Testing the use of electronic monitoring systems to combat IUU fishing

Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project/FAO

Testing the use of electronic monitoring systems to combat IUU fishing

Autores

Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project/FAO

Editor

FAO ;

Descripción

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing is a serious threat to sustainable fisheries, marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of legitimate fishers globally. To address this threat, the Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project is exploring new ways to strengthen and harmonize the use of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) tools, and combat IUU fishing in tuna fisheries across the marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). One of the MCS tools that the Project has explored extensively, is the use of Electronic Monitoring Systems (EMS) to monitor individual vessel operations at sea. To test the best way to incorporate this new monitoring technology to the MCS toolbox available, two pilot activities were set up in Fiji and Ghana were EMS equipment was deployed aboard tuna fishing vessels. In summary, results and experiences have demonstrated that the transfer of new technologies can be done effectively when there is consideration of the context in which the new technology will be deployed. This includes the strengthening of the national institutions involved, establishing key partnerships, developing the required legal frameworks, and building the human resources necessary for the effective operation of the new technology.