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The Electronic Monitoring (EM) Minimum Standards Harmonization Workshop, held in Donostia – San Sebastián, Spain in December 2024, brought together 24 experts representing regional fisheries management organizations (t-RFMOs), EM technology providers, and industry observers under the Common Oceans Tuna Project. The primary objective of the workshop was to conduct a technical review of existing EM standards across t-RFMOs, explore best practices, and identify areas for potential harmonization. This initiative aimed to enhance the implementation of EM systems, particularly in undermonitored fisheries, while maintaining high data integrity and compliance standards. Over the course of the workshop, participants examined the EM standards adopted by the IATTC, ICCAT, IOTC, WCPFC, and CCSBT. Although each -RFMO has developed EM frameworks tailored to its own priorities, the workshop revealed significant commonalities. However, it also identified inconsistencies in definitions, data requirements, technical specifications, and implementation approaches that could hinder effective crossjurisdictional EM deployment. For example, while all t-RFMOs treat EM as a voluntary monitoring tool, only some currently allow EM data to fulfil Regional Observer Scheme (ROS) obligations. The role of EM alongside human observers and the integration of alternative data sources such as port sampling also varied significantly among organizations.
Technology providers emphasized the importance of modernizing EM standards to reflect advances in AI, wireless transmission, and cloud-based data storage. The workshop underscored the need to shift from rigid technical mandates toward performance-based standards that prioritize outcomes over prescriptive specifications. This approach would foster innovation, improve cost-efficiency, and promote broader adoption across diverse fleets. Participants also recognized the need for clearer, harmonized definitions, particularly around EM coverage metrics, and recommended developing a universal template for Vessel Monitoring Plans (VMPs) that could be applied across multiple RFMO jurisdictions. Data management was another critical area of discussion. Participants called for flexible, secure, and standardized protocols for data ubmission, storage, and review. The importance of defining data ownership, ensuring digital traceability, and supporting interoperability between different EM systems was emphasized. To ensure consistency and accountability, the group strongly recommended the development of a nified audit and assurance framework applicable to all t-RFMOs.
The workshop concluded with agreement on a set of practical recommendations aimed at harmonizing EM standards, improving technological integration, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and ensuring long-term sustainability of EM programs. Participants
emphasized that the success of future EM implementation will depend on continued collaboration among RFMOs, member states, and EM providers. A second workshop, scheduled for early 2026, will serve as a follow-up to assess progress, refine strategies, and finalize audit and compliance protocols. Overall, the workshop marked a critical step forward in aligning EM practices across global tuna fisheries. It reinforced the value of shared standards, flexible frameworks, and transparent processes in enhancing monitoring, control, and compliance while upporting sustainable ocean governance.
Required citation:
Murua H., Harley S., Ruiz J., Coelho R., Roman M., Brian K., Canive I., Cocas L., Darcy R., Gibbon J., Gilmete D., Godefroy R., Isaac-Lowry J., Kawashima T., Legorburu G., McBride H., Meere F., Menchaka M., Moffet J., Moran G., Moreno G., Nuñez A., Pierre L., Wiersma J. 2025. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper, No. xxxx. Rome. FAO.
