In an era where sustainable fishing practices are more critical than ever, the Gulf Fisheries Research Foundation (GFRF), in partnership with Integrated Monitoring Inc. (IM) and LGL Ecological Research Associates, is leading a groundbreaking initiative to enhance data collection in the Gulf of Mexico’s headboat and multi-passenger charter fishing industry. This project, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program, aims to revolutionize the way we monitor and manage fishery resources by trialing a Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) system tailored specifically for this unique sector.
Current Challenges in Data Collection
The Gulf of Mexico’s headboat and multi-passenger charter fleet, comprising approximately 40-50 headboats (up to a 100 passengers) and several hundred multi-passenger boats (typically, 20-50 passengers), presents significant challenges for accurate data collection. Traditional methods, such as Dock Side Intercept surveys (DISP) and the Southeast Regional Headboat Survey (SRHS), have limitations. These methods rely heavily on self-reported data, which lacks independent validation, making it difficult to ensure the accuracy of reported catch and discard rates.
One of the primary issues with current data collection methods is the lack of real-time monitoring and the potential for human error or misreporting. Dockside intercept surveys, while useful, only provide a snapshot of the catch and miss crucial details about discards and interactions with prohibited species. Self-reported data from logbooks can be unreliable without an independent means of validation. This gap in data collection impacts the ability to manage quotas effectively and ensure the long-term health of fish stocks.
The Need for Enhanced Monitoring
Accurate and timely data are crucial for sustainable fishery management. The headboat and multi-passenger fleet play a significant role in the Gulf of Mexico’s recreational fishing industry, targeting species such as Red Snapper and grouper. These species economically valuable and ecologically significant. Mismanagement of these stocks due to inaccurate data can lead to overfishing or unnecessary restrictions, both of which have detrimental effects on the ecosystem and the fishing industry.
The introduction of a Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) system might address some of these challenges by providing a continuous and objective method of data collection. Yet there is no existing platform. By recording video footage of fishing activities and using AI to analyze this data, REM systems could offer precise and comprehensive insights into catch and discard rates, species composition, and fishing effort. This technology enhances the reliability of data and supports more informed decision-making for fishery management.
Introducing Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM)
To address these challenges, the GFRF, IM, and LGL are piloting an innovative REM program. This program leverages advanced technologies such as wireless video transfer, AI-assisted video review, and broadband applications to provide a comprehensive monitoring solution. The key technologies include:
1. Starlink Maritime Wireless REM: Provides real-time monitoring capabilities at sea, ensuring continuous data transmission even in remote areas. This integration allows for the seamless transfer of video and telemetry data from the vessel to the cloud, facilitating real-time analysis and decision-making.
2. Monitor Platform: An online video review platform that integrates video data, telemetry, and AI annotations, streamlining the review process and enhancing data accuracy. Monitor’s user-friendly interface allows for easy access and analysis of data, making it a valuable tool for researchers and fishery managers.
3. AI-Assisted Video Review: Utilizes AI to detect fish catch events, significantly reducing the time required for manual video review. By automatically identifying and marking these events, the AI system could allow reviewers to focus on verifying the data rather than sifting through hours of footage.
Project Implementation and Accomplishments
Over the past few months, the project team has made significant progress:
- Vessel Installations: REM systems have been installed on key vessels such as the FV American Spirit, the FV Cavalier, and the FV Hustler. These installations offer accurate real-time position data, synched with video feed from multiple cameras. The camera systems are designed to capture detailed images and videos for AI annotation and training. The strategic placement of cameras ensures maximum coverage of fishing activities, providing an accurate sample from each trip.
- Data Collection and Review: The American Spirit has completed over 50 trips using the EM system, with LGL currently reviewing the collected data to evaluate the system’s effectiveness. Preliminary results indicate that the REM system captures critical data points more accurately than traditional methods, demonstrating its potential for broader application.
- Technology Integration: The introduction of Starlink has enhanced real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing seamless data transfer from vessel to cloud. This advancement not only improves the efficiency of data collection but also provides commercial benefits to the fishing industry by offering onboard internet services to passengers.
AI and Image Library Development
A critical component of this project is the development of AI algorithms and an image library to automatically identify fish species, particularly Red Snapper and other reef fish. Cameras on participating vessels will capture high-quality images, which will be annotated and used to train AI models. This work, in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts and NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center, aims to refine species recognition algorithms and reduce video review costs.
The AI system’s ability to accurately identify fish species is essential for validating self-reported data and ensuring compliance with fishery regulations. By automating the identification process, the AI system could reduce the burden on human reviewers and increase the efficiency of data analysis. This technological advancement represents a significant step forward in fisheries monitoring and management.
Commercial and Scientific Benefits
The REM system provides commercial advantages for the fishing industry. By integrating Starlink, vessels can offer Wi-Fi packages to customers, enhancing the onboard experience and creating additional revenue streams. This commercial application incentivizes fleet adoption of REM technology, promoting broader participation and data collection.
Furthermore, the availability of real-time data allows fishery managers to make more informed decisions about quota management and stock assessments. Accurate and timely data are critical for ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. The REM system provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for collecting this data, supporting the long-term goals of fishery management.
Future Directions and Expansion
The promising results from the initial pilot testing suggest that a broader implementation may be possible across the Gulf of Mexico’s headboat and multi-passenger fleet. Upcoming installations on vessels such as the New Buccaneer will further test the system’s scalability and effectiveness. Long-term goals include the development of a cost-effective REM program that can be adopted by other fisheries, enhancing data accuracy and supporting sustainable fishery management practices.
As the project progresses, the team plans to expand the AI capabilities to identify a range of species and improve the accuracy of catch and discard data. Collaborations with academic institutions and government agencies will continue to refine the technology and ensure its effectiveness. The ultimate goal is to create a robust and scalable REM system that can be used globally to support sustainable fisheries management.
Conclusion
The GFRF, in collaboration with IM and LGL, is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for fisheries monitoring. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, this project aims to fill critical gaps in data collection, ensuring sustainable management of the Gulf of Mexico’s valuable fishery resources. The REM system not only enhances scientific data collection but also offers commercial benefits, making it a win-win for both the fishing industry and marine conservation efforts. As we continue to trial and refine these technologies, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable future for the Gulf of Mexico’s headboat and multi-passenger charter fishing industry.
Captain Abby Webster is Program Manager for the Gulf Fisheries Research Foundation and Josh Wiersma is VP Business Development and Science for Integrated Monitoring. They welcome your comments or questions about this project (contact info in the EM4Fish Community Directory). Projects in the Field is a series of independently produced articles profiling work supported by NFWF’s Electronic Monitoring & Reporting Grant Program, and is meant to raise awareness and support for these important initiatives.
