1st International Technology in Fisheries Symposium

Call for Papers

Registration will open in January 2026

This symposium brings together leading experts, practitioners, technical specialists and policymakers to explore how new technology is changing the way we monitor, manage and protect our aquatic resources.

Through a series of focused sessions, we will explore the latest tools, research developments and collaborative innovations shaping the future of fisheries science and management.

The programme will address both marine and freshwater environments, with a particular focus on showcasing how blue and green technologies are being integrated within the sector. It also emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and will bring together a diverse group of participants—including biologists, engineers, ecologists, data scientists and field practitioners to share insights and drive innovation.

This event provides a platform for sharing knowledge and building partnerships to support sustainable fisheries and responsible management of our aquatic ecosystems

The organising committee would welcome submissions under the following subject areas:

• Technology in Fisheries Monitoring and Research
• Technology in Habitat and Ecosystem Management
• Technology and Recreational Fisheries
• Conservation, Biodiversity and Species Protection
• Policy, Practice and Innovation
• Blue and Green Technology
• The Future of Fisheries Science

All abstracts should include the following information in this order:

• Title of the paper
• Authors’ full names with presenter’s name highlighted
• Affiliation and country of origin for each co-author
• Full address of the presenting author
• Email address of the presenting author
• 100 – 200 word abstract on the paper’s content
• Preference for an oral or poster presentation.

The Steering Group will review all submissions and will aim to ensure a good balance of topics and geographic areas. If requests for oral presentations are oversubscribed a poster presentation may be offered instead.

All submissions and enquiries should be sent directly to the conference administrator at [email protected]

No presenting author should submit more than one oral presentation request but may submit multiple poster presentation requests.

Closing date for submissions – 5^th January 2026

Further Information on Symposium Themes

1. Technology in Fisheries Monitoring and Research

• Emerging Tools for Fish Population Assessment - Use of eDNA, sonar, drones, and remote sensing in fisheries surveys.
• AI and Machine Learning in Fisheries Science - Automated image recognition for species ID, population estimates, and behavioural studies.
• Telemetry, Tagging and Tracking Innovations - Advances in acoustic, PIT and satellite tagging for migration, habitat use and survival studies.
• From Field to Cloud: Data Integration and Management - Real-time data collection, cloud storage and open-access sharing for collaborative research.
• Practical examples of how technology is driving innovation in areas such as fish passage design e.g computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

2. Technology in Habitat and Ecosystem Management

• Digital Tools for Habitat Mapping and Restoration - Using LiDAR, GIS, and drone imaging to monitor river and marine habitat recovery.
• Modelling Environmental Change and Fish Response - Predictive models for temperature, flow, and water quality impacts on fish distribution.
• Smart Catchment Management - Integrating sensors, IoT, and remote data for adaptive management of rivers, estuaries, and coasts.

3. Technology and Recreational Fisheries

• Digital Angler Data and Citizen Science - Harnessing apps, online logbooks, and social media for fisheries data collection.
• Smart Angling: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Sustainability - Using technology to improve catch-and-release practices, angler education, and fish welfare.
• The Digital Angler: Ethics, Data, and Engagement - Balancing innovation, privacy, and public participation in fisheries data.

4. Conservation, Biodiversity and Species Protection

• Using Technology to Support Species Recovery and Reintroduction - Case studies of technology aiding conservation of salmonids, eels, lamprey, and rare marine species.
• Biodiversity Monitoring in the Age of Automation - eDNA metabarcoding, AI video analysis, and remote monitoring for biodiversity assessment.
• Tackling Invasive Species with Technology - Early detection, surveillance, and control using digital and molecular tools.

5. Policy, Practice and Innovation

• Integrating diverse technologies into Fisheries Governance and Policy - How these synergies inform evidence-based regulation and management.
• Challenges and Opportunities in Data Ethics and Ownership - Who owns the data? Ensuring transparency and trust in digital fisheries management.
• Capacity Building and Skills for a Digital Future - Training and collaboration needs across sectors to maximise technological benefits.

6. Cross-Cutting and Future-Focused Sessions

• Blue and Green Tech: Bridging Marine and Freshwater Innovation - Shared lessons from both sectors in applying new tools.
• Technology for Climate-Resilient Fisheries - Monitoring and adapting to climate impacts through digital solutions.
• The Future of Fisheries Science: Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Bringing together engineers, ecologists, data scientists, and practitioners.