Roadmap for the Potential Future Implementation of Electronic Monitoring in the Pacific Islands Region

Since 2017, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Region (PIR) has been working with members of the Hawai‘i pelagic longline fleet to field test electronic reporting, electronic monitoring (EM), and vessel monitoring systems in a commercial setting. From October 2022 through January 2023, our PIR office hosted an EM expert from NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic Regional Office to develop a roadmap for implementing EM in regional longline fisheries.

This paper explores the next steps for developing and implementing an EM program in the pelagic longline fisheries operating under the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region. It incorporates recommendations based on 6 years of research by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, feedback from various divisions within NOAA Fisheries, and input from the regional Electronic Technologies Steering Committee. Developing and implementing an EM program is a multi-year process requiring staff time and resources. NOAA Fisheries PIR is early in this process and still exploring options for the most effective use of the various monitoring models available.