VMStools: Open-source software for the processing, analysis and visualisation of fisheries logbook and VMS data

Abstract

a b s t r a c tVMStools is a package of open-source software, build using the freeware environment R, specifically developed for the processing, analysis and visualisation of landings (logbooks) and vessel location data (VMS) from commercial fisheries. Analyses start with standardized data formats for logbook (EFLALO) and VMS (TACSAT), enabling users to conduct a variety of analyses using generic algorithms. Embedded functionality handles erroneous data point detection and removal, métier identification through the use of clustering techniques, linking logbook and VMS data together in order to distinguish fishing from other activities, provide high-resolution maps of both fishing effort and -landings, interpolate vessel tracks, calculate indicators of fishing impact as listed under the Data Collection Framework at different spatiotemporal scales. Finally data can be transformed into other existing formats, for example to populate regional databases like FishFrame. This paper describes workflow examples of these features while online material allows a head start to perform these analyses. This software incorporates state-of-the art VMS and logbook analysing methods standardizing the process towards obtaining pan-European, or even worldwide indicators of fishing distribution and impact as required for spatial planning.

How can Automatic Identification System (AIS) data be used for maritime spatial planning?

“…1224/2009 establishing a Union control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy). VMS provides reports on the position of the vessel (georeferencing) at regular time intervals ranging from one to two hours (Hintzen et al, 2012). VMS data is generally exploited at a spatial resolution of 1 to 10 km due to transmission being less frequent than with AIS.…”

Using vessel monitoring system (VMS) data to assess the impact of marine protection boundaries on blue ling fishing northwest of the British Isles

“…4), so the apportionment of landings values to VMS point locations may not give a reliable indication of where fishing activity is in relation to the boundaries of protection areas, especially for VMS signals close to those boundaries. Several studies have analysed the uncertainties in assessing vessel trajectories between successive VMS points and the validation of VMSderived fishing effort (Fock 2008 Tools have been developed specifically to assist in the identification and analysis of fishing activity from VMS and logbook data (Hintzen et al 2010;Hintzen et al 2012) and, in 24 P.E. Posen et al: Aquat.…”

Overview of the international fishing activities on the Dogger Bank : update with Dutch, British, Danish, German, Belgian, Swedish and French data for 2010-2015

“…The same method (and script) was used for all countries involved in this study because all of them use the same type of data, except for France and Sweden (see Hintzen, Bastardie et al 2012 for a description of the data format). The pre-processing of the dataset for the Dutch data follows the approach developed in Hintzen et al (2013).…”