AFSC/FMA/Electronic Monitoring (EM) Data Transformation

One type of electronic monitoring of Alaska groundfish catch has been conducted by Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission using an electronic monitoring (EM) system to collect catch accounting data using video and sensor data of selected fishing vessels in Alaska. Video recordings of fish catch composition aboard selected vessels are collected are stored on hard drives in an effort to track vessel catch and discards to accurately debit discarded catch from the individual fishing quota (IFQ) account of each account holder. This information is collected in place of the sampling for species composition of the catch conducted by human at-sea catch monitors or observers. Reviewers of the videos enter data from the drives and maintain data integrity and quality.

Raw, reviewed electronic monitoring data collected by Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission must have additional data items added to it to conform to the standard format of data normally collected by Alaska observers in order for the data to be processed by catch accounting of the NMFS Alaska Regional Office. The EM_OBSINT tables contain these transformed data.

These data, like data collected by Alaska groundfish observers, and transmitted electronically to the AFSC and are the source data for those interfaces used for fishery management, scientific inquiry and fishing activity monitoring by industry.

Video review data is merged with other data necessary for catch accounting of the Alaska Regional Office.

The prime purpose of the information and monitoring technologies program is to facilitate the flow of quality data which meets the needs of agency clients and allows the conduct of research and industry outreach, addressing data quality issues while maintaining data confidentiality.

Support of information needs for in-season management

Support of information needs for stock assessment

Support of information needs for bycatch monitoring and reduction, and monitoring fishery interactions with seabirds and marine mammals

Provision of information on compliance monitoring to NMFS Enforcement

Provision of information to industry and other interested parties consistent with confidentiality policies

Provision of assistance to AFSC and Alaska Region staff in the specification of data requirements which are consistent with user requirements and program capabilities

Evaluation of innovative technologies

Development and maintenance of information systems necessary to support program functions.