Electronic monitoring (EM) using cameras and other sensors is a proven technology that has been widely used for various purposes on fishing vessels, primarily in industrial fleets. EM systems include equipment that tracks a vessel's position and activity, together with cameras that record key aspects of the fishing operations. EM has been used extensively for this purpose to obtain reliable information on catches and their composition, as well as to monitor and collect data on bycatches of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species.
EM pilot tests in different regions on tuna purse seiners and longline vessels, as well as in small-scale artisanal fisheries, have demonstrated the validity of this technology to improve the collection of fishery data. The IOTC endorsed the use of EM to assist in collection of fishery data to meet the minimum data requirements of Resolution 22/04 (on the Regional Observer Scheme) but requested that the IOTC Scientific Committee to firstly develop minimum standards for the implementation of Regional EM Program by 2023.
In support of this request, this document presents:
Thus, this document aims to foster the discussion on the development of EM minimum standards, for the implementation of Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) for IOTC fisheries to address WGEMS ToRS as well as Resolution 22/04 requirement.