background
Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are widely acknowledged for their fundamental contributions to food security, nutrition, and sustained livelihoods globally -- especially in the developing world. SSF provide 50% of the global catch for direct human consumption and employ nearly 90% of the world’s estimated 120 million fishers. Despite their importance, there is a significant lack of science-based data that allows for effective assessment, monitoring, enforcement, and sustainable management of SSF.
Satellite-based monitoring technology offers a cost-effective solution to data collection, allowing for comprehensive SSF management. Global Fishing Watch (GFW) uses this technology to aid scientific research, advocate for protective marine policies, improve fishery management, and tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Additionally, GFW's spatial and temporal data on the distribution of fishing efforts can be used to better understand fisheries and enhance the following management tasks:
However promising this solution looks, there remains the challenge of uncovering and surmounting the barriers for the global expansion of this technology. Understanding how incentives for technology adoption vary across SSF with different dynamics and characteristics can guide an informed and effective implementation plan that maximizes efficient, rapid, scalable, and sustainable adoption. Panga Watch's mission is to help GFW determine the preferred attributes necessary for the implementation of a vessel tracking program and recommend a technology package based on a fishery's characteristics.
Satellite-based monitoring technology offers a cost-effective solution to data collection, allowing for comprehensive SSF management. Global Fishing Watch (GFW) uses this technology to aid scientific research, advocate for protective marine policies, improve fishery management, and tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Additionally, GFW's spatial and temporal data on the distribution of fishing efforts can be used to better understand fisheries and enhance the following management tasks:
- Assess fishery interactions with target stocks and the environment
- Design and apply fishing pressure indicators
- Record fishing behavior and interaction among vessels
- Establish track records that can be used when discussing access rights
- Create a transparent seafood supply chain for consumers
However promising this solution looks, there remains the challenge of uncovering and surmounting the barriers for the global expansion of this technology. Understanding how incentives for technology adoption vary across SSF with different dynamics and characteristics can guide an informed and effective implementation plan that maximizes efficient, rapid, scalable, and sustainable adoption. Panga Watch's mission is to help GFW determine the preferred attributes necessary for the implementation of a vessel tracking program and recommend a technology package based on a fishery's characteristics.
ContactPanga Watch Group Project
Bren School of Environmental Science & Management 2400 Bren Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5131 email: gp-pangawatch@bren.ucsb.edu |
|