| assets/images | ||
| README.md | ||
MinouwApp
Web-based tool for bycatch and discard management in European fisheries
Developed under the EU-funded MINOUW project — "Science, Technology and Society Initiative to Minimise Unwanted Catches in European Fisheries"
🔗 Live Demo | 📄 Publication | 💻 Source Code
Overview
MinouwApp is an open-source, web-based digital logbook that allows fishers and researchers to record, map, and analyze spatial-temporal hotspots of unwanted catches. Tested across seven European case studies in direct support of the EU landing obligation (discard ban), it bridges field data collection and evidence-based fisheries governance.
Architecture & Data Sources
Main data sources integrated into MinouwApp and primary end user groups
Workflow
Data and workflow schematic for preparation and deployment of each case study
Access Rights
Access rights schema — developers and CS managers control setup; other users access aggregated data only
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital Logbook | Records GPS positions and catch data via Android |
| Data Integration | Fisher-reported data merged with VMS/AIS vessel tracking |
| Spatial Analysis | Maps high-discard hotspots at regional scale |
| Participatory Design | Co-developed with fishers, scientists, NGOs, and policymakers |
| Open Platform | Publicly available for replication on future case studies |
Methodology
- Field Data Collection — Android app recording GPS positions and catch data
- Data Integration — Fisher-reported data merged with VMS/AIS vessel tracking
- Spatial Analysis — Hotspot modelling using GAM and spatial statistics
- Visualization — Interactive maps via Shiny + Leaflet
- Governance Output — Evidence-based discard reduction strategies
Screenshots
Overview Panel
Overview panel — bottom trawl case study near Palmyra Atoll
Effort Data Panel
Fishing effort represented as swept area (km²)
Unwanted Catches Panel
Polygons coloured by Persistence Index scale
Fuzzy Overlay Panel
Cells coloured by composite (0–1) index scale
Overlap Analysis Panel
Spatial overlap between fishing effort and unwanted catch hotspots
Scientific Context
This work represents a novel participatory framework in fisheries science, offering managers, fishermen, scientists, and the public a collaborative platform for designing discard-reduction strategies at regional level.
The architecture balances three competing interests: public scientific knowledge, fishermen's intellectual property and confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
Publication: D'Andrea et al. (2020). The MINOUWApp: a web-based tool in support
of by-catch and discards management. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08704-5
Stack
R Shiny Leaflet PostgreSQL PostGIS Android