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WO2021053522A1 - Dispositif de surveillance pour un système de prévention de prise accessoire d'oiseaux de mer - Google Patents

Dispositif de surveillance pour un système de prévention de prise accessoire d'oiseaux de mer Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021053522A1
WO2021053522A1 PCT/IB2020/058596 IB2020058596W WO2021053522A1 WO 2021053522 A1 WO2021053522 A1 WO 2021053522A1 IB 2020058596 W IB2020058596 W IB 2020058596W WO 2021053522 A1 WO2021053522 A1 WO 2021053522A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tension
data
measuring device
computing unit
line
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2020/058596
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English (en)
Inventor
Sihle Victor NGCONGO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2021053522A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021053522A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/04—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands
    • G01L5/10—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means
    • G01L5/103—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means using sensors fixed at one end of the flexible member
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K91/00—Lines
    • A01K91/18—Trotlines, longlines; Accessories therefor, e.g. baiting devices, lifters or setting reelers

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for use in animal conservation. More specifically the invention relates to a device for use in monitoring compliance with measures to mitigate seabird bycatch and mortality in fishing operations. Even more specifically the invention relates to a device for monitoring data of a seabird scaring line of a seabird bycatch-prevention system.
  • Longline fishing is an example of a fishing operation that is regulated by laws to promote conservation of not only water life, but also birds and other animals.
  • Longline fishing is a commercial fishing technique in which a longline, referred to as the main line, having baited hooks attached at intervals thereto, is used to fish.
  • seabirds Due to the nature of longline fishing, seabirds are often caught, commonly referred to as bycatch, which detrimentally impacts the environment as the seabirds serve an invaluable purpose to the ecosystem. Fishing operations and seabird foraging zones often overlap and over time seabirds become accustomed to fishing boats and recognise these boats as a source of food. This has led to seabirds often poaching fish from hooks during fishing expeditions resulting in seabirds getting injured or accidently killed as they get caught in fishing lines or hooks, particularly during setting and hauling of the fishing lines. During line setting, seabirds may attack baits at the water surface or even to a distance of approximately 10 metres depth underwater. Seabirds often become hooked or ensnared in the fishing gear and drown or get fatally injured.
  • seabirds may attack leftover bait or the catch itself, as the catch is brought on board which also lead to the birds getting hooked or entangled and consequently injured or killed.
  • various mitigation measures have been developed and implemented.
  • Bird scaring lines also known as tori lines or streamer lines in fishing parlance
  • Bird scaring lines typically include a main line that is trawled from a high point near a stern of a vessel and from which are suspended a number of streamers. As the vessel moves forward, drag on the line creates an aerial segment from which the streamers are suspended at regular intervals, usually regulated by law, as discussed below.
  • the scaring line should have a certain clearance above the water is critical for its purpose of scaring birds.
  • an object for example a weighted buoy, may be attached to a free end of the scaring line so as to create additional drag when the scaring line is trawled to increase the aerial clearance thereof.
  • the use of such additional weight may assist in maintaining the scaring line positioned over the fishing line or longlines including the baited hooks.
  • the streamers of the bird scaring line are designed to move or flap in the wind and disturb the water surface thereby frightening and deterring seabirds from attacking the bait on the fishing line.
  • the device to include a casing which may be separate from the device or integrally formed therewith; for the tension sensing element, computing unit and optionally the storage component to be housed in the casing; for the casing to include tamper prevention means configured to restrict unauthorised access to an inside of the casing such that trustworthiness of the data may be maintained; and for the tamper prevention means to include at least one selected from the group consisting of: tamper-evident tape, a locking mechanism or tamper detecting sensors (TDS) capable of detecting tampering of the device and in communication with the computing unit so as to record any tampering activity on the storage component.
  • TDS tamper detecting sensors
  • the casing to be a waterproof casing manufactured from a rigid waterproof material; and for the casing to be encased within a soft protective and positively buoyant material, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam float.
  • a soft protective and positively buoyant material such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam float.
  • connection link facilitating releasable securing of an end of the line of the seabird bycatch-prevention system thereto; for the connection link to have a tension release tool configured to, in response to a predetermined drag force being applied to the line, release the end of the line so as to prevent damage to or loss of the tension measuring device.
  • the computing unit to include a memory and a processor; for the memory to have a unique identifier associated with the device; and for the unique identifier to include any one or more of: a serial number, make, model or a date associated with the device.
  • the computing unit to include a transmitter for transmitting the tension data to the storage component; for the transmitted tension data to include the unique identifier of the device; and for the tension data to be encrypted prior to transmitting thereof to the storage component
  • the storage component to be a removable storage device; alternatively for the storage component to be a database maintained at a remote computing device such as a server, personal computer, laptop, smartphone or the like; for the transmitter of the computing device to be capable of communicating wirelessly with the remote computing device; and for wireless communication to be possible via a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) modem, a Bluetooth modem, or the like.
  • GSM Global System for Mobile communications
  • a record associated with the device to be stored in the database; and for the record to include one or more of the unique identifier, the timestamp and the tension data measured by the device.
  • the device to be battery powered; for the battery to be a removable rechargeable battery; and for the device to include one or more solar cells or photovoltaic cells configured to power the device and/or recharge the battery during use of the device.
  • the device may include a location determining device, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), a Beidou or Galileo (satellite navigation) system; for the location determining device to be configured to determine a location of the tension measuring device and transmit location data to the computing unit; for the location data to be associated with the tension data and recorded in the storage component.
  • a location determining device such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), a Beidou or Galileo (satellite navigation) system
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System
  • Beidou or Galileo satellite navigation
  • the device to include one or more monitoring devices or sensors for monitoring parameters related to the device; and for the one or more monitoring devices or sensors to include one or more of: a temperature sensor, a battery state of charge (SOC) sensor or a battery state of health (SOH) sensor, a timing device for generating timing data, such as total operating time of the device, or a counter for determining a total number of uses of the device.
  • a temperature sensor a battery state of charge (SOC) sensor or a battery state of health (SOH) sensor
  • SOH battery state of health
  • a method for recording line tension measured by a tension measuring device in a seabird bycatch-prevention system comprising the steps of: receiving an output of a tension sensing element sensing a tensile force being exerted onto a securing mechanism of the tension measuring device, the securing mechanism being configured to removably secure a line of the seabird bycatch-prevention system thereto; processing the output of the tension sensing element and associating the output with a timestamp at which the tensile force was exerted onto the securing mechanism; and, transmitting tension data to a storage component.
  • step of transmitting the tension data to the storage component to include encrypting the tension data with a security key associated with the tension measuring device and transmitting the encrypted tension data to the storage component.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a tension measuring device for recording line tension in a seabird bycatch-prevention system
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an example seabird bycatch-prevention system in which the tension measuring device may be used;
  • Figure 3 is an example plot showing an expected tension data plot profile captured by a tension measuring device for a single deployment
  • Figure 4 is an example of a plot showing an unexpected tension data plot profile captured by a tension measuring device for discrete events
  • Figure 5 is a flow diagram of an example method to activate the tension measuring device in a seabird bycatch-prevention system of Figure 2;
  • Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an example method of steps carried out by a computing unit of the tension measuring device.
  • Figure 7 is a high-level component diagram of the computing unit of Figure 6.
  • the invention provides a tension measuring device for recording line tension in a seabird bycatch- prevention system which may enable authorities, such as Fishery Management authorities, to monitor and ensure compliance with compulsory seabird bycatch mitigation measures.
  • the tension measuring device may be connected to a main backbone-line of the seabird bycatch- prevention system.
  • the backbone-line to which the device is to be connected is the main support of what may commonly be referred to as a tori-line, a streamer-line, a bird scaring-line, etc.
  • the device may include a securing mechanism which is connected to an end of the backbone-line at a first connection link and to a free end of a joining line which is connected to a structure located at a stern of a vessel, as provided for in regulations, at a second connection link.
  • the device may operatively split the backbone-line and the connection links may be connected to split ends of the backbone-line.
  • the measuring device may include a tension sensing element, such as a force transducer, which is configured to sense a tensile force being exerted onto the securing mechanism when the device is in use.
  • the sensing element may be in electronic communication with a computing unit configured to receive an output of the sensing element, which represents tension data, when a force is exerted onto the sensing element. Once the output is received, the computing unit may process the output of the sensing element into suitable readable tension data.
  • the tension data may be associated with a timestamp at which the tensile force was exerted onto the securing mechanism.
  • the tension data may be encrypted by the computing unit using a public-private key pair associated with the device.
  • the computing unit may transmit the encrypted data to a storage component, such as a data storage device which includes flash memory (USB) or a database, which may be accessed by an end user.
  • the end user may decrypt the data using the private- key associated with the device and gain access to the data.
  • the device may also include a protective housing or casing which is configured to protect the components of the device, for example the computing unit, the sensing element and optionally the storage device, from natural conditions such as water, and miscreants hoping to gain unauthorised access to the data.
  • the casing may include a tamper prevention means preventing such miscreants from gaining access to the components of the device.
  • the tamper prevention means may be a simple locking mechanism or tamper evident tape, or a more complex system including tamper detecting sensor array in communication with the computing unit. Such a more complex tamper prevention means may enable recording of possible tampering events. The times at which such tamper events are recorded may, for example, be cross-checked with known repairing or maintenance times of the device.
  • the computing unit and sensing element enables real-time recording of tension data associated with the securing mechanism.
  • the computing unit and sensing element enables the maintaining of a real-time record of tension data relating to pull forces exerted onto the securing mechanism.
  • the stored tension data which is associated with a particular device may be recorded into a database in a record associated with the device and accessed by an authorised end user.
  • the tension data may enable the end user to ensure compliance with the regulations policing seabird bycatch-prevention systems, for example in that the tori-line had to be deployed for a certain period of time, as well as indicate whether the bycatch-preventing systems are working optimally and uncover common patterns or occurrences which impacts the systems at different times of day, to name a few.
  • the tension measuring device described herein may be versatile and may find application for example in longline fishing operations, net fishing operations, etc.
  • fishing line should be interpreted to be any fish catching device including any net or line that may include hooks and bait over which the tori-line may be deployed.
  • backbone-line should be interpreted to mean the main support line present in a tori- line.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a tension measuring device.
  • the tension measuring device (100) may include a tension sensing element (102), a securing mechanism (104), a computing unit (106), a storage component (108) and a power source (110).
  • the device may further include a protective casing (112) for housing at least some of the components and protecting the components from damage.
  • the casing (112) needs to be fully sealable and configured to withstand rough weather conditions, such as hail, extreme colds, and water submersion.
  • the casing (112) may therefore preferably be manufactured from any hydrophobic material or any material capable of being coated with a hydrophobic coating such that, for example, water may be repelled from the device over an extended period of use. Skilled artisans would appreciate that the casing (112) may be made from any material including rigid or resilient materials such as plastic, rubber, polymeric or composite materials, metal or the like.
  • the device should be a compact and light-weight device to limit the effect of the device (100) on the seabird bycatch-prevention system and the casing should therefore preferably be manufactured from a lightweight material.
  • the casing (112) may be encased within a soft protective and positively buoyant material such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam float which provides extra protection and also prevents the device (100) from sinking should it ever fall into the water.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • the device (100) may need to be tamper-proof to prevent malicious parties or miscreants from gaining unauthorised access to, and tampering with, the device (100). Such malicious parties may wish to gain access to the components within the casing (112) so as to manipulate the data being captured to, for example, create a false perception that they are complying with the laws and regulations which regulate the deployment of seabird bycatch-prevention systems. Accordingly, the device (100) may include tamper-prevention means (not shown).
  • the tamper-prevention means may be configured to prevent access to an interior of the device (100), i.e. the inside of the casing (112), or alternatively to at least make it evident when the casing (112) of the device (100) has been opened or tampered with.
  • the tamper-prevention means may for example be tamper-evident tape which is provided on the casing (112) of the device along a line of opening thereof.
  • the casing (112) may include a locking mechanism, such as a combination lock or a common padlock, which may be used to lock the casing (112) restricting access to the components of the device (100).
  • tamper-detecting sensors such as tamper detecting sensors (TDS), for example magnetic sensors
  • TDS tamper detecting sensors
  • Coupling a system in which tamper prevention means are used with an alarm or the Internet-of-Things (loT) may enable real-time tamper detection.
  • tamper-prevention means is not an essential element of the device (100), it should be envisaged that such tamper-prevention means may ensure, or at least to some extend safeguard, the validity and integrity of the data being recorded.
  • the device (100) may be deployed and retrieved by an independent third party.
  • the third party may be required to assess proper function of the device (100), which includes determining whether the device has been damaged or tampered with in any way. By including the tamper-prevention means, such an assessment may be conducted more swiftly and accurately.
  • the casing (112) of the device (100) may be configured to receive ends (114, 116) of the securing mechanism (104) therethrough.
  • the securing mechanism (104) may be configured to secure the device (100) to a backbone-line (118) at a fist end (114) and to a connection line (120) provided on a vessel (122) at a second end (116) as illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the securing mechanism (104) may operatively split the backbone-line (118) and the first end (114) of the securing mechanism may be connected to one split end of the backbone-line and the second end (116) to the other split end of the backbone-line.
  • the ends (114, 116) of the securing mechanism (104) may be configured such that the lines (118, 120) may be releasably connected to the first end (114) and the second end (116) respectively.
  • the first end (114) may include a first connection link (124) and the second (116) may include a second connection link (126).
  • the first (124) and second (126) connection links may be rings to which the lines are to be tied, carabiner clips, guy clips, or the like.
  • the first end (114) of the securing mechanism (104) may include a tension release tool (127).
  • the tension release tool (127) may be configured to, in response to a predetermined drag force being applied to the backbone line, release or break away from the end of the line so as to prevent damage to the device, the line or the vessel.
  • the tension release tool may simply be a line section, which may be referred to as a tension breakaway point, specifically designed to withstand a predetermined drag force.
  • the securing mechanism (104) may break away from the backbone-line (118) at the tension breakaway point.
  • the first connection link (124) may be configured to withstand a predetermined drag force and in response to the drag force being exceeded break away or release the backbone-line (118).
  • the structure holding the backbone line up may be a simple rod (128) extending from the vessel (122).
  • the connection line (120) to which the second end (116) of the securing mechanism (104) is connected may be attached to the rod.
  • a more complex build such as a crane with pulleys used in the deployment of two streamer lines on each side of a large vessel, should be envisaged as it may not always be practical to attach the device (100) directly to the backbone-line (118) but instead to pulleys or other structures which assist in maintaining the backbone-line (118) under tension.
  • the direct attachment of the device (100) to the backbone-line (118) may create obstructions that interfere with the proper functioning of a deployment system involving mechanisms such as pulleys and motorized winch components through which the backbone-line (118) must be fed. These mechanisms may also act as multiple connection points which may effectively split or otherwise affect the total measurable tensile force due to tension caused by the vessel towing the backbone-line (118).
  • a body (130) of the securing mechanism (104), which extends between the first and second connection links (124, 126), may be manufactured from any rigid material, such as metal, capable of maintaining its structural integrity under tensile stress for multiple and extended periods of time.
  • a tension sensing element (102) may be provided on or adjacent to the body (130) of the securing mechanism (104). The tension sensing element (102) may be configured to operatively sense a tensile force being exerted onto the securing mechanism (104) when the tori-line is deployed and the securing mechanism is connected to the relevant lines (118, 120) at both ends (114, 116).
  • the tension sensing element (102) may be any sensor or sensing element capable of measuring a tensile force exerted onto an object.
  • a tension load cell also referred to as a force transducer
  • the tension load cell may be used to convert the tensile force exerted onto the securing mechanism (104) into an electrical signal to be processed and analysed.
  • the device (100) may include an amplifier (132) configured to in combination with the tension sensing element (102) output tension data capable of being processed.
  • the amplifier (132) may be used to augment the small output signals of the sensing element (102) into industry standard signals which may be processed.
  • the amplifier (132) in the present embodiment may for example be a strain gauge digitiser, USB conditioning module or the like.
  • the tensile sensing element may be an electronic sensor including an internal amplifier and an additional amplifier need not be required.
  • the output of the tension sensing element (102) may be transmitted to a computing unit (106).
  • the computing unit (106) may receive the output of the tension sensing element (102) and process and/or convert the output into readable tension data.
  • the output may be converted into readable tension data by means of a set of instructions executed by a processor of the computing unit (106).
  • the set of instructions may be computer readable code having preconfigured algorithms and steps for converting the electrical signal/output of the sensing element into readable tension data. This may for example include converting the units of the data by means of calibration algorithms.
  • the computing unit may include an Analog-to-Digital converter for converting the output of the sensing element.
  • Converting the output to tension data may include generating a set of readable tension data derived from the output of the sensing element (102), associating the data with the device (100) using a unique device identifier and obtaining real-time data from an internal clock of the computing unit (106).
  • the internal real time clock may be an independently powered component, separate from, but connected to the main computing unit (106).
  • the tension data may therefore be associated with a timestamp of the exact time and date, i.e. real-time, at which the recorded tensile force was exerted onto the securing mechanism (104) of the specific device (100).
  • the unique identifier may be used to identify the device (100) from which the data were obtained and includes any one or more of: a serial number, make, model or a date associated with the device, such as a date when the device was manufactured, installed, replaced or serviced.
  • the computing unit (106) may be configured to transmit the generated tension data to a storage component (108).
  • the storage component (108) may be provided in the device (100) or it may be a remote storage component, such as a database, which is maintained at a remote computing device, such as a remote server, personal computer, laptop, smartphone or the like.
  • the storage component is a removable storage component such as a USB device.
  • the generated tension data may be encrypted prior to being transmitted from the computing unit (106).
  • the transmitted tension data may include a security key associated with the specific device.
  • the security key may be a public key associated with the device (100) and include a hash of the device serial number or the like.
  • the storage component (108), or a user thereof, may receive and decrypt the encrypted tension data using a private key associated with the device (100).
  • the tension data may be validated by checking that the serial number matches the serial number of the device (100) associated with the specific storage component (108). This may enable an end user of the device to ensure that the tension data stored on the storage component (108) is in fact the data associated with the specific device (100).
  • the data may simply be password protected allowing only authorised persons to gain access to the data.
  • the storage component (108) is a database maintained at a remote server
  • the database may include a record associated with the specific device (100).
  • the record may store the unique device identifier and the historic tension data related to the device (100).
  • the storage component may include a receiver for receiving the tension data.
  • the computing unit (106) may include a communications interface for operation of the computing unit (106) in a networked environment enabling transfer of data between multiple computing units (106) and/or the Internet. Data transferred via the communications interface may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, radio, or other types of signal.
  • the communications interface may enable communication of data between the computing unit (106) and other computing units including remote servers and external storage units.
  • the communications interface may be configured for connection to wireless communication channels (e.g., a Bluetooth network, wireless local area network (e.g. using Wi-FiTM), Satellite Internet Network, etc.) and may include an associated wireless transfer element, such as an antenna and associated circuitry.
  • wireless communication channels e.g., a Bluetooth network, wireless local area network (e.g. using Wi-FiTM), Satellite Internet Network, etc.
  • wireless transfer element such as an antenna and associated circuitry.
  • the storage component is a database maintained by a remote server
  • wireless communication with the remote server may be required.
  • the computing unit (106) may be configured to communicate with the storage component (108), alternatively with any of the other sensors, such as the tension sensing element (102), through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, a serial port and a variety of other interfaces to ultimately connect devices.
  • Wireless capabilities may enable an end user to obtain the required data without having to open the casing of the device (100). It may also enable monitoring of the device remotely and limiting the amount of observers which are required to physically board
  • the remote server may establish a secure communication link with the computing unit (106). Establishing the secure communication link may include uniquely identifying the computing unit (106) using the identifier uniquely associated with the device.
  • the secure communication link may for example be established using SSL or the like and may be configured to only allow one-way communication between the computing unit (106) and the remote server. Enabling one-way communication between the computing unit (106) and the remote server may prevent reprogramming of the internal memory of the computing unit (106) as only the computing unit may, for example, be allowed to read or write data to the remote server. Alternatively hacking of the communication and the data transmitted between the computing unit and the remote server may also be prevented. If the wireless communication is hijacked, the data stored in the internal memory will reveal a mismatch and an end user may be notified of such a hijacked communication.
  • the device (100) may include both an internal and external storage device that interfaces with the measuring device.
  • the end user would not have to physically open the protective casing (112) as described above.
  • such an external storage device must not have the ability to corrupt or delete the data stored on the storage device located within the device (100) which may be accessed by opening the protective casing (112).
  • Such an internal storage device may enable further validation of data and investigation of more sophisticated tampering methods.
  • the data stored on the internal storage device may alternatively be used as a backup of the measurement data. For example, in an embodiment in which the connection between the external storage device and the computing unit (106) is disrupted, the internal storage device may record the data and store the data.
  • the internal storage device s storage capacity may be limited to only a few months of continuous measurements. This may coincide with set deployment periods of the seabird bycatch prevention system including required maintenance schedules. Maintenance will ensure that the device (100) and all its components are functioning properly, that previously collected data are backed up, the tension sensing element is correctly calibrated, and that the device is prepared for a next period of deployment. In light of the above it is clear that maintenance is critical to the data validation process and needs to be done within determined intervals.
  • the device (100) may be powered by at least one power source, such as a battery (110).
  • the battery (110) may be a removable battery which may be recharged or replaced by an end user of the device.
  • the storage component (108) is a remote storage component
  • the device (100) may be configured such that the protective casing (112) is incapable of being opened without affecting the integrity of the device. If this is the case, the battery (110) may need to be removed and replaced by an authorised battery provider.
  • the device may include one or more solar cells or photovoltaic cells configured to power the device (100) and/or recharge the battery (110) during use of the device.
  • the cells may be located on an outer surface of the casing and directly connected to the components of the device (100) or alternatively connected to the battery (110).
  • additional power components such as regulators or invertors may be provided.
  • the regulators may be used to ensure that the current and/or voltage has an amplitude within the power ratings of the device components whereas the invertors may be used to convert the obtained power from AC to DC or vice versa.
  • the solar cells may be in direct connection with the battery (110) located inside of the device casing.
  • the battery (110) may be any solar chargeable battery, such as a lead acid battery, lithium-ion battery, or the like.
  • the solar cells may store the generated power/energy in the battery (110) which may harbour the energy until such time that it is needed.
  • Such a solar power source potentially decreases operating costs of the device (100) as the casing (112) will not need to be opened to replace or recharge the battery as regularly. Regular battery replacement may often lead to damage to other components due to sudden drops and spikes in available power and exposure to external conditions due to opening of the casing.
  • certain regulations may exist which require the batteries to be serviced at predetermined intervals to ensure compliance with requirements and to ensure optimal performance of the device.
  • the device (100) may include one or more monitoring devices or sensors for monitoring parameters related to the device (100) or indicating optimal function of the device. These monitoring devices or sensors may for example form part of or be located within the casing (112) of the device (100).
  • the one or more monitoring devices may be any one or more of: a temperature sensor, a state of charge (SOC) sensor or a state of health (SOH) sensor, which relates to the battery, a timing device for generating timing data, such as total operating time of the device, or a counter for determining a total number of uses of the device.
  • the device (100) may include a location determining device, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) device or a device using similar location determining techniques such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), a Beidou or Galileo (satellite navigation) system.
  • a telematics device or tracking device for remotely tracking the device (100) may be provided.
  • the location determining device may be controlled and monitored from the remote server.
  • the location determining device may be in electronic communication with the computing unit which is in communication with the remote server.
  • the computing unit may be configured to receive location data from the location determining device.
  • the computing unit may further be configured to associate the location data with the tensile data and combine the data into a data package.
  • the data package may be transmitted to the storage component (108).
  • Associating the location data with the tension data may enable an end user to, for example, identify the exact location and time that the seabird bycatch-prevention system was deployed, as well as the exact location and time that the system was retrieved.
  • Obtaining the location data associated with the device (100) may further enable authorities or end users to prevent the device (100) from being moved from one vessel to another or to prevent theft of the device. It may also provide an additional feature of continuously monitoring the location of the vessels which may, for example, enable authorities to determine whether vessels are travelling and/or fishing within authorised waters or agreed upon perimeters or areas.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation illustrating an example seabird bycatch prevention system including a scaring line in which the tension measuring device (100) may be used.
  • the system may include a vessel (122) having a rod (128) extending from the stern of the vessel.
  • the rod (128) must be of an acceptable height as provided for in the regulations, for example 12 m above sea level in South Africa, or any other height as authorities may allow and configured to support a tori-line (140).
  • the device (100) may be connected to a connection line (120) at a second end (116) and to a backbone of the tori-line, referred to as a backbone-line (118), at a first end (114) of the device.
  • the backbone-line (118) may have a plurality of streamers (142) spaced apart, as provided for in regulations, suspend therefrom towards the ocean surface.
  • the streamers (142) have the effect of deterring birds.
  • Tori-lines (140) are therefore deployed over selected zones to prevent bycatch within the selected zone.
  • the tori-line (140) covers the entire zone, the tori-line should be deployed and configured to maintain an authorised aerial extent.
  • additional drag is added to the system by adding a weighted object (144), such as a buoy, to a distal end (146) of the backbone-line (118).
  • the weighted object (144) also increases the tension in the system and facilitates measuring of the system by the tension measurement device (100). Any changes to the configuration and setup of the bird scaring line, for example the addition or removal of weighted objects (144), may correlate with a change in the forces measures by the device (100).
  • the tori-line (140) is required to be deployed prior to deployment of a fishing line (148) and may only be retracted once the fishing line has set.
  • a fishing line (148) may be deemed to have set once the first baited hook makes contact with the ocean surface or net fishing warps are fully deployed.
  • the tension measuring device (100) may start measuring the tensile forces exerted on the body (130) of the securing mechanism (104) which is connected to backbone-line (118).
  • Figures 3 and 4 show exemplary data plots (300, 400) of tension data obtained from seabird bycatch-prevention systems.
  • tension data plots (300, 400) may be used to determine the status and performance of a seabird bycatch-prevention system.
  • the tension data generated by the computing unit (106) and transmitted to the data storage component (108) may include such data plots.
  • the tension data may include sufficient information, or data points, to enable an end user of the device to create such data plots (300, 400).
  • Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary data plot indicating an expected pattern of a tension data of a seabird bycatch-prevention system during normal conditions on a normal vessel. Data is shown for a single seabird bycatch-prevention system only, however, it should be appreciated that data may be collected over extended periods of time and include data of several such deployments.
  • each active fishing vessel performing fishing operations in international waters is required to manually record and update information regarding bycatch-prevention system deployment.
  • the information of specific importance is the deployment time and the duration of deployment of the bycatch-prevention system.
  • the information may be kept in a logbook which is unique to each vessel and updated and maintained by a dedicated authorised observer.
  • the device (100) may be used to automatically record the data and to validate the data which is manually observed and logged by the observer. Validating the manually obtained data may include comparing the obtained data plot, for example Figure 3, with the data in the logbook.
  • each deployment of the system is expected to exhibit a different tension pattern, similar to a unique fingerprint, which forms the basis of validation for deployments.
  • Certain patterns appearing in the data plot (300, 400) may indicate certain discrete events as shown in Figure 4 and explained in more detail below.
  • the tension data obtained over an extended period of time i.e. the historic data stored in the database, may be used to analyse and determine the performance of the specific system.
  • the average tension taking into account variability, associated with optimal/sub-optimal deployment of the seabird bycatch-prevention system (the latter obtained from the logbooks and observer records) may be calculated with the obtained data. Any adjustments or changes to the seabird bycatch-prevention system, such as drag being added or removed, will result in a change in the tension that the device measures and therefore a change in the profile of the data plots. These changes may be correlated with data on fishing effort, catch and bycatch, as well as data on the speed and fuel consumption of the vessel and ocean conditions.
  • Such data may form a basis for feedback on performance which may be useful not only to individual vessels, but also to the broader fishery industry when the device (100) is used on a large scale in numerous vessels. For example, a measurable relationship between the correct deployment and functioning of the seabird bycatch-prevention system and the forces measured by the device (100) may be determined. Determining such a relationship may also allow for the calculation of an optimal range of tensile forces measured by the device (100) corresponding to the correct deployment and functioning of the seabird bycatch-prevention systems.
  • the sensors may be calibrated and data converted to subscribe to SI units and standards.
  • the data may be used in industry, academia, by governments, conservationists and regulatory bodies.
  • the plot (300) present in Figure 3 may be interpreted as described below.
  • Section (310) of the plot indicates activation and deployment of the device (100). After the device is deployed a period in which the bycatch-prevention system is prepared lapses. The period may differ depending on the circumstances, such as wind conditions, present on the particular day. A large increase in the tension (which is converted to and provided in Kg by the computing unit (106)) may indicate that the system has been deployed, as shown in section (320). The system remains deployed for the period that it takes for the fishing line (148) to set.
  • the profile during the setting period, indicated by section (330) may fluctuate in a unique pattern due to various factors, such as environmental factors, which may influence the tension on the backbone-line (118) during deployment.
  • the weight measured on the backbone-line (118) decreases and the plot shows a sharp falling gradient as shown in section (340).
  • the plot (300) may stabilise and have a substantially horizontal profile when the device (100) is collected and deactivated. This is indicated in the final section (350) of the plot.
  • plot (400) in Figure 4 illustrates an example of discrete events measured using a single tension measuring device (100).
  • the profile of the plot (400) seems to indicate at least two seabird bycatch-prevention system deployments. Flowever, as someone skilled in the art would appreciate, it is clear from the plot that an event has caused an unusual spike in weight followed by a drop to 0 Kg in a first deployment (410). After some time has lapsed, a second deployment (420) is detected. Flowever, the average weight detected in the second deployment is much higher than the normal average and the profile of the plot (400) seems to lack expected variability in weight during deployment of the system which may seem suspicious and point to potential tampering of data.
  • the unusual profile of the plot shown for the first deployment (410) may have been caused by an unusual event, such as entanglement of the lines of the deployed seabird bycatch-prevention system.
  • the first deployment may be divided into three separate sections.
  • the first section (412) indicates that the device (100) is activated and deployed by securing the device to the securing mechanism (104).
  • the increase in weight at section (414) indicates that the seabird bycatch- prevention system was deployed and prepared for tension data collection.
  • Section (416) of the plot indicates a rapid increase in the gradient followed by a rapid decline in the gradient. As mentioned above, this may be due to entanglement of the lines in the system, or it may be due to an increase in tension followed by release of the line by the tension release tool.
  • the second deployment (420) can be seen at section (422) as indicated by the increase in weight.
  • the unusual profile of the plot of the second deployment (420) is different from the first deployment (410) and the suspicious lack of variability in the profile at section (424) may indicate tampering, for example by tying the system off under tension or repairs made to the device (100).
  • profiles and the conclusions reached by analysing the profiles of the plots (410, 420) may be substantiated with historic as well as current recorded data. The data may be compared with and checked against information recorded in the logbook and observer records.
  • FIG. 5 there is shown an example of a method (500) of activating and deploying the device in a seabird bycatch-prevention system.
  • the method may be conducted by an end user of the device, by any authorised party or any such parties in combination with a plurality of assistors. It should be appreciated that the method is merely an example method and different steps may be performed for different embodiments.
  • An end user may activate (502) the tension measuring device (100) and secure (504) device (100) to a backbone-line (118) at the first end (114) of the securing mechanism (104) and to a connection line (120), attached to a rod (128) on a stern of the vessel (122) at the second end (116) of the securing mechanism (104).
  • the shipping crew or any other responsible party, may deploy (506) the seabird bycatch-prevention system, i.e. the tori-line (140), including the weighted object (144), followed by the fishing line (148) in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the process. Then, when the fishing line (148) has set, i.e.
  • the seabird bycatch-prevention system may be retrieved (508).
  • Retrieving of the system may include deactivating (510) the device (100) and releasing (512) the device from the lines (118, 120). Several deployments may occur over several fishing voyages.
  • An end user may, in an embodiment in which the storage component (108) is an on-board storage component such as a USB, open the device by deactivating (514) the tamper-prevention means, and at least partially remove the casing, and collect and decrypt (516) the data stored on the storage component (108).
  • the end user may be a remote server.
  • the remote server may deactivate (514) the tamper-prevention means by for example, logging into an interface using a username and password associated with an authorised party, and collect and decrypt (516) the data which is stored on the database.
  • the tension measuring device (100) may be active and deployed for an extended period of time and the device (100) does not need to be deactivated and re-activated for every deployment of the seabird bycatch-prevention system. However, as someone skilled in the art would appreciate, the device (100) needs to be in an activated state when the system is deployed.
  • a method (600) conducted at the computing unit (106) for recording line tension in a seabird bycatch-prevention system is shown in the flow-diagram of Figure 6.
  • the flow diagram explains the steps and functions performed by the computing unit (106) during measurement of tension in the seabird bycatch-prevention system.
  • the computing unit (106) may receive (602) an output of a tension sensing element (102) sensing a tensile force being exerted onto the securing mechanism (104).
  • the output received (602) from the sensing element (102) may be an amplified output signal enabling the computing unit to process the output signal.
  • the output signal may be amplified by an independent amplifier (132) or by an internal amplifier of the sensing element (102).
  • the computing unit (106) may process (604) the output of the tension sensing element. Processing (604) the output of the tension sensing element may include converting (605) the output into readable tension data and configuring (606) the data to generate (608) a tension data package relating to the amplitude of the tensile force exerted on the securing mechanism (104).
  • the generated tension data may be associated (610) with a timestamp at which the tensile force was exerted onto the securing mechanism in order to compile (612) a final set of tension data to be transmitted to the storage component.
  • the tension data may be associated with the timestamp by using an internal clock provided in the computing unit (106). As described above, the tension data may also be associated with location data.
  • the computing unit may encrypt (614) the data using a security key associated with the specific device.
  • the encrypted security key may be a public key associated with the device (100) and include a hash of the device serial number or the like.
  • the encrypted tension data may be transmitted (616) to the storage component (108) which is configured to record the tension data.
  • the tension data may simply be password protected and no encryption of the data may be necessary.
  • Components of the computing unit (106) are shown in the high-level block diagram in Figure 7.
  • the computing unit (106) may include a processor (702) for executing the functions of components described below, which may be provided by hardware or software units executing on the computing unit.
  • the software units may be stored in a memory (704) which provide instructions to the processor (702) to carry out the functionality of the described components.
  • the memory (704) may have the unique identifier associated with the device (100) stored therein.
  • the computing unit (106) may include a receiver (706) arranged to receive an output of a sensing element (102).
  • the output may be an electrical signal associated with a tensile force exerted on a securing mechanism (104).
  • the output may be an amplified output according to processing signal standards.
  • the computing unit (106) may include a converter (708) to convert the output to tensile data associated with the securing mechanism (104).
  • the tensile data may include real time data provided by an internal clock (710) of the computing unit (106) so as to effectively time- stamp the outputs of the sensing element (102) and associate the outputs with a specific time and date at which it was obtained.
  • the computing unit (106) may include an encrypting component (712) arranged to encrypt the tensile data using a public key associated with the device (100).
  • the encrypted data may be transmitted to a storage component (108) associated with the device (100) by means of a transmitter (714).
  • the tensile data may be transmitted at predetermined time intervals such that the data may be stored at the storage component (108) at the determined intervals.
  • the storage component may, in the example embodiment be a physical storage device such as a USB, however, it should be appreciated that the device may have wireless capabilities and the storage device may be replaced by cloud storage maintained by a remote server.
  • the device may be manufactured on a micro scale (such as a computing chip) and incorporated into lines, ropes, cables, tubes, shafts, or the like, and used in a variety of alternative applications involving tension measurements in marine as well as other industries.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Testing Or Calibration Of Command Recording Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (100) et un procédé de mesure et d'enregistrement de tension de ligne dans un système de prévention de prise accessoire d'oiseaux de mer. Le dispositif (100) peut comprendre un mécanisme de fixation (104) conçu pour fixer le dispositif (100) à une ligne d'infrastructure (118) du système de prévention de prise accessoire d'oiseaux de mer et un élément de détection de tension (102) disposé sur le mécanisme de fixation. L'élément de détection (102) peut être conçu pour détecter une force de traction qui peut être exercée sur le mécanisme de fixation (104) lorsque le système de prévention de prise accessoire est déployé. La force de traction détectée peut être traitée, convertie en données de traction et associée à une estampille temporelle relative aux données de traction par une unité de calcul (106) disposée dans le dispositif (100). L'unité de calcul (106) peut transmettre les données de traction à un composant de stockage (108) qui est conçu pour enregistrer les données destinées à être utilisées par un utilisateur final.
PCT/IB2020/058596 2019-09-17 2020-09-16 Dispositif de surveillance pour un système de prévention de prise accessoire d'oiseaux de mer Ceased WO2021053522A1 (fr)

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ZA2019/06124A ZA201906124B (en) 2019-09-17 2019-09-17 Monitoring device for a seabird bycatch-prevention system
ZA2019/06124 2019-09-17

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10133582A (ja) * 1996-10-31 1998-05-22 Sony Chem Corp 開封防止テープ
US6658783B1 (en) * 1999-10-04 2003-12-09 Tanashin Denki Co., Ltd. Preset fishing line tension measuring device
WO2006066360A1 (fr) * 2004-12-24 2006-06-29 Huna Holdings Pty Ltd On Behalf Of Hj Family Trust Reduire la prise accidentelle d’oiseaux marins
EP2927653A1 (fr) * 2014-04-02 2015-10-07 Singerer Müller, Maria Dispositif de mesure de force de traction de câble, procédé et dispositif d'insertion d'un câble

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10133582A (ja) * 1996-10-31 1998-05-22 Sony Chem Corp 開封防止テープ
US6658783B1 (en) * 1999-10-04 2003-12-09 Tanashin Denki Co., Ltd. Preset fishing line tension measuring device
WO2006066360A1 (fr) * 2004-12-24 2006-06-29 Huna Holdings Pty Ltd On Behalf Of Hj Family Trust Reduire la prise accidentelle d’oiseaux marins
EP2927653A1 (fr) * 2014-04-02 2015-10-07 Singerer Müller, Maria Dispositif de mesure de force de traction de câble, procédé et dispositif d'insertion d'un câble

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