Implementation of electronic monitoring systems (EMS) in Chile to control discards, incidental bycatch and fishing regulation

Within the framework of the implementation of a fisheries management strategy with an
ecosystem approach, and following the recommendations of FAO and other fisheries forums,
aimed at guaranteeing ocean´s sustainability and food security, Chile has developed since
2012 a process of diagnosis, reduction and control of discards and incidental bycatch in its
national fisheries. This process has involved the joint efforts of the regulatory, research and
control agencies along with a collaborative work with the fishing industry, leading the country
to the gradual solution of the problem.
Considering the challenges of controlling and registering discards and incidental bycatch at
sea, Chile recently incorporated the mandatory use of EMS (Image Recording Devices or
cameras onboard - DRI and Electronic Logbook System - SIBE) to control compliance, with
differentiated application depending on the type of fleet, together with the maintenance and
enhancement of human observation programs onboard for scientific purposes.
The results obtained to date in Chilean national fisheries have shown significant reductions in
both, discards and incidental bycatch, proving that the appropriate implementation of
measures and its compliance control may gradually solve the problem.
In addition these new technologies to collect, register, manage and analyse fishing data are
providing a set of possible solutions to update and modernize the fisheries data systems of
the country and to significantly expand the collection and analysis of information, also for
research and management, creating an opportunity to coordinate and enhance the work of
the fisheries management agencies, around the maximization of the use of the information
that can be obtained from these monitoring tools.
For detailed information on EMS objectives, its legal implications, implementation and
evaluation on Chilean national fisheries, see Annex 1.