Developing Technology to Support Real-Time Bycatch Avoidance in the US Sea Scallop Fishery

Beginning in 2010, we collaborated with fishermen to address yellowtail flounder bycatch in the Atlantic scallop fishery.  Using a cooperative and iterative approach, we developed a voluntary, real-time information exchange system that allows fishermen to make better informed decisions about where and when to fish.  We created coded grid maps that allow fishermen to locate their position on the fishing grounds.  Fishermen collect high resolution information on the location and amount of scallop catch and bycatch, and send reports to SMAST scientists using existing Vessel Monitoring System technology. We analyze the bycatch data and send a daily advisory to the fleet with the location of bycatch ‘hot spots’.  By working closely with fishermen throughout development, we have overcome many of the technological challenges, and addressed issues related to data confidentiality.  We collectively decided to utilize the existing Vessel Monitoring System technology for information exchange, which reduced the cost of the program and made it simpler and faster for fishermen to report their catch information.   A standardized macro was developed in 2012 to streamline reporting and improve data quality.  The project is a successful example of how applied technologies can be used to efficiently provide timely information for bycatch avoidance.