KAILUA-KONA (13 March 2025) The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) met this week to address key issues on electronic monitoring (EM) implementation in longline fisheries. EM uses camera systems to monitor fishing activity onboard vessels while at sea. Discussions centered on EM sampling strategies, funding uncertainties and socioeconomic impacts on Hawai‘i and American Samoa fisheries. An EM program is envisioned to be the primary at-sea monitoring and data collection mechanism for the 150 and 11 active vessels in the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries, respectively.

Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) staff outlined an EM sampling design to determine estimates of rare events, such as protected species interactions. SSC members discussed the advantages and challenges of EM compared to human observers and how reduced observer coverage could be addressed. “While the immediate focus might be to implement an EM program, it is critical to think about where you want the program to be in 10 years and to plan for that now in the design phase,” said SSC member Dr. Shelton Harley. “A good example of this is ensuring that EM data are easily integrated with other data sources, such as logbooks and vessel monitoring data.” The SSC will advise the Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on technical aspects of EM implementation through a working group it recommended.

Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) staff reported NMFS plans to phase in EM from this year through 2027, using available funding. However, budget constraints are expected to reduce human observer coverage. The transition plan envisions outfitting all Hawai‘i and American Samoa vessels with EM camera systems by 2027, with immediate outreach to vessel owners and operators.

The SSC reviewed economic analyses outlining potential cost savings and challenges. PIRO noted the industry may need to share some EM costs, including camera system replacements every three years. SSC members raised concerns about the financial burden on vessel owners and the uncertainty of long-term funding. “These fisheries already operate on slim profit margins,” said SSC member Dr. Alister Hunt. “The federal agency is presumably saving costs by shifting from observers to EM, which is a good thing—so why place that burden on fishermen?”

The Western Pacific Region has long maintained NMFS should cover monitoring costs primarily intended for protected species estimation. The SSC recommended analyses on regulatory burdens and costs to fisheries be provided in June 2025 to inform Council decisions.

SSC members emphasized the importance of early industry engagement, cost transparency and evaluating EM’s effectiveness in replacing at-sea human observers. Discussions will continue as the Council works toward a proposed amendment, with initial action expected in June 2025.

EM Background

The Council first discussed the EM concept in 2002, before it became a widely used cost-effective fisheries monitoring tool. Longline fisheries have historically relied on human observers, with a 20% target coverage rate. Internationally, longline fisheries are required to have 5% observer coverage. In December 2024, the Council directed an action team to develop an amendment authorizing EM on all vessels, primarily for protected species monitoring. The action team has since drafted potential alternatives for the Council’s June 2025 meeting, including vessel assignments during the phase-in period.

Catch Limits for Uku, Precious Corals and Deepwater Shrimp

The SSC also provided recommendations on catch limits for several Council-managed Hawaiian fisheries to ensure sustainable harvest levels.

For uku (gray jobfish/blue-green snapper) in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI), the SSC recommended a catch limit of 408,957 pounds for the 2026-2029 fishing years. This recommendation is based on the latest scientific assessment, which found the stock is healthy but cautioned that catching at this level could gradually reduce fish populations. To help prevent overfishing, the SSC advised keeping a three-year review process to adjust future limits if needed.

For MHI precious corals and deepwater shrimp, the SSC recommended keeping current catch limits in place through 2028 (see table). These fisheries have low harvest levels, but experts noted that if new fishers entered and began harvesting large amounts, it could affect long-term sustainability. The 2022-2023 average catch for deepwater shrimp was 19,287 pounds. The SSC also urged PIFSC to provide updated assessments of these fisheries to ensure the latest science is used to guide future management decisions.

The SSC meeting agenda and documents can be found at www.wpcouncil.org/event/155ssc-meeting. The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet March 25-27, 2025, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, www.wpcouncil.org/event/202nd-council-meeting.

 Scientific and Statistical Committee: James Lynch (chair); Debra Cabrera (University of Guam); Frank Camacho (University of Guam); Courtney Carothers (University of Alaska Fairbanks); Milani Chaloupka (University of Queensland); Cathy Dichmont (Cathy Dichmont Consulting); Erik Franklin (University of Hawai‘i); Shelton Harley (Fisheries Consultant); Jason Helyer (Hawai‘i Div. of Aquatic Resources); Ray Hilborn (University of Washington); Alister Hunt (Finology); Dave Itano (Fisheries Consultant);  Keena Leon Guerrero (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Div. of Fish & Wildlife); Domingo Ochavillo (American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources); Graham Pilling (The Pacific Community); Jim Roberts (Anemone Consulting); Justin Suca (University of Hawai‘i); Robin Waples (University of Washington); Charles Littnan (ex-officio) (National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center).

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Will Sword, noncommercial fisherman/engineer (American Samoa) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Judith Guthertz, University of Guam (Guam) (vice chair); Pete Itibus, noncommercial fisher (CNMI); Shaelene Kamaka‘ala, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Hawai‘i); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Dawn Chang, Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (vice chair); Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture; and Archie Soliai, American Samoa Government (vice chair). Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Colin Brinkman, U.S. State Dept.; Brian Peck, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and RADM Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.