How much is enough? Review optimization methods to deliver best value from electronic monitoring of commercial fisheries

Electronic monitoring (EM) using on-vessel cameras can effectively collect a broad range of data to support fisheries management. Key advantages of EM include its flexibility, scalability, verification capability, and the avoidance of health, safety and logistical challenges that human observer deployments can involve. EM can also offer cost efficiencies relative to other monitoring methods. In this report, we consider the use of EM to meet a range of fishery monitoring objectives, present case studies from EM programs in real-world fisheries, and evaluate the level of review needed to extract EM-collected information to support management objectives. Our goal is to show how the efficiency of EM review can be maximized to support management, within budgetary requirements. We focus on Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) managing tuna fisheries, and also set out the broader application of findings across other management entities and fishing methods...

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EM has great potential to collect data cost-effectively at scale to support fisheries management. Information requirements that can be met by EM are broadly consistent across RFMOs and other management bodies. Furthermore, service providers operate across jurisdictional boundaries. Therefore, there is significant potential and opportunity to accelerate the development and adoption of methods to optimize EM review, both in the immediate future and longer term.