2025/12/15 by Matias Braccini, Abbey Shuttleworth, Jack Parker +4 · 1 voice
Environmental Science · #Ichthyology and Marine Biology #Marine and fisheries research #Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies
paper · doi:10.1071/mf25124
openalex publication_date 2025/12/15 · openalex created_date 2025/12/15 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Accurate catch information on retained, discarded and protected species is required for sustainable ecosystem-based fisheries management. For the shark fisheries operating in Western Australia, such information has been obtained from on-board human observer programs. However, these programs have historically had low coverage, given the costs involved in monitoring a widely distributed fishery with a low commercial value. We mounted two cameras on each of three shark fishing vessels to compare the catch composition derived from on-board observers and cameras and determine the effectiveness of cameras as an alternative fishery-independent monitoring method. We found a very high correlation in the catch composition obtained from observers and cameras. The main differences arising from camera failures or dropout events. Overall, the cameras provided an accurate and reliable way to monitor catch composition, supporting the large-scale implementation of electronic monitoring programs for shark fisheries.