A WWF event being held in Auckland, New Zealand, this week is focusing on fostering technological innovation across monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) of marine fisheries.
More than 140 participants from 32 different countries are attending the MCS Emerging Technologies Workshop, including MCS practitioners from military, government and private industry. Themed ‘Anything is Possible!’, this workshop coincides with the International Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Network's 5th Global Fisheries Enforcement Training Workshop and the Forum Fisheries Agency MCS Working Group Meeting.
To conserve marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable long-term fisheries, the workshop on 3-4 March aims to help participants learn about how new and developing technologies can benefit the existing MCS infrastructure and play an important role in defeating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
WWF believes that technology could be the driving force in improving the way that oceans are managed.
“I am very excited about this event because it plants the seed of imagination in what we can achieve. This is about pushing the boundaries of what is possible using technology to secure the conservation of our oceans for future generations,” said Bubba Cook, WWF´s Western Central Pacific Tuna Programme Manager. “Participants have come together to help identify the right technologies for the right conditions to achieve an effective, efficient, and economical MCS programme,” he said.
Mr Cook said the event would explore new MCS technologies and advancements including varieties of aquatic and aerial drones, satellite remote sensing, video imaging, and even laser applications.
"Transparency and traceability are crucial for good fisheries management. Governments worldwide should make the installation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) mandatory for every commercial fishing vessel to create transparency of fishing operations. Video monitoring of catch and discards as well as the use of AIS 24/7 will substantially increase safety at sea for the crew and observers on board fishing vessels,” said Alfred Schumm, WWF’s Smart Fishing Initiative leader.
This second MCS Emerging Technologies event is supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
