FIDEL

The FIDEL (Framework for Integrated Data-driven intelligEnce in fisheries monitoring, controL and surveillance) is a pilot-driven, multidisciplinary Innovation Action funded by Horizon Europe that digitalises and transforms fisheries monitoring and control, equipping fisheries with incentivised automation for reporting and assisting authorities in their fight against IUU fishing.

Objectives

1. Design and develop a holistic framework combining innovative tools, reliable processes and interoperable systems to improve catch-reporting data, incentivise adoption by fisheries and equip fisheries and inspection authorities with advanced, cost-effective monitoring and control systems. 
2. Capitalise on emerging technologies through novel, cost-effective tools for automatic, real-time and highly accurate validation of electronic catch reporting, and innovative digital solutions that strengthen data collection, enhance interoperability and support effective MCS against IUU practices. 
3. Advance authorities’ capabilities through the integration of AI and data fusion technologies with commercially available reporting systems, reliable and secure information exchange, and advanced visualisation and analysis tools for fisheries data that support timely enforcement. 
4. Validate through four pilot campaigns in real-life operational settings across different European seas and beyond, engaging fisheries stakeholders and competent authorities to foster rapid adoption at EU level. 
5. Consolidate and disseminate by strengthening international and European links, raising awareness, promoting multi-stakeholder cooperation and technology transfer, and collaborating with EC services for the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Two complementary pillars

FIDEL is built upon technology and policy: innovation that works in practice, and recommendations that make it last.

Technology

360° data collection from vessel, gear, eLogbook, shore and satellite; AI- and DNA-based species identification; tamper-proof data sharing with Distributed Ledger Technologies; multi-source data fusion for real-time IUU detection; and seamless integration with three commercially available reporting solutions.

Policy recommendations

Targeted policy recommendations that support full implementation of the EU Landing Obligation, tackle biodiversity loss and improve sustainable food system management, grounded in evidence from the four pilots. 

Programme

FIDEL is funded by Horizon Europe, under Call & topic HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-11: “Towards modern, integrated, and effective fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) systems”, under Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.