AFMA and the Commonwealth fishing industry are leading the way in the Asia-Pacific, using new technology to improve fisheries management. Electronic monitoring (e‑monitoring) uses an on-board system of sensors and video cameras to monitor and record fishing activities.
After extensive trials, e-monitoring became fully operational in the Eastern and Western Tuna and Billfish, Small Pelagic, and Gillnet Hook and Trap fisheries in July this year. A number of Australia’s regional counterparts are showing substantial interest in this new technology.
Representatives from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, based in New Caledonia, recently travelled to Australia to hear and see first-hand the benefits of e-monitoring for fisheries management.
While in Australia, delegates heard from AFMA and Archipelago Asia Pacific, AFMA’s contracted company to assist with the e-monitoring project. They also visited Ulladulla, where they spoke directly to fishers who are using e-monitoring every day, saw installed systems and how it all worked.
The delegates considered the visit to be, ‘highly informative as it allowed [them] to consider key policy and operational aspects’ and it ‘will be valuable towards progressing the trials and implementation of e-monitoring technology’.
AFMA’s CEO, James Findlay, noted that it is great to see the level of international interest in e-monitoring.
“AFMA works with Australia’s international partners to share the latest in science and innovation to improve fisheries management in the region,” Dr Findlay said.
“There is a saying in natural resource management that you can’t manage what you don’t measure.
“E-monitoring is a game changer in how we monitor and manage our fisheries.
“It is great that our Pacific partners are considering this new technology too as part of finding new and innovative ways to protect fish resources and the businesses and livelihoods they support throughout the Asia Pacific.”
For more information about AFMA’s e-monitoring program, visit afma.gov.au. Subscribe to AFMA News and stay up-to-date with the latest in fisheries management.