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Independent scientific data is a vital component for effective fisheries management. Scientific data provides an independent source of detailed, high quality information on fishing activity and catch at a sufficient level of resolution to be used for analyses, such as the standardisation of catch rates, the analysis of non-target species and the need for mitigation measures (IOTC, 2016). Under the IOTC’s Regional Observer Scheme (Resolution 11/04) each CPC is required to submit a range of scientific data by independent observers, who are deployed on selected vessels for the duration of a fishing trip. The small size of Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels registered to fish in the LO (9.7 m to 28.6 m / average 12.4 m) compared to the average of length of the IOTC registered fleet; the lack of on-board facilities on Sri Lankan vessels (i.e. accommodation, bathroom) and the obvious health and safety concerns (e.g. absence of life rafts) precludes the deployment of independent on-board observers on Sri Lanka’s small scale fishing fleet (≈ 1,600 vessels). In response to this challenge the Department of Fisheries in Sri Lanka (DFAR) has recently evolved a new protocol through which to collect high quality digital, independently verifiable, scientific data in compliance with the IOTC’s Resolutions. The new protocol combines existing primary data collected from each fishing trip through DFAR’s successful Logbook System; new primary data collected by DFAR officers using a semi-structured interview and visual verification and digital images incorporating spatial and temporal information.
The new protocol builds on the strengths of DFAR’s existing catch data systems, the availability of qualified human resources and incorporates the skills, knowledge and resourcefulness of Sri Lankan fishermen. The new protocol uses simple digital technology and requires only a small amount of training to deploy and generate high quality, independently verifiable digital data about the total catch (i.e. target and non-target species, retained or discarded, dead or alive IOTC, 2011). Under the new protocol, a skipper (Local Observer) is trained to take a digital image of each fish / reptile / bird / mammal caught using an electronic tablet. The tablet is configured to incorporate the location, date and time when the image was taken. A scale (length in cm) is incorporated into each image using a story board. The story board enables the Local Observer to record the set number, catch number, sex, type of catch (i.e. retained, discarded – dead or alive) and observed weight of each ‘fish’ caught. The stored images are downloaded by DFAR officers at the conclusion of each trip. A simple software programme is used to extract the spatial and temporal data attached to each image into an Excel format. Scientific data is then extracted manually from each image by DFAR officers and added to the Excel datasheet. Trip data from the Logbook System and gear data from the semi-structured interviews and visual verification complete the collection of independently verifiable, digital scientific data using the new protocol. The capital cost of the new protocol is low. There are no new operation or maintenance costs. The technology and human resources need to run the system are in place. The new protocol has been tested initially with longline fishing vessels, but is expected to work as effectively on vessels operating gillnets and or gillnet and longline combination.
