Pilot Project on Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) for small fishing vessels (24m>) operating in Sri Lanka (2018-2021)

The objective of the project is to assist Sri Lanka to meet the obligations of IOTC in terms of monitoring fisheries activities at-sea through scientific data collection and reporting. The Project aims to support the current efforts by DFAR in establishing an at-sea scientific observer programme and supplement it through a number of activities, including:

i. Facilitate the training of on-board observers through the development and delivery of a comprehensive and standardized training programme for observers, and observer programme managers (coordinators).
ii. Develop electronic reporting tools to facilitate the data entry, processing, and validation of observer data.
iii. Installation of an electronic monitoring system (EMS) on vessels where safety is a concern (i.e., vessels under 24 meters in high seas) to assess the feasibility of collecting observer’s data via EMS and meet the mandatory coverage.