Say the word forensics and most people think of CSI and crime scenes, not necessarily fisheries management. However, collecting, preserving and analysing data and evidence is an integral part of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s (AFMA) management of Commonwealth fisheries.
It was fitting then, that AFMA attend and present at the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society’s (ANZFSS) 23rd International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences in New Zealand last month.
The conference theme, Science informing justice, was used to direct conversations about improving communication and addressing bias in the presentation of evidence. As a regulatory agency, much of the compliance work AFMA undertakes has potential forensic and judicial implications, using science, investigation and intelligence expertise to support judicial processes.
The biannual conference had 850 delegates in attendance with over 400 presentations across 21 disciplines including wildlife forensics.
AFMA’s Laura McGrath presented on Electronic solutions – monitoring in Australian fisheries.
The use of electronic monitoring (e-monitoring) became compulsory for most commercial fishing boats in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery and the Gillnet, Hook and Trap Fishery in July 2015.
E-monitoring is a system of video cameras and sensors capable of monitoring and recording fishing activities, which can be reviewed later to verify what fishers report in their fishing logbooks. Using this monitoring tool, factors such as observer effects, temporal and spatial variation, and bias toward regions or boats seen in traditional human observer monitoring programs can be alleviated, allowing for more accurate data. Importantly, over time, accurate data will support better management decisions and improve compliance with measures designed to protect both target and non-target species.
Australia is one of the first countries to use electronic monitoring to observe fisheries activity.
In addition to showing how AFMA is using new technologies to improve data collection, the ANZFSS also provided an opportunity to network with compliance and scientific practitioners from a range of disciplines, many that, like AFMA, rely heavily on science and data to inform decision making.
More information on AFMA’s electronic monitoring program can be found on the AFMA website at afma.gov.au.
More information on the conference can be found at on the ANZFSS Symposium website at conference.co.nz/anzfss16.