Preliminary Report on Solomon Islands Longline E-Monitoring Project

This paper covers the preliminary results of a Video Electronic Monitoring project on tuna longline fishing vessels operating in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
• Two CT-4 freezer longline tuna vessels were equipped with video electronic monitoring systems before fishing in the Solomon Islands EEZ for around 80 days.
• The Video Electronic Monitoring system, or ’E-Monitoring’, installed onboard uses high-definition video cameras, GPS and a central computer to record all events and video footage.
• The main aim of the project is to investigate how E-Monitoring works for collecting accurate information on the fishing activities of tuna longline fishing vessels.
• This information, including catch number and type, is critical in providing the best scientific and management advice to ensure sustainable fishing.
• The E-Monitoring data collected from these first trips is now being analysed by experienced longline fisheries observers.
• The ‘dry observers’ are recording all aspects of the fishing activity, including identifying fishing locations, the catch composition, and the fate of any bycatch taken.
• Two independent fisheries observers were also assigned to each vessel to carry out their regular task of observing and recording the catch.
• A basic comparative analysis between the observer data and the E-Monitoring data is presented in this paper.
• In the scope of implementing E-Monitoring technology in all or parts of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean fisheries, logistical and legal frameworks will be required at national and regional levels.
• The Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s (SPC) knowledge and experience in managing observer data and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) expertise in fisheries legislative mechanisms mean that an SPC/FFA partnership will be paramount if the decision is made to advance E-Monitoring in the region.
• The project partners are Tri Marine, National Fisheries Developments (NFD), Yi Man Fishing Company, Satlink (the service provider), SPC, FFA, and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR). The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) is also a major contributor through support of the Regional Electronic Reporting Coordinator position contracted by SPC.
• The project was launched in March 2014 and is expected to be completed in October 2014.