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Fish Tagging via RFID and Bluetooth: Field Testing and Lessons Learned

Conference Paper · May 2018

DOI: 10.1109/OCEANSKOBE.2018.8559152

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 Fish Tagging via RFID and Bluetooth:
Field Testing and Lessons Learned
Jenna Himawan Andrew Bennett Kathleen Wienhold Thomas Flanigan Silas Hughes
Point Road Solutions Point Road Solutions Point Road Solutions Point Road Solutions Point Road Solutions
Belmont, USA Belmont, USA Belmont, USA Belmont, USA Belmont, USA
[email protected]

Molly Lutcavage Chi Hin Lam Clayward Tam

Large Pelagics Research Center Large Pelagics Research Center Pacific Islands Fisheries Group
Gloucester, USA Gloucester, USA Honolulu, USA
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract—Conventional tagging methods using plastic recommended a simpler, more streamlined process compatible
streamer tags have been the most widely used tool for with working conditions found on a fishing vessel at sea. To
elucidating fish movements in the last half century. These that end, our interdisciplinary team modified the app and also
methods for fish tagging and tracking are error-prone for created a new, custom-designed RFID reader designed for use in
tracking global fish populations due to the requirement of the kind of challenging environment found on a small working
fishermen to log details of each catch while they are also fishing boat at sea. Additional hardware and interface testing
attempting to perform all of their usual at-sea activities. Under was then conducted in the summer of 2017 off Kona, Hawaii,
the current method, fishermen are required to remember with two fishing vessels, captains and crew members in order to
the time and location of the catch, the size of the fish, and expand testing as well as user feedback. Tag data was uploaded
the weight of the fish. In addition, to report a previously to the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group tag data portal. The team
tagged fish a fisherman is asked to cut off and keep the tag then conducted a post-mission interview and debriefing with
from the fish. In both cases the fisherman must go back and our fishermen partners to determine what aspects of the new
submit a form with all relevant detail, which often depends on generation tagging system were improved, and which elements
information they try to recall from memory of events earlier of the system and process they found effective or not useful or
in the day or even several days before. The long delay and expedient.
relative difficulty associated with catch and data entry creates Index Terms—RFID, fisheries, fish tagging, marine biology
a barrier to data collection and poor data logging. Building on
the work of the Olin College of Engineering Intelligent Vehicles
I. I NTRODUCTION
Laboratory, Point Road Solutions, LLC, in partnership with
the Large Pelagics Research Center (LPRC) and the Pacific Many fish species, such as tuna and billfish, are con-
Islands Fisheries Group (PIFG) have been developing a more sidered vital in socioeconomic and cultural perspectives for
streamlined, automated method for fishermen reporting data
from fish tags while at sea. communities throughout the globe. Consequently, informa-
tion about marine species’ behavior - migration patterns,
In the new process, a fish is tagged with a modified streamer
tag carrying a rice grain-sized RFID chip. A fisherman can scan spawning grounds, etc. - are critical to fisheries science and
the tag at or near the moment of capture with a compatible management missions of conservation and sustainability. In
RFID reader, which will transmit the fish’s tag information to a spite of increasing attention paid to the marine environment
personal smartphone pre-installed with our reporting application and technological advancements that enable obtaining richer
(Hawaii, or “HI” Tag App). The application then appends the data with faster means, fisheries tagging programs have seen
tag ID with information, e.g., location, date and time, from the
phone. From the application, the fisherman has the option to little advancement since the 1990s [1] . In order to improve
save the form directly as generated, correct or input any missing data collection, the Olin College Intelligent Vehicles Lab, in
data (length, weight) or add richer data (e.g., a photo of the fish) partnership with the Large Pelagics Research Center (LPRC),
before saving the form and storing the data on internal memory. and the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group (PIFG) has been
When the application detects a cellular or wireless connection, developing an alternative system to fish tagging: a platform
the data will be immediately uploaded to the Pacific Islands
Fisheries Group database. Initial tests conducted off the island of called HITag that incorporates RFID technology with the
Hawaii (summer 2016) demonstrated that the HITag application widespread popularity of mobile applications. After initial
greatly improved the process of fish tagging and reporting when successful testing in 2016, the HITag project was picked up by
compared to conventional manual methods of data logging. Point Road Solutions, LLC, and has been further developed
However, data entry required heads-down time on the vessel while based on feedback we received from our fishermen tagging
working with the phone app, a fairly high level of precision when
inputting data (on the phone), and regular interactions with the partners. Promoting a smart and sustainable fish tagging and
RFID reader between logging events. Fishermen partners who tracking approach will support accurate data collection and
participated in testing deemed this inappropriate, by the and enable the continued sustainability of fish stocks for the future.
II. L ARGE P ELAGICS A ND T HE F ISHERIES M ANAGEMENT tagged or taggable large pelagic or bottom fish species. Next,
P ROBLEM the tag is scanned with the RFID reader which automatically
Large pelagics, the tunas and billfish, are highly migratory sends the tag information to the HITag mobile application
species of fish that occupy near-surface to meso-pelagic (e.g. via Bluetooth. From the mobile application, a fisherman or
up to 1200 m) deeper regions waters of the ocean [3] and researcher can verify the tag, take a photo of the fish, and
include some of the most important fish species from an record the fork length before submitting the data to create a
economic, social, and cultural perspective. These fish primarily tag report. Once in range of a WiFi or cellular network, each
include tuna (yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, etc.) and billfish tag report created by the fishermen or researchers will upload
(blue marlin, striped marlin, etc.) species. Despite their im- automatically to the database and be parsed to display relevant
portance, it is still difficult to gather data on such highly information in an easy-to-understand format.
migratory species. Developing the best possible understanding
A. Mobile Application
of their migrations and habits is crucial for accurate population
assessments. In the current tagging practices, scientists and Given the prevalence of smartphones, a mobile application
fishermen insert plastic and vinyl dart tags into the dorsal is the logical means to implement tagging activities, using
fin area of the fish. Before releasing the fish, they record already available technology to provide an interface for users
data about the time, location, weight, fork length, and tag to easily record and upload fish tag data. The HITag mobile
ID of the landed catch on a paper data card. Fishermen who application was implemented in iOS and deployed on both
are not directly working with a scientist are asked to mail iPad and iPhone platforms. The app was designed to provide
the information (or call the research center) to submit the the core feature set of a tagging experience (e.g., the ability
information they collected upon returning to shore. Fisheries to view/edit a tag ID and capture/release location as well as
researchers rely on these programs to observe species’ growth fork length) in addition to features designed to improve on
and travel patterns which directly influence decisions about the data-set available to researchers. The improved workflow
sustainability and ecosystem management. Past efforts that of the HITag mobile app can be seen in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4 .
incorporate such a tagging scheme include the LPRC’s “Tag a Among the app features is the ability to photograph a cap-
Tiny Program” [4], which has led to the successful tagging tured fish, enabling scientists and researchers to place a “face”
of over 2,000 bluefin tuna with conventional “spaghetti” to the ID, perhaps gain valuable insight based on viewing a
tags. Similarly, the well known PIFG “TagIt” [7] program photo of the tagged fish. The HITag mobile application also
for bottom fish and reef fish species in the main Hawaiian takes advantage of the smartphone’s ability to record accurate
Islands has attained over 9000 releases from contracted and GPS location and time stamp to autofill the fish’s location and
volunteer fishermen efforts, and that have resulted in new time of capture and release in the report, saving valuable time.
understanding of fish movements. Even these relatively modest
B. RFID Tags
programs have contributed tremendously towards scientific
understanding. Data on the migratory patterns of these large Given that any future tagging technology must be compat-
pelagic and bottom fish species provided new information with ible with current systems already in place and onboard, rice-
potential economic and ecological import [5]. grain RFID chips were chosen as they are easy to implement
The disadvantage of the current tagging scheme is that in existing “spaghetti” ID tags.
the process is cumbersome, and the data collected is often Rice-grain RFID chips are durable, capable of staying in
inaccurate [2] [1]. For instance, the current reporting system a tag for the lifetime of a large pelagic or bottom fish,
often relies on a small fleet of inshore fishermen who may and are easy to read and scan with commercially available
record a single release location at the beginning of their RFID readers. Most importantly, the nature of the RFID tags
tagging effort. However, since both fishermen and fish are means that they can be implemented at scale for each of the
highly mobile, this results in inaccurate locations for tag different fisheries stakeholders involved in tagging projects.
releases. Estimations of fish length and weight may also be For instance, handheld RFID readers can be used to read rice-
inaccurate as these require extra steps and time to measure grain RFID chips implanted in conventional ID tags recaptured
with care. In light of existing technical capability, existing by recreational fishers, while RFID sensors can be embedded
manual tagging systems are growing increasingly outdated, in a gate placed on a longline fishing vessel and used to
and require non-trivial commitment of fishermen to tag and read rice-grain RFID chips previously implanted in fish that
report the data. The HITag platform aims to create an intuitive are recaptured during fishing operations. The ability to use
system in which fishermen are able to focus more on the the same technology for all fisheries stakeholders, in every
fishing experience while researchers gather more accurate, skill level of the diverse fishing communities, allows for a
detailed data in an efficient manner. much broader impact. It allows fishermen the ability to tag
and report their fish records more easily, and the use of the
III. S YSTEM D ESCRIPTION mobile application interface available through smart phones
The HITag platform consists of three separate components: means that this data acquisition is much more accurate and
the HITag mobile application, the RFID reader, and the accessible. Through this, we believe that many individuals and
database. A successful tagging session starts by catching a groups of fishermen will be empowered to tag and release
Fig. 1. The tag ID number is automatically filled in when used with an Fig. 2. The user is asked to select the species of the fish they are reporting.
RFID reader, which automatically sends the data from the RFID reader to the The user may enter a species name, if something unexpected is tagged.
mobile application via Bluetooth. The user can also manually enter the tag
ID number. The app automatically fills in the GPS coordinates and stores the
time at which the tag ID is read.
the tag data from the database could be integrated with a map,
providing a broad view of the locations of recently recorded
more fish, in diverse fisheries where releases are desired, and tags. Such a tool would allow researchers an at-a-glance view
submit accurate tag reports, thereby increasing the pool of of tagged large pelagic species while maintaining the privacy
valuable information available to scientists and researchers. of the fishermen.

C. Database IV. F IELD T ESTS

While the HITag application and open access to advanced A. Experimental Methods
RFID technology should make it easier for fishermen to Before the HITag platform will be fully deployed within
contribute to the amount of data available to researchers, this the fishing and scientific communities, testing has been and
data is only helpful if it can be easily accessed and analyzed. continues to be necessary in order to determine that the
With this in mind, we have developed a database where all tag platform is fully functional and can work successfully in the
data will be automatically uploaded and parsed upon a cellular hands of users. The first such iteration of the HITag platform
or WiFi connection from the user’s mobile application. was tested in July 2016 with fishermen engaged with the
Living in the cloud, the database is easily viewable, allowing Pacific Islands Fisheries Group TagIt program off the coast
fisheries personnel and researchers who are part of the program of Kona, Hawaii. While the data quality and ease of use
to view the data from a particular fishing session just minutes were both drastically improved [6], data entry required heads-
after the boat has arrived back at the docks. User access to down time on the ship while working with the phone app,
information can easily be managed and secured to ensure the along with a fairly high level of user interactions with the
confidentiality of the data sources. Moreover, we intend to RFID reader to keep the device functioning. In addition, the
implement data visualization tools in order to broaden the reader itself suffered from a very short effective range and
community of users who can easily view tag data and get poor feedback response, leaving the fishermen unsure about
a better grasp of the ocean ecosystem from the perspective of whether or not the data had been correctly captured. Fishermen
scope of movements and behavior of tagged fish. For instance, partners who participated in testing deemed this unwieldy, and
Fig. 3. The phone’s camera capabilities are used to obtain a photo of the fish
which can provide valuable insight to scientists. Fig. 4. The user is asked to measure the fish to track its growth.

recommended a simpler, more streamlined process compatible

with working conditions found on a fishing vessel at sea. In
particular, busy fishermen, often working alone, did not wish to
have to find and input information into their phones at all while
at sea. To that end, our team modified the 2016 app to require
less interaction, and also created a new, custom-designed RFID
reader designed for use in the kind of challenging environment
found on a small working fishing boat. Additional hardware
and interface testing was then conducted in the summer of
2017 off Kona, Hawaii, this time using multiple devices on Fig. 5. The HITag uses a tiny RFID chip to automate the process of tag
multiple boats to increase fishermen’s experience and feedback identification. The chip is embedded in a conventional dart tag made from
with the HITag system. Data was uploaded to PIFG’s web nylon and vinyl.
portal at the end of the fishing day. The team then conducted a
post-mission interview and debriefing with fishermen partners
to determine what aspects of the new generation tagging
system were improved and which did not meet expectations
of functionality.

B. Process
For the testing, our team worked from two local Kona style
fishing vessels tasked with tagging juvenile yellowfin tuna
Fig. 6. Tagging reports from the HITags application, showing the date/time
(known as ahi in the Pacific) using the HITag platform in an of the tagging event, the tag number, the latitude/longitude at which the tag
effort to maximize the number of tagged fish in the allotted was read, the species, the fork length, and a photo of the fish.
two days of field testing. Over the course of testing, the team
successfully deployed 20 tags after quickly examining and difficult to use in the field. Field testing of the second iteration
measuring the fish to be released. has shown that the issues encountered are solvable while at
In 2017 field trials, testing was conducted using two custom- the same time, improve the quality of both data and the
built readers (see Fig. 7) which interfaced to a re-designed user experience. The HITag app allowed fishermen to more
HITag app via a wireless Bluetooth link. The reader was efficiently tag their target catch (in this case, small yellowfin
designed to stay on and function all day, thereby removing tuna) and to acquire and record desired information little-
the need to re-start the app or reset the two devices. to-no detriment to their fishing experience. We believe the
HITag platform has the potential to be a cost-efficient, easy
to implement at scale method for conducting tag and release
and data entry. By making this data easy to collect and
access, the HITag platform can increase participation to a
much broader community of users, inclusive of scientific,
recreational, and commercial fishermen, and push innovation
in the field research space.
VI. C ONSIDERATIONS FOR F UTURE W ORK
The 2017 development and testing effort was devoted to
taking the feedback from fishermen and turning the HITag
platform from an intriguing concept to a useful tool. Based
on our successful field tests, the platform will continue to
be iterated on and improved through testing in the field and
Fig. 7. Custom-built RFID Reader with Streamer Tag for Scale
feedback from users. Part of this focus will be to expand the
reach of the platform to include the continuing development
C. Results of both iOS and Android versions of the HITag app and tools
The redesigned HITag platform obtained a richer dataset for better understanding and analyzing the data found in the
than the paper notes produced by the current reporting process. database. Additional research may focus on improving the tags
The data entry method on the vessel was much easier and themselves, particularly in developing more advanced satellite
the wand performed at greater distances from the tag. It also tag technology, further expanding the amount of data we can
simplified feedback by using a simple red/green ultrabright gather on large pelagic species and the ocean ecosystem.
LED to indicate when the tag was successfully read (RED ACKNOWLEDGMENT
was standby/no read, and GREEN was a successful read). The
Our efforts would not have been realized without the
entire process, from landing through tagging, measuring and
assistance of our PIFG participants, Kurt Kawamoto, and our
releasing the fish typically took about 15 sec, with the longest
fishermen partners, Captains Nathan Abe, John Kauhaihao,
time on deck associated with measuring the fish’s length and
Kevin Au, Ryan Kusunoki, Justin Pasamonte, and Alson Ka-
taking its photo.
jikawa. This work was financially supported by PIFG, LPRC,
In a post-mission debriefing, fishermen partners noted that
Point Road Solutions, Inc. and in-kind donations of time and
they rarely handle their mobile phones at sea (where there
expertise by our fishermen partners.
often is no coverage), and usually secure them in the wheel-
house. As a result, they requested a data entry solution that R EFERENCES
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