On 1st January 2011, a video monitoring system has been placed into action on fishing vessels which operate in South Atlantic in order to control the catch of Argentinean Hake population as Argentina is considered to be the world’s largest supply of white fish to other part of the world.
Argentina is the first country which has implemented such system and it has been a compulsory measure for fishing industry. However, those fishing companies who do not abide with this regulation will face sanctions.
The on-board cameras are temper-proof and will detect information that is considered critical for preventing the decline of hake fish. it will also detect if the fishing vessels are using selective fishing methods that allow young species to escape through and the size of fish that has been caught.
The camera also has a location system that indicates whether the fishing vessels have entered a zone where Argentinean hake fishing has been banned or restricted (an area of 180,000 squares km).
Around 40 fishing vessels have been set for pilot testing during the New Year. The system will be set into operation on the remaining fleet after two and a half months. The camera will not be set in artisanal boats.
Ref: http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=53992
