Commercial fishermen are familiar with the Fisheries Observer Program. Launched in 1972 by NOAA, there are between 450 and 1000 observers working on commercial fishing vessels alongside fishermen collecting data at any given time. They are trained scientists (often marine biologists) who collect information that is used to estimate stock levels, protect endangered species, and manage fisheries. Data obtained includes:
• estimates of catch and discards
• biological sampling of the catch
• estimates of incidental takes of protected species
• monitoring of conservation gear
• monitoring of experimental fisheries
• economic information regarding revenue and expenses
Before 2013, onboard observers were required on fishing vessels 59 feet or longer. That rule changed in 2013 to include boats 40 feet or longer, such as halibut vessels. However, accommodating even one extra person on these smaller vessels can be a burden for commercial fishermen where living and working conditions are already cramped. There is also an economic burden on smaller vessels who pay for the observer’s services. Enter high-tech and electronic monitoring systems.
In a pilot program, electronic monitoring systems have been developed and installed on approximately 90 vessels using equipment purchased and monitored with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Over time, the devices have become more sophisticated, and can now track and identify more than 95 percent of species required for fishery management. While fewer observers will be deployed at sea, the program will continue to employ highly trained observers and scientists to review all data collected electronically.
Bill Tweit, Special Assistant to the Director at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, currently chairs the Council’s Observer Advisory Committee as well as the Electronic Monitoring Working Group. He has a strong interest in developing electronic monitoring technologies to improve the ability to monitor fisheries, improve data collection, and improve sustainability to the ecosystem. More information about the program can be found at NOAA.
The public has until May 22nd, 2017 to comment on the EM program to federal policy makers. The program appears to be a cost-effective way of moving into the future. As with any new technology, there must be a balance between results, feasibility, and cost. While it will not entirely replace onboard observers, it is a great example of how technology can be applied to a traditional industry.
Wavuvi wa kibiashara wanajua vizuri Programu ya Mtazamaji wa Uvuvi. Kwa mujibu wa shirika la NOAA, kuna watazamaji 450 hadi 1000 wanaofanya kazi kwenye mashua za uvuvi za kibiashara pamoja na wavuvi wa samaki kukusanya data wakati wowote. Wataalamu wa uvuvi wa baharini (kwa kawaida wanabiolojia wa baharini) hukusanya habari zinazotumiwa kukadiria viwango vya samaki, kulinda spishi zilizo hatarini, na kusimamia uvuvi. "Kama ilivyoelezwa hapo juu, ""Uchunguzi wa samaki wa baharini"" ni hatua ya msingi ya uchunguzi wa samaki wa baharini, ambao ni pamoja na: ""Uchunguzi wa samaki wa baharini"" na ""Uchunguzi wa samaki wa baharini"" na ""Uchunguzi wa samaki wa baharini"" na ""Uchunguzi wa samaki wa baharini"" na ""Uchunguzi wa samaki wa baharini"" na ""Uchunguzi wa samaki wa baharini.""" Sheria hiyo ilibadilishwa mwaka 2013 ili kujumuisha mashua zenye urefu wa futi 40 au zaidi, kama vile mashua za halibut. Hata hivyo, kuandaa nafasi kwa mtu mmoja zaidi kwenye mashua hizo ndogo inaweza kuwa mzigo kwa wavuvi wa kibiashara ambapo hali za kuishi na kufanya kazi tayari ni nyembamba. Pia kuna mzigo wa kiuchumi kwa meli ndogo ambazo hulipa huduma za mtazamaji. Kuingiza high-teknolojia na mifumo ya ufuatiliaji wa elektroniki. Katika mpango wa majaribio, mifumo ya ufuatiliaji wa elektroniki imebuniwa na imewekwa kwenye mashua 90 hivi kwa kutumia vifaa vilivyonunuliwa na kufuatiliwa na ufadhili kutoka kwa Shirika la Kitaifa la Samaki na Wanyamapori. Kwa muda, vifaa hivyo vimekuwa vya hali ya juu zaidi, na sasa vinaweza kufuatilia na kutambua zaidi ya asilimia 95 ya spishi zinazohitajika kwa usimamizi wa uvuvi. Ingawa watazamaji wachache watatumwa baharini, programu hiyo itaendelea kuajiri watazamaji na wanasayansi waliozoezwa sana kukagua data zote zilizokusanywa kwa njia ya elektroniki. Bill Tweet, Msaidizi Maalum wa Mkurugenzi katika Idara ya Washington ya Samaki na Wanyamapori, kwa sasa anasimamia Kamati ya Ushauri ya Mtazamaji wa Baraza na Kikundi cha Kazi cha Ufuatiliaji wa Elektroniki. Yeye ni nia ya kuendeleza teknolojia ya ufuatiliaji wa elektroniki ili kuboresha uwezo wa kufuatilia uvuvi, kuboresha ukusanyaji wa data, na kuboresha uendelevu kwa mazingira. Maelezo zaidi kuhusu programu hiyo yanaweza kupatikana kwenye NOAA. Wananchi wana muda wa hadi Mei 22, 2017 kutoa maoni yao juu ya mpango wa EM kwa watunga sera wa shirikisho. Programu hiyo inaonekana kuwa njia yenye faida ya gharama ya kuhamia wakati ujao. Kama ilivyo na teknolojia yoyote mpya, ni lazima kuwe na usawaziko kati ya matokeo, uwezekano, na gharama. Ingawa haitachukua nafasi ya waangalizi wa ndani kabisa, ni mfano mzuri wa jinsi teknolojia inaweza kutumika kwa sekta ya jadi.