Using digital video monitoring systems in fisheries: application for monitoring compliance of seabird avoidance devices and seabird mortality in Pacific halibut longline fisheries

Preface

Research presented in this report was conducted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) for the National Marine Fisheries Service under the terms of Order #AB133F-02-SE-1015. This project examined the feasibility of using electronic monitoring systems (EMS) in the Pacific halibut longline fleet operating off the state of Alaska. The project was conducted on two of the IPHC’s chartered stock assessment survey vessels fishing in Alaska during 2002.

The objectives of the project were to 1) examine the ability of an electronic monitoring system to provide images that would allow an analyst to monitor seabird avoidance devices for regulatory compliance; 2) determine the feasibility of using video images for detecting and identifying incidentally caught seabirds; and 3) discuss options for the future use of electronic monitoring as a fishery management tool.

The IPHC was established in 1923 by a Convention between the governments of Canada and the United States of America. IPHC’s mandate is research on and management of the stocks of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) within the Convention waters of both nations. The IPHC conducts research on many aspects of the resource and fishery, including issues which affect the conduct of the halibut fishery. The potential bycatch of seabirds is an important issue facing the commercial halibut fishery and the IPHC is interested in assisting the industry in reducing the potential for seabird bycatch. Recently, regulations have been enacted to minimize bycatch based on the use of streamer lines. This project evaluates means to ensure compliance with those regulations by vessels, through the use of an electronic monitoring system.


View Online  (pdf, 2.21 MB).