration of facilities for licensed charter vessels and recreational anglers at the BLS delivered for them. We are grateful to Marine Management Organisation for support with our bid to the Fisheries and Seafood Support fund (FaSS), without these funds, this project and expansion could not have gone ahead at this time”.
Several charter vessels took part in a pilot in 2023 using the existing BLS during with strict vessel traffic management in place to coordinate with existing stakeholders to include local ferries and boat tours. This new facility builds on the success of the pilot, anyone wishing to operate out of the new facility for the 2024 season can contact the Harbour at info@plymouthport.org.uk
Local charter skipper, Dave Uren said:
We are delighted that these new pontoons will provide a permanent facility for us to use for our charter passengers making fishing trips available from the heart of the historic Barbican for tourists and locals alike. We are also involved in science data and gathering, and it is fantastic that we can now load equipment and board our scientists from this facility too. Sustainability is at the core of our operations, and it is great to be part of the work in this field to help better inform fisheries science”.
Cllr Tudor Evans OBE, Leader Plymouth City Council said:
Britain’s Oceans City is not just a brand but a way of life for many and our waterscape is at the core of our city’s identity. This new facility will help create memories of family holidays to the coast, the whopper that was caught, and the one that got away, from all day angling trips to a couple hours chasing mackerel, it is a fantastic addition to our tourist draw. It is great to see our local charter boats getting involved with the scientific community and using their vessels and trips to collect vital fisheries data that helps underpin sustainable practices and feeds in to the national collection of data to improve our understanding of stock health".
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At the beginning of 2023 a group of 50 small scale inshore fisherman from across the four ports of Lyme Bay, Axmouth, Beer, Lyme Regis and West Bay. With support of government funding via the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) and the BLUE Marine Foundation, they came together to set up the UKs first fisherman led, grass roots community interest company (CIC) – Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC.
Over the last 12 months, they have created a seafood trail, schools outreach program, fishy scavenger hunts involving businesses and shops across the four ports and engaged with regulators.
Now, these trailblazing fishermen are looking to help others around the coast to set up and fund their own CIC and have their voices heard too.
This short film, which premiered at Seaton Theatre on 8 February 2024, tells of their journey to form a representative group to engage with their local community, government regulators and ensure their voices are heard.
The film follows scallop divers, potters, trawlermen, netters and rod and line fishermen through their daily routines discussing their hopes and fears for the future of these iconic coastal fleets some of whom can trace their family fishing histories back to the 1600s.
Most of the membership have small vessels under 8 metres and represent traditional fishing methods and a diminishing coastal fleet around UK coasts of small-scale fishermen after a challenging decade.
It is hoped that the film will help highlight the fragility of these fleets around the UK coasts and get other fishermen in small coastal towns come together to create organisations of their own. Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC is now fundraising to create a how-to guide for other small-scale fleets to follow.
CEO of Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC, Mandy Wolfe, said:
“We are so grateful to MMO and BLUE for their support in getting our CIC up and running and getting this film made.
“No one has done this before and the MMO grants team have been fantastic throughout our evolution to help make sure we get the support that was needed to turn the aspiration into a reality.
“For years fishers and regulators have been complaining that small scale coastal fleets are just not in the room when policy is developed, and fishing more broadly is considered.
“This CIC changes that and we are already seeing our ports becoming a well-trodden path when regulators are visiting the coast and holding meetings as well as amazing community engagement and schools outreach projects.
“Since we launched, we have been contacted by so many fishermen around the coast that we are looking to fund raise and create a how-to guide to help them follow our path, written by fishermen, for fishermen”.
Paul Errington, MMO’s Head of Finance said:
“The Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC project is great example of how we’ve been able to support groups of fishers to co-ordinate their efforts, share best practice and ensure they maximise opportunities through funding, research and networking. They have already undertaken several initiatives since receiving their FaSS grant award just over a year ago.
“This short film highlights how working cooperatively helps shine a light on the experiences, heritage, and voices of the fishing community. We continue to wish them every success with their ambitions.”
FaSS, which is due to re-open later this month, helps projects with real potential to boost business resilience and increase sustainability across our world-class fishing industry. Since opening in 2021, £27 million invested in over 1,300 projects supporting England’s catching, aquaculture, and processing sectors, as well as projects that are improving the marine environment.
Mark Newton, Chair of Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC, said:
“It has been an amazing first inaugural year for our CIC, I am so proud of our membership that has seen fishermen from four ports come together for the greater good. The film offers a snapshot of their lives and aspirations, and we hope that it will help raise awareness of coastal communities and the important role these traditional fleets play in them.”
Josh McCarty Director and Executive Producer of The Last Custodians said:
“It has been an honour to work with LBFCIC on this project and to get to learn more about these brave fishermen and their lives during our filming. What was most striking is that even after a tough couple of decades for this sector the passion for their craft, their desire to help and find the custodians of the future runs deep.”
Sam Fanshaw Senior UK Projects Manager for Blue Marine said:
“Blue Marine has worked for over a decade with the Lyme Bay fishing community to support low impact fisheries and marine life recovery within the MPA. We are so pleased to have supported the local fishermen on their journey to create a CIC that champions marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices and congratulate them for their success in engaging such a broad audience from school children to government ministers”.
More information into how the CIC was established can be found here:
https://lbfcic.com/new-lyme-bay-fishermans-cic-a-community-focus-others-could-follow
]]>Have you ever been asked to name a UK seabird on the spot? Seagulls probably come to mind first, right? Or maybe you think about those charismatic puffins or bustling ‘seabird cities’ of guillemots.
We’re actually home to some of the biggest and best seabird colonies in the world, with over one hundred diverse species of marine bird sharing the marine environment around our coast. Twenty-five of these species breed here, with others visiting from further afield to escape winter chill.
They come in all different shapes and sizes, from the northern gannet with wingspans up to 1.8 metres, to the tiny storm petrel, weighing around the same as a pencil! Each one has unique and distinct characteristics, such as the bright red feet of the black guillemot, or the foul-smelling oil fulmars spit to protect their nests from intruders.
We’d also like to point out that ‘seagull’ is not an actual species, there are in fact many different types of gull.
The little gull for instance is a distinct species and is protected by the offshore marine protected area (MPA) network in England.
The importance of seabird protection
Many of our local and migrant seabird populations are of huge international importance. They are an essential part of the marine ecosystem, and our coastline plays a crucial role in supporting these populations.
Globally, birds are threatened by a range of factors such as climate change, habitat loss and disturbance as well as avian flu. 24 of the 25 UK breeding seabird species are at risk of local or global extinction, with the number of breeding seabirds falling by almost a quarter in the last 20 years. Their protection is becoming increasingly important in helping to tackle these threats.
Sites designated to protect marine birds
There are three offshore MPAs in England protecting six types of bird as well as other important birds (waterbird assemblage) in some areas. Two of the MPAs can be found off the east coast of England, and the other is located off the coast of north west England.
They include:
Let us introduce you to some of the birds protected by these areas!
Red-throated diver
Terns
Sandwich tern colony, © Natural England/Allan Drewitt 03-Jun-06
Little gull
Common scoter
Take part in our latest call for evidence and help inform marine bird protection
We’re currently asking for your evidence and views on the impacts of fishing on harbour porpoise and marine bird MPAs.
Your views and evidence will shape fisheries management decisions to ensure marine birds are protected. Please ensure you support this work before it closes on 13 February 2024.
]]>Can you believe it’s a brand-new year already?
Only last month we launched our latest call for evidence on the impacts of fishing on five English offshore marine protected areas (MPAs). These are the ones designated to protect certain highly mobile species.
The deadline for you to help support this work is already fast approaching. Whether you’re a fisher, one of our partners, or a member of a scientific or marine conservation body, we need your input.
With January well underway, we are encouraging you to participate in our call for evidence before the 13 February closing date.
MPAs and highly mobile species
England’s MPAs have been established to protect and recover rare, threatened and representative habitats and species from damage caused by human activities.
By managing these areas and protecting their designated features, we aim to ensure healthier marine ecosystems and secure a more sustainable future for coastal communities, the fishing industry and future generations.
Our latest call for evidence is focused on Stage 4 of the MMO’s work to manage fishing in our offshore MPAs. This covers offshore MPAs which have been designated for highly mobile species including harbour porpoise and marine bird species such as red-throated divers, Sandwich terns, common scoter, little gulls, little terns and common terns.
Where are these MPAs?
There are two MPAs to protect harbour porpoise within our area of responsibility:
..and three MPAs to protect marine birds:
These cover an area of roughly 53,000 km2. Approximately 42,000 km2 (an area equivalent to the size of Netherlands!) is offshore of 6 nautical miles (nm) where it is the MMOs lead responsibility for the assessment and management of fishing.
You can see the areas covered in the map below. The Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) assess and manage the impact of fishing on MPAs inside 6 nm.
What we need from you
The purpose of our call for evidence is to seek feedback and additional evidence from all our stakeholders on the impacts of fishing on highly mobile species in MPAs. It’s vitally important that all those who are most affected by, or with the greatest interest in, share their views and contribute to this work. Specifically, we want you to:
This will ensure that we have the best available evidence to inform our site assessments, which will consider impacts of fishing activity and determine if management measures, such as byelaws, are needed in the future.
How to take part
Please visit our online call for evidence, and take the time to consider our introduction and impacts evidence documents, before completing our survey.
We are also here to help. If you need any assistance, further information or want to submit a response direct, please contact us.
Email: conservation@marinemanagement.org.uk
Call: 0300 123 1032
]]>We have launched two short surveys to enable stakeholders with an interest in skates and rays in the English Channel and Southern North Sea or demersal non-quota species in the Southern North Sea to give us their views on the issues facing these species and fisheries, alongside the measures that may help to address these issues.
Before you complete the survey, it would be worthwhile reading our blog below for more information.
Post EU Exit, the Fisheries Act 2020 requires UK fisheries policy authorities to publish Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) to help deliver our ambition for sustainable fisheries.
FMPs are evidence-based action plans, developed in collaboration with the fishing sector and other stakeholders. Their purpose is to deliver sustainable fisheries for current and future generations.
Each FMP will specify the stocks, type of fishing and the geographic area covered, and how the plans will be monitored for their effectiveness. After public consultation, FMPs will be delivered via a range of actions, using existing or new measures, including voluntary codes of conduct.
The Southern North Sea and English Channel Skates and Rays FMP is being drafted by the MMO and covers the English waters within ICES divisions 4b, 4c, 7d and 7e (these areas cover the Southern North Sea and English Channel) including the following species:
The Southern North Sea non-quota demersal FMP is being drafted by the MMO and covers the English waters within ICES divisions 4b and 4c (these areas cover the Southern North Sea) including the following species:
The MMO are using these surveys to gather opinion and work collaboratively with the stakeholders in developing the FMPs.
It is a voluntary survey open to all fisheries stakeholders for input into the development of the FMP.
We are seeking your input on the main issues we have identified for the fishery, and the proposed measures to address them. We’re also asking for your thoughts on areas where we think more evidence is needed to allow us to make better decisions for the sustainable management of the fishery.
This is your opportunity to have a say on the Plans as we are developing them. This survey will close on 9 Jan 2024. It is anticipated that the surveys will take 15-30 minutes to complete.
Data collected from respondents will be used in the development of the FMPs, which will subsequently go to public consultation and published by the end of 2024.
Aggregated responses to this survey will be summarised with the published FMP documents. All data collected will be anonymised.
Please email the FMP team at FMP@marinemanagement.org.uk if you would like any further information on this FMP. General information on all FMPs currently published or in development can be found at Fisheries management plans: policy information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
]]>What is the first animal that springs to mind when you think of a UK marine mammal?
A cousin to dolphins, harbour porpoises might not have been your first answer but there are many reasons to care about these fascinating cetaceans.
Harbour porpoises are one of the smallest cetaceans (a group of mammals which includes whales and dolphins) averaging at around 1.4 to 1.9 metres in length. They are also our most common UK cetacean species.
Usually found in inshore coastal waters as their name suggests, they can be hard to spot because even a slight sea swell can hide them from your view. You might catch a brief glimpse of them moving with a slow forward rolling motion. It’s possible that you might hear them before you see them: in some areas they are known as the Puffing Pig due to the sound they make when breathing out at the surface!
Unobtrusive in nature, they often move away from boats rather than towards them and are not likely to be seen breaching the surface. They are less social than some other cetacean species, more often found alone or in small groups.
As well as being smaller in size than other dolphins you might see in British waters, harbour porpoises are easy to identify because of their small, rounded head and lack of a prominent beak, they also have a distinctively shaped dorsal fin which is small and triangular.
In the UK, harbour porpoise may live to over 20 years old but they have an average life expectancy of around 12 years. They become sexually mature between ages three and five roughly, and females reproduce every one to two years.
Harbour porpoise have a wide diet, feeding mostly on fish, including sandeels, herring and whiting, as well as on squid and crustaceans.
When hunting for food, harbour porpoise use echolocation by making noise and then using the echo to detect and locate their prey. They are voracious hunters and due to the cooler waters they live in and their fast metabolism they may need to eat almost continuously to meet their high energy needs.
You can listen in and hear some clicks they use to find food online.
Potential risks to harbour porpoise
One of the major threats to harbour porpoises is being accidentally caught in fishing nets. If they are caught they often drown as they are unable to surface to breathe.
Due to their smaller size they are vulnerable to predators and have been known to be attacked by bottlenose dolphins (who may see them as a competitor for food) and also grey seals which have been known to attack and feed on harbour porpoises.
They may also be impacted by additional stress from human disturbance such as noise from shipping and other marine development.
Marine and chemical pollution are also a threats that can affect their health, fertility and immune systems.
How you can help inform harbour porpoise protection
We’re currently asking for your evidence and views on the impacts of fishing on harbour porpoise and marine bird marine protected areas (MPAs).
Two MPAs within MMOs area of responsibility protect harbour porpoise:
Your views and evidence will shape fisheries management decisions to ensure harbour porpoises are protected.
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The team granted a marine licence for a project that was the first of its kind, the installation of nesting structures for kittiwakes in Lowestoft. Ørsted is preparing to build its Hornsea Three wind farm off the East Anglia coastline. The applicant undertook geographical surveys ahead of building two artificial nesting structures for vulnerable black-legged kittiwakes.
The innovative design of the structures includes narrow ledges and vertical sides to mimic the cliffs on which the kittiwakes normally nest. The structures will be built 1km from the shoreline and will have about 500 nesting units on each. There are eight sides to give kittiwakes different options in case one side is too sunny or too windy.
Catapult Offshore Renewable Energy RAS test site
An important topic in the offshore wind industry is identifying how operation and maintenance (O&M) of offshore wind farms can be made safer, cheaper, and quicker. One solution to this is using Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) technology to perform different O&M tasks. Currently there is no standard way to test and de-risk these technologies before they are deployed on to an offshore wind farm, which could potentially lead to damage and downtime for the offshore wind turbines if things were to go wrong.
The marine licensing team received an application from Catapult for the installation of boundary markers at a testing site for novel robotic techniques for maintenance activities.
The approval of the licence means there will now be an area for the novel techniques to undergo testing and will further improve the standing of Blyth as a leading renewables development area, potentially helping the local economy in the future.
With the growing offshore wind initiative, techniques like this could become more common, and could allow for the cut down in maintenance time, while also increasing safety of these activities.
Sizewell wave rider buoy
The wave rider buoy is located offshore of the Sizewell A and B power stations and the proposed Sizewell C site. It provides crucial information about the wave dynamics of the site and is an input into modelling of beach geomorphology, sediment transport and coastal erosion. The information gathered has been historically valuable and is essential for monitoring the site going forwards.
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) applied for a marine licence to service the buoy every year and to complete emergency services as required. The yearly service includes travelling in a vessel to the buoy, removing the current buoy and replacing it with a new one.
The marine licensing team worked with Natural England and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency to ensure there were no environmental or navigational issues caused by the works.
Burials at sea DNA extracts
MMO recently announced changes to the licensing conditions for human burials at sea for the sea burial site at The Needles off the Isle of Wight. From October 2023, those who wish a sea burial will have DNA extracted from the body prior to them being laid to rest in this designated site.
This follows a number of cases over many years where body parts have been washed ashore on the Island. In future, if body parts are found, they will be matched and identified, saving the Coroner and the Police from having to obtain DNA from families of recent sea burials to identify the body and potentially mounting a suspicious death inquiry.
The marine licensing team worked closely with the National Crime Agency and UK Missing Persons Unit, among others, to bring in the changes and amend all relevant guidance.
Great Yarmouth third river crossing
MMO worked closely with the applicant (Norfolk County Council) when they applied for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for a proposed development for a third crossing over the River Yare. As an interested party, MMO submitted relevant representations to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) during the examination phase and drafted a Deemed Marine Licence (DML).
In 2020, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed the Development Consent Order application to construct, operate and maintain the bridge and its approaches. The Government approved the final business case for the project and construction started in 2021.
The crossing creates a more direct link and better access between the western and eastern parts of Yarmouth. Earlier this year the public voted and selected the permanent name 'Herring Bridge' for the crossing. The most recent major milestone has seen the two giant bridge leaves lifted into position.
]]>The Isles of Scilly lie 45 km (24 nautical miles) off the Cornish peninsula, and are within the South West marine plan area. The five inhabited islands and numerous islets have been recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to the biodiversity and rich fauna and flora found there. The Isles are also considered the warmest place in Britain – although the hosts failed to mention how windy and rough the crossing was!
The Isles of Scilly are England’s largest ocean archipelago, are a Special Area of Conservation, and have 26 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 11 Marine Conservation Zones, 5 protected wreck sites, and numerous RAMSAR habitats.
What we did
Visiting the Isles of Scilly was a great opportunity to build relationships and to raise awareness of marine planning and the South West marine plan.
We presented to stakeholders and the public as part of the welcome event that kicked off the Festival of Nature. We also facilitated a series of bespoke training sessions on marine planning and the South West marine plan with a range of stakeholders, involving local council members, the Wildlife Trust, Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (IFCA), Natural England and the Ocean Conservation Trust.
Issues affecting the Isles of Scilly
Tourism and recreation are widely recognised as very important sectors within the South West marine plan areas, and activities that promote or facilitate sustainable tourism and recreation activities are supported. Although the Isles of Scilly are a small location it has an abundance of tourism and recreation activities taking place.
This comes with numerous issues, and it was highlighted by some stakeholders that tourism and recreation is a major concerning factor that has a knock on effect in other areas. For example, tourists are taken on boats to see wildlife such as seals, dolphins, puffins and to visit the other islands. This tourism is positive for the local economy, but it has an impact on local fisheries, air quality, water quality and underwater noise within protected areas.
The South West marine plan's Marine Protected Area (MPA) policies, alongside biodiversity policies, seek to protect these areas and the vulnerable species and habitats within them.
Land-based infrastructure is critical to facilitating marine activities upon which the Isles are reliant. Examples of current and potential future developments supported by the infrastructure policies include: cables between the archipelago and the mainland, infrastructure to support the renewable energy sector, and port development.
Feedback and reflection
There was a general feeling among stakeholders that the sessions had helped them to better understand terrestrial and marine planning together. There was limited prior knowledge on the South West marine plans or marine planning in general before the session. Stakeholders were keen to continue this engagement with more sessions for those that were unable to attend.
Other stakeholders facilitated some very valuable discussion around marine spatial prioritisation, and it was considered that in the future more spatially specific plans would be helpful to tackle some of the issues arising on the Isles.
While marine planning is a new concept for several groups it was embraced eagerly, for example, researchers from Swansea University who previously had no knowledge of marine planning highlighted that it would be very useful in their research. Their research involves building a database of evidence on seagrass habitats as well as studying the sociological aspect of stakeholder engagement.
Overall, the trip was successful in creating stronger stakeholder relationships. It initiated some valuable conversations regarding marine planning and the unique challenges that the Isles of Scilly face, while also learning about the various projects being undertaken around the islands.
]]>MMO has granted a scientific dispensation to MacDuff Shellfish Ltd to carry out a two day scallop fishing trial off the South East coast of England. The trial will take place in October 2023 and test the feasibility and potential benefits of shucking scallops at sea.
What is shucking?
Shucking is the process of removing the scallop meat from the scallop shell. Shucking on board a vessel immediately after catching is not currently permitted under UK law.
Regulations require fishers to land whole scallops to enable effective enforcement of scallop minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS).
These measures are in place to protect scallop stocks, ensure their long term viability and sustainability for the future.
What is a scientific dispensation?
Any fishing or research vessel may submit a scientific research dispensation request to the MMO.
As England’s marine manager, MMO assess these requests against government’s growth priorities and its priorities for enhancing the marine environment, supporting economic growth and enabling sustainable marine development.
If approved by MMO, a dispensation may be granted for fishing activity that would otherwise be unlawful, for the purposes of scientific research.
Why is this trial permitted?
During its assessment of the request, MMO has worked with MacDuff Shellfish Ltd to limit the length of the trial to just two days and make sure it takes place outside the scallop spawning season.
The trial is purely scientific. It will test the business and environmental benefits of shucking scallops at sea with no financial return for the applicant. MacDuff Shellfish Ltd will also be required to retain all scallop shells obtained during the trial for size verification on its return.
Prior to approval, MMO has also consulted partners, including Cefas, Food Standards Agency, Marine Scotland, Environment Agency and DEFRA to ensure all relevant standards will be met.
Find out more about applying for a scientific research dispensation.
]]>Being able to trace consignments of commercially caught fish is critical to assuring the produce has been caught, sold and handled in line with regulations designed to protect the sea from overfishing - and fish eaters from consuming sub-standard products.
As a future-focused organisation, MMO commissioned a project last year to investigate end-to-end traceability technology to track seafood and data through supply chains – all the way from sea to net to plate, including processing stages, transfers and storage.
In May 2023, local industry were invited to join MMO staff at our Brixham office to watch a demonstration of prototype technology created by tech company, AVS, for this project.
Two different techniques were demonstrated for traceability.
QR Codes
Firstly, the software was used alongside a system of QR codes to be attached to fish boxes at each stage in the supply chain.
The QR codes can be printed on to waterproof labels using a relatively inexpensive printer.
The QR codes are easily readable using a mobile phone camera. If the fish are transferred to a different box, the information on the QR code can be read and then reprinted on to another QR code label along with additional traceability data.
RFID tags
The next part of the demonstration focused on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. This technique requires more specialised equipment to read and write the data onto the tags.
An RFID tag is scanned on an RFID tag reader/writer device and the data entered into the software is written onto the tag. This tag is then attached to a fish box and can be scanned using an RFID reader at any point in the supply chain. Each time a tag is scanned, it registers as a new transaction and the additional information is recorded onto the tag, including where the tag was scanned and the date/time it occurred.
If the fish are transferred to a different box during grading or sale, the data from the original RFID tag is written onto a new tag, so all the previous information is retained in addition to the new tracking information from the new owner.
The link between the original and new tag is always maintained so that all the traceability information is retained right the way though the supply chain.
Since an RFID tag holds a record of the box weight, when a portion of the contents are transferred elsewhere, the weight of fish that’s been removed is subtracted from the total, so that the contents of the box are tracked at all times - even when the contents are split into multiple portions.
This demonstration showed how scanning gates could automatically detect the RFID tags as they passed through, demonstrating how fish consignments could be tracked automatically as they passed through a merchant or processing facility.
Thanks to AVS for giving the demonstration.
It will be very interesting to see how these tracking techniques can be applied in real-world supply chains to reduce bureaucracy for all participants of the chain as well as to provide increased visibility for consumers.
MMO intends to further investigate how technology could help make traceability easier.
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