International workshop on remote-sensing applications to fisheries

Abstract

A workshop on fisheries was held in Noumea on November 21, 2008 to address remote-sensing applications to fisheries adapted to the particular needs and problems of Western and Central Pacific Island countries. During the workshop, presentations and discussions covered various topics related to remote sensing of coastal and open ocean waters and its applications to fisheries. Participants were introduced to remote sensing of ocean colour and its significance vis-à-vis the marine food web. Applications to fisheries included improvements of fisheries operations to increase efficiency of fishing effort, assessment of fish stocks health, growth and recruitment, and ecosystem dynamics. A project on the Societal Applications in Fisheries & Aquaculture using Remote Sensing Imagery (SAFARI) and a global Network for marine ecosystem management (ChloroGIN) were also presented. The particular issues arising in the use of remote sensing for fisheries in the tropical island regimes were reviewed and recommendations on the use of remote sensing in the context of fisheries were presented.