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Aquaculture 2018
S e p t e m b e r 2 0 - 2 1 , 2 0 1 8
L i s b o n , P o r t u g a l
Page 32
Journal of
ISSN: 1307-234X
E u r o p e a n S u mm i t o n
Aquaculture, Fisheries
and Horticulture
This study presents a general evaluation of Monitoring Control and
Surveillance of vessels (MCS) in the Mediterranean Sea. The MCS, with
satellite technology, was applied to the Mediterranean, in order to achieve
a comprehensive picture of the maritime traffic and presence of fishing
vessels over a one-year period. Satellite data, as AIS (Automatic Identification
System), was reviewed for the entire Mediterranean Sea for the period between
1st Apr’ 2015 to the 1st Apr’ 2016. Information concerning vessels, IUU lists
and other fisheries regulations obtained from updated databases completed
the analysis. Enforcement and regulatory expertise together with machine
learning, 3D gaming and cyber security were used to empower fisheries
enforcement and compliance. Maps are presented using QGIS software. As a
result of the analysis, a total of 41,519 unique AIS vessel ID´s were detected in
the Mediterranean area of interest during the review period. An intense traffic
area, with shipping lanes running across the Western Mediterranean from the
Strait of Gibraltar to Italy, South of Italy and Greece, and between Italy and Egypt
were identified. Another area of intense traffic was detected between Greece
and Turkey. AIS activity specifically identifying fishing vessels suggested that
these commonly transit the area to fish on the coastal areas surrounding the
Adriatic, Spanish coast, South Sicily and Greece. Results highlight that satellite
monitoring technology can drastically reduce the time and cost associated
with traditional means of surveillance at sea. It significantly improves the
chances of detecting illegal fishing and serves to supplement patrol activities,
through planning recommendations, based on the identification of targets and
areas of investigation.
Biography
Laura Fontan Bouzas has completed an International MSc in
Fisheries Management from Alicante University and a Degree
in Oceanography from the University of Vigo. Her experience
includes over 10 years in fisheries and a deep knowledge of
fisheries law enforcement, illegal fishing/satellite technology
and the application of the ecosystem approach to fisheries.
She has academic and professional consultancy expertise
at international level and has also worked aboard a variety
of oceanographic vessels. She has held several lectures at
international events covering her areas of expertise.
Satellite technology for monitoring control in the
Mediterranean Sea
Laura Fontan Bouzas and M Gross
Oxford, UK
Laura Fontan Bouzas et al., Journal of Volume:12
DOI: 10.21767/1307-234X-C1-003