February 20 2014 WCPFC, Pohnpei Malo Hosken (Consultant to SPC) Observer electronic-reporting on board fishing vessels Trials in FSM and RMI in 2013 Options for 2014 February 20 2014 WCPFC, Pohnpei Malo Hosken (Consultant to SPC)

eTUBS – TUBS web platform project

The ‘original’ TUBS (MS Access)

E-reporting System- eTUBS This web based data entry system is visually appealing and user friendly Observers showed high appreciation of using this system of data recording Multiple data entry checks allowed for mistakes to be spotted and rectified: PS-4 calculations and PS-2 Positions entries.

Trainings Trainings were conducted one on one Between four to six days Observers used they previous workbook The quiet environment of the conference room was adequate Trainees helped each other at one stage which was helpful

Hardware Three TOSHIBA laptops 15”screen size with number key pad – Dual core i5 – 4Gb Ram Laptops were sturdy, but perhaps too bulky 13” screen laptops could be tested Computer generated interest by crew on some vessels - laptops were kept in lockers at all times.

At sea conditions Observers spent on average 1.5 hours a day to enter their data in eTUBS Observers felt safer recording data electronically (ie. Password protected) Observers with own cabin performed better using eTUBS

Data export Under the download tab in eTUBS the full report JSON file - 1 mb trip positions KML file - 96 to 120 kb KML file can be opened with google earth, shows a mark for each activity. Fishing sets marked red. Data export from vessels was not tested

Data debriefing Conducted by debriefers over one to two days Corrected workbook was checked against eTUBS data Audited electronic data was assimilated into the TUBs regional database at SPC. Electronic debriefing tool being developed to debrief electronic trials completed by observers

Data quality DQ was high for the seven trips Observers used TUBS as a data verification tools ‘Scores’ were over 90% Journals and trip reports were clear and readable in electronic format – easy to share amongst management staff

Summary Five observers were trained to conduct on-board trials of eTUBS and TUBS. 7 e-reporting trips were conducted ROP minimum standards were collected on the workbook and entered in eTUBS. Observer journal and trip report were also electronically written in MS Word format. Electronic data export is a simple process and data was sent via email and uploaded to DB.

Typology of the ‘e-observer’ Computer literacy is the principal skill needed. Observers should be assessed for their computer skills and/or provided basic computer training. Since this type of reporting involves the use of expensive computer equipment, the observers should have a good track record of professional conduct. The work longevity of the observer is not a big factor in using eTUBS.

2014 Continue and expand trials (NFAs- SPC). Ensure NFAs are equipped with TUBs database system to access electronic-data Keep developing eTUBS Trial eTUBS on long line vessels Produce standards by the end of the year

Building Capacity Observers who have conducted trials have a good understanding of the process and implications of electronic reporting and are seen as valuable resources for future trainings. In view of a large-scale implementation, electronic reporting coordinators would need to be designated and trained to deal with this new form of reporting.

Test new hardware platforms eTUBS was operated under Windows 7 pro and Windows 8 pro. Windows 8 pro can be run on specific brands of tablets and smart phones. These smaller platforms could also be tested. Keyboard and keypad still useful however. Select and use a single platform for large scale implementation.

Refine trainings and trials Training methods and materials can be refined Explore options for providing basic computer training to observers Trial e-debriefing tools Trial observer data upload from vessel to shore (encrypted) Trial USB key ‘booting’ Trial TUBS on LL vessels

Thank you Questions

Vessel E-reporting

Smart PDF – same layout as RPL

eTUNALOG Data entered by captain or officers Position data entry checks Automated catch totals By catch reporting Clear layout, manager interface. Organized folder system and back up system

2013 trials Ten trips were conducted on six vessels Three versions were trialed Updated TUFMAN in NFAs allowed importing e-log data Generated interest in the fishing industry Easy learning curve (same content/layout)

Data transmission Using vessel email For NFAs and SPC: XML format – 5 to 15kb For companY: PDF format – 4 to 8 kb Daily, weekly, end of trip Communication costs reduced

Data integration NORMA and MIMRA are currently able to upload eTUNALOG data into their national TUFMAN databases A log sheet is automatically audited in steps before staff authorize integration Currently still need stamped log sheet to finalize data integration

2014 Expand trials to US fleet with trials in AS NFAs encouraged to work with national fishing companies Ensure NFAs can import e-log data correctly Trial digital signature options Trial eTUNALOG for LL vessels

Thank you Questions