Background
In 2023, a new deep-set fishery targeting swordfish was approved off the U.S. West Coast, opening up fishing opportunities from Southern California to the Oregon–Washington border. Up to 300 vessels will be able to participate off Southern California using either deep-set buoy gear or linked buoy gear, while north of Point Conception the fishery operates under an open-access permit system.
Deep-set gear types were developed and tested through both research and exempted fishing permit (EFP) trials led by the Pfleger Institute of Environmental Research (PIER) since 2011. Results have been encouraging with both gear configurations yielding very low bycatch rates for protected species and high selectivity for swordfish, which make up around 90% of the total catch (Figure 1).
Despite more than a decade of consistent performance, the new fishery still requires onboard observers, likely because of the region’s interaction history with protected species like marine mammals and sea turtles. For the deep-set fleet, which is primarily made up of smaller vessels (<15 m) with limited crew (2-3) and accommodations, carrying an observer can present operational challenges.
In response to concerns raised by fishermen, PIER has been evaluating alternative observation approaches, including electronic monitoring (EM). Initial EM trials were conducted in 2020-21 under a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) award. Recently published results from that work identified system requirements and concluded that appropriate EM systems can accurately document catch composition as effectively as human observers.
New EM Trials
PIER is now conducting a second NFWF-funded project focused on refining EM applications for the deep-set fishery. A main goal is to identify practical monitoring options that accurately document catch composition and fishery interactions while reducing the logistical challenges and burden associated with placing an additional person onboard small vessels.
Following recommendations from the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), PIER was recently issued an EFP to explore fishing opportunities for tuna, swordfish and opah along the West Coast (Figure 2).The latest EFP incorporates the same gear and hauling platform currently authorized for the deep-set fishery, but allows for an extended horizontal footprint (< 10 mi) and increased hook count (<100). Modified configurations are intended to accommodate slightly larger commercial vessels (15-20 m) operating farther from port. Another objective of this ongoing project is to further develop EM hardware, data transfer systems, and video review protocols needed to support reliable and cost-effective monitoring solutions.
To ensure that EM applications meet the needs of both fishermen and managers, PIER again partnered with Saltwater Inc (SWI), an EM service provider that recently developed a small-vessel monitoring system during previous experimental trials. Building on the earlier NFWF-supported efforts, a Saltwater Intelligent Monitoring (SWIM) two-camera system was installed onboard the R/V Malolo and F/V Shearwater in June of 2025. EM data have been collected on all PIER EFP trips targeting tuna and swordfish to date, with additional effort continuing through the end of the 2026 fishing season (Figure 3). Initial trips focused on testing upgraded EM system components, including data collection and transfer capacity, while refining system parameters for effectively monitoring deep-set fishing operations.
Because NOAA-certified observers are required on all EFP trips, continuous EM data summaries from continuous video footage of hauling and fish processing platforms can be directly compared with physical observer reports (Figure 4). Data comparisons will help determine whether EM can maintain or improve data quality with reduced compliance costs and logistical challenges. Video review conducted by Saltwater Inc. using its open-source O2 Review software will support further assessment of EM as a potential alternative to onboard observers, while accounting for operational inconveniences faced by fishermen.
Next Steps
Based on project findings, PIER will provide NOAA’s WCR and the PFMC with system specifications and performance information to better inform future monitoring requirements in the West Coast deep-set fishery. Project collaborators will continue refining data review and integration protocols to support monitoring approaches that provide both managers and fishermen with reliable, workable options for meeting regulatory requirements.
More information about PIER’s EM pilot work is available here. Specific questions can be addressed to Scott Aalbers via email.
Projects in the Field is a series of independently produced articles profiling work supported by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Electronic Monitoring & Reporting Grant Program, and is meant to raise awareness and support for these important initiatives.
