SAFET Session #2: What Has Your Data Done for You Lately? Getting the Most from Sustainable Fishing Technology

November 11, 2020, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Pacific (GMT -8)

Data is driving innovation. It’s upending industries and realigning value chains, including in the fisheries space. Integrating different types of data from electronic monitoring and reporting platforms, satellites, autonomous underwater vehicles, low-cost sensors and other tools could open new doors for greater efficiency, better management and sustainability. For example, researchers, managers, fishermen and NGOs around the world have developed tools and approaches to use near real-time data for precision fishing—or to sustainably catch only target stocks and protect often imperiled species and vulnerable wildlife. Advances in big data analytics, AI and mobile technologies are a key part of this ocean data revolution by enabling new ways of understanding and sharing information. And in addition to sustainability, these emerging technology platforms hold promise in a range of other applications including optimizing business operations or providing market benefits like improved catch documentation and traceability.

As climate impacts on our oceans are scrambling the old rules about how many fish can be sustainably caught and where they live, technology is now more essential than ever. That’s why fishermen and managers are increasingly turning to data solutions to enable management that can respond to changing conditions on the water. 

This conference session will illuminate best practices and lessons learned from leading technology experts and practitioners on how to derive more value from ocean data and will include practical advice for creating tools and adaptive management approaches that rely on real-time data collected through cutting edge technologies. Key questions discussed will include:

• What’s been the track record of these tools and approaches in the field?
• What types of incentives are necessary to advance these tools and approaches?
• How can these types of tools be developed in a way that is cost effective and well-integrated into management programs and information systems?
• What are the best practices for collecting, analyzing and sharing data and developing related tools/platforms so that they are user friendly and meet the needs of fishermen?
• How can these technologies and real-time data enable climate-ready fisheries?

Speakers (exact titles to be confirmed)

• Dr. Sara Maxwell, Assistant Professor, University of Washington (keynote speaker)
• Dr. Elliott Hazen, Research Ecologist, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Dr. Steve Martell, Data & Policy Analyst, Sea State Inc. 
• Dr. Transform Aqorau, CEO, iTuna Intel and Founding Director, Pacific Catalyst
• Dr. George Maynard, Cape Cod Fishermen’s Alliance
• Katie Westfall, Director of Ocean Climate Strategies, EDF (moderator)