A new method using AIS data to obtain independent compliance data to determine night setting use at sea

Seabird mitigation measures use is a requirement for all pelagic longline vessels south of
25oS in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, and south of 30oS in the Pacific. Monitoring the
implementation of these measures is difficult due to low levels of observer coverage and the
remote environment operations are conducted. Recent advances in technology provide
opportunities for improved compliance monitoring at minimal cost. Here we describe a novel
method for monitoring night setting compliance using Global Fishing Watch’s AIS data. We
assessed more than ~61,000 sets by over 300 vessels for compliance with night setting
regulations using a convolutional neural network. Results indicate that in areas where
seabird mitigation measures are required a maximum of ~15% of sets have less than two
hours overlap with daylight, and the percentage of sets fully compliant with night setting could
be much lower (<5%). In future, technology could be used for monitoring night-setting
compliance at a broad scale by Member States, RFMOs and the wider public.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The SBWG recognise this novel method as a mechanism by which rates of night
setting can be determined.
2. ACAP member states consider the use of this method in determining their own
night-setting compliance rates.