Funded
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- Objectives
- Evaluate the suitability of different technologies to remotely and electronically identify FADs
- Background
- FADs may cause significant impacts species and ecosystems.
- Assessing impacts require efficient collection methods for high-quality data, including correct tracking and monitoring of individual FADs throughout their lifetime.
- Currently, FADs are identified using satellite-buoy identifiers, and appropriately obtaining buoys’ alphanumeric serial numbers has traditionally been difficult for observers, and not possible with current EMS capabilities.
- However, this information is key to merge and connect different IATTC databases.
- EMS can generate certain data on FADs (e.g. deployments, removals) but only those types of data that can be collected with cameras.
- An electronic system to automatically detect and identify FADs would improve the value and utility of all types of data, but particularly of data collected by EMS.
- Several technologies for remote identification of objects are currently on the market. These technologies should be tested under contro
- Relevance for management
- Technologies to remotely identify FADs would improve data collection and analyses and the development of comprehensive management recommendations for target and non-target species in the EPO
- Duration
- 12 months
- Workplan and status
- [M 1-3] Preliminary assessment of candidate technologies and providers; purchase equipment.
- [M 4-9] Test technologies under controlled conditions in the Achotines lab, Panama, gradually increasing distance between the FAD and the device used for detection and the potential severity of environmental conditions: tanks, coast, bay and open sea.
- [M 10-12] Report writing
- External collaborators
- Satlink and Digital Observer Services (DOS)
- Deliverables
- May 2023: reports for the FAD working group and SAC meetings with the summary of pros and cons of all the technologies considered, with specific proposals on preferred technologies for remote FAD identification and a future action plan.