Electronic Monitoring
Electronic monitoring (or e-monitoring) uses onboard digital cameras and a control system to monitor and record fishing activity. The images and video footage are stored on a hard drive and then compared with the fisher's logbook information about catch and interactions with threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species.
The process of comparing footage from onboard cameras with logbook information provided by fishers is a form of independent data validation. Onboard cameras are a tool currently being used in other fishery jurisdictions to assist with independent data validation.
Onboard Camera Field Trial
The field trial aims to test the ability of onboard cameras, control systems and software to detect interactions with threatened, endangered and protected species and other bycatch during commercial fishing activities. Cameras will be installed on boats to capture footage of the gear retrieval and catch sorting process.
The trial also aims to test whether the equipment is compatible with different fishing methods and various boat types and layouts in Queensland's trawl fishery. It will also test to make sure the equipment doesn't interfere with day-to-day fishing operations.
The onboard camera field trial will focus on the priority trawl fishing symbols listed below (Table 1), as most interactions with TEP species occur when fishing under these symbols. Participation in the field trial is voluntary and will run for approximately 12 months. Costs associated with the field trial will be co-funded by Queensland and Australian governments. All costs associated with the field trial will be covered by the department.
Table 1: Summary of priority trawl fishing symbols for the onboard camera field trial
Get Involved
We are looking for commercial operators from the priority trawl fisheries who would like to contribute to the onboard camera field trial. You'll work closely with Fisheries Queensland and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to see if onboard cameras can work for your fishery and fishing operation.
For further information about the trial or how you can get involved, please submit your details in the 'Contact Us' section on the right. Additional information is available in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) accessible in the ‘Document library’ section on the right.
If you would like to receive updates on the progress of the onboard camera field trial, press the "Follow project" button on the top right.
