WRL Digital Ecosystem Roadshow connects fishers, technology and ideas
Western Rock Lobster’s Digital Ecosystem Roadshow was successfully delivered in Hillarys and Geraldton during the week of 31 August to 4 September 2026, bringing fishers, industry representatives and project partners together to explore the growing range of digital tools being developed for the Western rock lobster industry.
Across the two events, 63 people registered, with 44 registered attendees taking part, along with a further seven attendees who joined without formally registering.
The Roadshow gave fishers the opportunity to see the Digital Ecosystem in action, ask questions, provide feedback and speak directly with the teams involved in developing the platforms.
At the centre of the Ecosystem is Member Central, providing a single login and access point to services including FishOps, Wharf Talk, Trip-IQ, SeaSafe LMS and Back of Boat.
The Roadshow was supported by WRL’s project partners Veris, Diversus, Dragonfly and Oceanum, with team members travelling from across Western Australia, Melbourne and New Zealand to participate.
Bringing the Digital Ecosystem to life
One of the strongest outcomes was the level of discussion generated between fishers, presenters and developers.
Attendees were able to see how the different tools connect, understand what they are designed to achieve and discuss where digital technology could provide practical value within fishing operations.
The sessions also generated discussion around future technologies, including animal identification through onboard cameras, automated catch recognition and recording, improved vessel data collection, sensors, artificial intelligence and greater automation of everyday fishing processes.
While many of these opportunities remain at different stages of development, the discussions provided valuable insight into the areas fishers see as having practical potential.
Collaboration and next steps
The Roadshow also brought the wider Digital Ecosystem project team together in person, allowing developers, industry representatives and WRL staff to hear directly from fishers and better understand how the platforms may continue to evolve.
This direct interaction will help inform the ongoing development and refinement of the Ecosystem.
As individual platforms move through further development, testing and implementation, WRL will continue to provide updates, demonstrate new functionality and invite further feedback from industry.
A post-Roadshow survey will shortly be sent to attendees, presenters and project partners to identify what participants found most useful, which technologies generated the strongest interest and where further information or development may be required.
Most importantly, the Roadshow helped move the Digital Ecosystem from concept to something fishers could see, explore and discuss.
It generated valuable feedback, new ideas and meaningful conversations that will help shape the next stages of development as WRL continues to build digital tools around the practical needs of industry.
Highlights from the Digital Ecosystem Roadshow can be viewed:
https://westernrocklobster.pixieset.com/wrldigitalecosystemroadshow