Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Electronic Networks - Agents of Change to Improve Fishery Information

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Electronic Networks – Agents Of Change to Improve Fishery Information

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region, (DFO) has been adopting new technologies in the development of electronic fishery information systems in Commercial, Recreational and First Nations fisheries since 2005.  Improved fishery information including the development and use of new technologies is a key priority for DFO, in particular Pacific Region as outlined in the recently developed “Strategic Framework for Fishery Monitoring and Catch Reporting in Pacific Fisheries”.  New software development and communication technologies have been explored and adopted in a move to modernize fisheries and improve the collection of information for fisheries management and scientific use. New technologies include: satellite modems, cellular phones and smart phones. These new technologies have allowed data entry to be shifted to the source rather than to DFO Staff or other third party for entry and to be available for managers and scientists in near real time if required. This shift has led to changes within the fishing industry itself. The Industry has recognized the convenience and efficiency to their operations of using these technological tools and that the accountability for funding and provision of fishery operation information is their responsibility.  A more proactive and collaborative approach and a willingness to do business differently is being observed in many fisheries.