A Tiger by the Tail: Information Systems and the Revolution in Fisheries



Information technology has changed the technical, social, and economic landscape of our world. Fisheries have been trailing because the communication backbone – the internet – is not readily available at sea. Rugged ship-board conditions make it more difficult to operate and maintain computers and associated electronics. Technologies are being developed that address these difficulties, and at-sea connectivity will improve over the next decade. The result will be a revolutionary change in the way fishery information is used and the way members of the broader fishing community interact. One predictable effect will be more available data leading to improved two-way information flow and advances in knowledge. Also predictable is a leveling of the playing field, giving fishermen more information and control and the ability to interact with managers on a more equal basis. Near-real-time data flow, combined with environmental information from satellites,ocean observing systems, and the vessels themselves, will enable fishermen to more closely target their catch. If the technological community can work with scientists, managers, and the seafood industry to develop a shared vision for the new information infrastructure we can exert control over outcomes to foster a rational, cost-efficient industry while conserving fish stocks and maintaining balanced ecosystems.