Towards transparent and sustainable European fisheries through digital innovation in monitoring, control and surveillance

DigiWaves will strive to accelerate the transition of European small-scale, long-distance and recreational fisheries towards data-driven management, monitoring and control systems. The project addresses the technical, behavioral, socio-economic challenges of using data as a key driver and enabler of sustainable and resilient fishery systems. By combining digital readiness and vision co-design, innovative tools, applied case studies, and a robust digital data framework with policy alignment and effective dissemination , the project creates a pathway for meaningful and lasting impact. To achieve this, the projects uses a case-study-driven approach: by working with SSF, LDF and RF in real-world contexts, the project co-develops solutions that address concrete data challenges. The case studies will not only deliver operational prototypes to collect data and to improve AI driven modelling, but also serve as catalysts for broader learning and harmonization. A strong digital framework for data quality and standardization will be in place. The outcome of the project is reinforced through alignment with policies and governance structures and the solutions developed should be both practical and scalable, as well for the SSF, LDF and RF. Through an active engagement with stakeholders, trust will improve, lower the cost of data collection, improve efficiency and transparency, and build confidence in data sharing. DigiWaves aims to integrate the strong legacy of leading EU initiatives in fisheries data and digitalization, as for example demonstrated by the participation of partners from OptiFish, EveryFish, Fish-X, and B-USEFUL, among many others, ensuring continuity, expertise, and proven impact.