Affordable Handheld Devices for Fisheries Observers: Field Testing and Future Plans

To reduce the time and resources needed between data collection and data entry, developments of applications that facilitate the exchange of observer data between a remote version of the database and the central database are needed. This would allow an observer to enter and transmit data while at-sea using either an existing vessel monitoring system (VMS) or satellite transmission. Real-time quota monitoring especially under a catch share program is the end goal, but currently not available due to the lack of electronic reporting capabilities. Initial field trials with electronic tablets were positive overall, but several challenges have been identified. These problems, potential fixes, and future modifications to the application will be presented.