This session will explore the underlying reasons and requirements for monitoring fisheries. 
It will examine the historical, legal, and stewardship-related issues that have led society, governments, NGOs, eco-labels, etc. to require fisheries to be monitored. It will examine the many (and increasing) types of information needed from monitoring programs – for scientific, compliance and management purposes, to monitor bycatches of general discards and charismatic species, to monitor human rights abuses, pollution, seafood traceability, eco-certification, etc.

 2. Law enforcement involvement in monitoring

Many at-sea monitoring programs include an enforcement component, which may involve direct participation by enforcement agents in the monitoring program, training, and debriefing processes, or when an infraction is reported. Whatever the involvement, many programs depend on enforcement involvement for successful implementation of the monitoring program. Enforcement personnel, fishery managers, and observers all play crucial roles that require cooperation and open communication to be successful. This session will explore the experiences of law enforcement in at-sea monitoring, highlighting both the advantages and challenges.

3. Observer safety and readiness

Observers face many challenges and risks while deployed on a huge variety of vessels worldwide. Besides navigating the harsh environment at-sea, they must deal with infectious diseases, cultural differences, stress, fatigue, isolation, unsafe vessels and sometimes even violence. Programs have the task of helping observers to cope with these factors through support, training, technology, and equipment. This session will explore some of the issues faced by observers and how protocols, training, and technology can help reduce the risks associated with observing

4. Mental health of observers

The physical challenges of observing at sea are well known and addressed in training programs. However, psychological and emotional challenges are issues that can adversely affect an observer’s mental health and wellbeing when deployed. During debriefing processes, observers have displayed frequent signs of depression; fatigue, insomnia, feeling helpless and eating disorders. This session will focus on case studies of mechanisms to deal with mental health issues of observers, as well as strategies and support and training options adopted by observer programs.

5. Observer’s tools of the trade.

Observers are increasingly relying on technological tools to enhance data collection, efficiency, personal safety, and other workplace issues. Observer programs offer valuable insights into various technology choices, particularly regarding their integration and the resulting benefits. This session will focus on the operational impacts of technology, rather than on the specific features of the technology itself.

6. (De)briefing and mentoring of observers.

Most observer programs after the completion of a trip require a formal, face-to-face debriefing with the observer to ensure observer safety and welfare, and to validate and ensure data quality standards were met. At the same time, some observers have reported being mentored before, during and after deployment by a more experienced observer. Both processes are extremely important in providing support, feedback, and ultimately improving the quality of data being collected by observers at sea. This session will examine examples of best practices of both approaches.

7. Industry engagement with at-sea monitoring.

While fisheries at-sea monitoring programs can lead to tensions between regulators and industry, when fishers and at-sea monitoring programs work together there are often far greater benefits realized. There are several examples where industry has become actively engaged in monitoring, leading to results that are better than those obtained when either group operates in isolation. This session will explore these collaborations to identify best practices and highlight opportunities to improve outcomes for industry and at-sea monitoring programs.

8. AI applications in Electronic Monitoring.

As EM programs evolve, there is increasing emphasis on program costs, data quality and timeliness of data delivery. To balance these priorities, many programs are integrating cutting-edge technology like AI and machine learning (ML). This session will focus on examples of AI and ML applications already implemented in EM programs.

9. Implementing and managing EM programs.

EM technology has been around for over two decades and there is now a width of experience in many agencies and companies responsible for fishery monitoring. Issues such as interoperability and applicability to other fisheries, data confidentiality, and funding models will be examined to identify “best-practices” in established EM programs.

10. Data management

Efficient data handling, database design, electronic data storage and archive systems are critical to modern data management in any field including fisheries management. This session will explore how these elements ensure that monitoring data are collected, processed, stored, and retrieved efficiently and securely while remaining accessible for further analysis and decision-making.

11. Standardization of at-sea monitoring programs

The standardization of at-sea monitoring programs is key for maximizing data quality, particularly if the data from these programs are shared and pooled between countries, regions, and stocks. Examples of this are the disparate at-sea monitoring programs in the U.S. and EU and their common data uses. These coordinated approaches reflect the diverse needs of regional/national observer and technology-based programs while achieving consistency in key areas of importance, such as funding, safety, health, and data quality. This session will review and identify the best practices adopted in national and regional programs and explore various approaches for coordinating monitoring programs.

12. Monitoring artisanal and recreational fisheries

Monitoring of artisanal and recreational fisheries is difficult due to the small nature of vessels, and highly dispersed nature of fishing effort and gears. This session will focus on exploring how to overcome these monitoring challenges, providing an opportunity to discuss successful experiences and different approaches used worldwide. Methodological aspects, innovative solutions, the use of alternative sources of information, along with human, social and economic aspects that need to be considered when working in both artisanal and recreational fisheries will also be discussed.

13. Novel applications of at-sea monitoring data

At-sea monitoring programs are designed to observe and
collect data related to fishing activities, typically with a focus on catch
composition, bycatch, and compliance with fishing regulations. However, these
programs can collect additional data, and while not directly aligned with the
primary objectives, can provide significant insights into broader environmental
and social issues. For example, documentation of marine debris, gear conflicts
such as entanglements with other marine operations and human welfare. This
session will look to explore these alternative and very often novel uses of
complementary data that is collected in many programs around the world, and its
potential diverse uses.

14. The future of at sea-monitoring

As the demand for information and data from these programs
grows, so does the adoption of new methodologies and technologies, along with
the need to integrate with larger-scale monitoring initiatives. This session
will highlight the changes that have already taken place in some programs,
explore potential future monitoring programs, and provide insights into new or
emerging programs and the challenges they encounter.