The Feasibility and Benefits of a Realtime Information Tool to Support Fishing Selectivity in the New England Groundfish Industry

This project aims to develop a spatial and temporal information tool to assist fishermen develop bycatch avoidance strategies for critical stocks in the New England Groundfish management region. The project is being implemented through a partnership between researchers, industry and fishery managers. It is being led by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and School for Marine Science and Technology at UMass Dartmouth.

The project will enable fishermen to be selective about where and when they fish, to avoid bycatch hot spots and also select target fishing areas by time, place, season, and oceanographic conditions. It will do this through the development of an information tool and system that provides both historical and real time information on the distribution of key species that are to be targeted and avoided. The target species are likely to include yellow tail flounder, cod, and spiny dogfish.

Project implementation is dependent on a number of inputs and operational arrangements. The key requirements need to be specified and agreed by industry to enable the researchers to scope format options that can maximize the functionality and value of the information tool.

This process includes an analysis of how EVTR systems could assist the management and flow of information to the system. The scoping and development of suggested systems for interpreting oceanographic information is also required as is industry approval for access to observer data. The buy-in and engagement of industry is the most critical component of the project, as is networking by these industry partners to realize the ‘real time’ potential. Enhanced use of IT by industry may increase the potential of the tool and is a further consideration for the scoping process.

The project is due to complete year one of project in September 2011, this will include completion of the scoping and feasibility process plus the development of a detailed specification and implementation plan for roll out in year two.