Fishery observers address arctic fishery discards

Abstract

Fishery observers are prevalent actors in the global effort to reduce discards in fisheries, but there remains considerable uncertainty about how effective they are. We analyzed high-resolution logbook records of individual hauls (n = 127 415) across five-and-a-half-years (2012–2018) for all of Greenland’s large-scale fisheries to determine if onboard fishery observers influence the mandatory reporting of discards. To do so, we used exact matching to compare reported discards for observed and unobserved hauls (each time a catch is recorded), thus controlling for systematic differences between monitored and unmonitored practices. After adjusting for variables that represent species caught, gear, vessel, owner, year, license, and location, we found that skippers systematically underreport discards when no observers are on board. Systematic underreporting was most pronounced in less valuable fisheries, in contrast to theoretical arguments in previous studies. The differences between reported discards from observed and unobserved fishing leads us to assume that onboard observers encourage more faithful logbook records. Thus, onboard observers play a vital role in improving information on the environmental impact of fishing and in turn, make a key contribution to sustainable fisheries management.

Multidimensional Indicators to Assess the Sustainability of Demersal Small-Scale Fishery in the Azores

“…Nevertheless, bycatch rates of vulnerable species associated with hook-and-line fisheries have been reported worldwide [43] (e.g., [50][51][52]). Having accurate and precise information on fishery discards is challenging [53], and the numbers presented for the study might be an underestimation of the real values, which may lead to inadequate fishery management measures. One way to gather more precise estimations is with monitorization onboard.…”

“…However, it is a difficult task for a small-scale fishery with a high number of small boats with limited capacity and independent fishers. Another alternative would be to use electronic monitoring (sensors and video), but it is expensive and may require a certain level of computer experience [53].…”

Attitudes and behaviors for understanding compliance in Greenland's Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fishery

“…Understanding the extent of compliance is the first measure to identify for understanding the drivers of compliance (Conteh et al, 2015; Snyder & Erbaugh, 2020). However, respondents may be reluctant to share why they choose not to comply with catch reporting or other salmon fishery regulations.…”

Estimating Bycatch Mortality for Marine Mammals: Concepts and Best Practices

“…Observer programs are therefore discussed at length, including program-design considerations, data collection, statistical analysis, and common sources of estimation bias. In addition to their value for directly estimating bycatch, scientific observer programs can also be used to assess and improve compliance of required mitigation measures, estimating the efficacy of such measures (e.g., comparing bycatch rate estimates before and after mitigation, or in sectors of the fisheries with vs. without mitigation), and improve the quality of information provided by fishermen (Cox et al, 2007;Porter, 2010;Snyder and Erbaugh, 2020). Because scientific observer programs tend to be expensive and logistically difficult to implement, we also discuss alternative approaches and data types for making bycatch inferences, and the caveats associated with these.…”