Managing the vast fisheries of the United States—which provide food and support billions in economic activity—requires accurate data. Traditionally, scientists at NOAA Fisheries have relied on trawl surveys, which involve catching fish to understand their populations. While effective, this method has limitations; it’s difficult to survey in rough, rocky habitats, and the process can be lethal to the animals sampled.

To solve this problem, scientists at NOAA’s Alaska and Northwest Fisheries Science Centers developed a revolutionary new tool: the CamTrawl. This system attaches a high-tech, durable 3D stereo-camera unit to the end of a trawl net. Instead of capturing fish, the net funnels them past the cameras, which record high-resolution 3D images. This federally-developed technology allows scientists to non-lethally and precisely identify species, measure fish length and even calculate their distance from the seafloor.

The project was born out of a need for better data. Early prototypes were “clunky, low-budget” operations, but with years of refinement funded by NOAA, the CamTrawl has become an indispensable tool. It can be deployed in “untrawlable” rocky areas crucial for species like rockfish, providing the first-ever accurate population estimates in these habitats. The data gathered is essential for setting sustainable fishing quotas, preventing overfishing, and ensuring the long-term health of both the ecosystem and the fishing industry.

This technology is a prime example of how federal investment in scientific innovation leads to direct benefits for the environment and the economy. It provides more accurate data for ecosystem-based management, reduces the environmental impact of research, and ensures that one of our nation’s most vital natural resources can be enjoyed for generations to come. The success of the CamTrawl is now being shared across agencies, with NOAA providing the “recipe” for other science centers to build their own systems, expanding the reach of this game-changing technology.