Mapping Small-Scale Fisheries: Using Remote Sensing Technology to Develop a Fisheries Footprint in the US Caribbean

Abstract

The commercial fisheries of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are largely comprised of small, local operations fishing close to shore. Due to the nature of these vessels and the areas in which their target species are found, these fisheries are challenging to monitor using conventional methods. While this issue is not unique to the U.S. Caribbean, the lack of spatial data on these operations becomes particularly problematic in the context of expanding plans for ocean use within US territorial waters. This project will cover ongoing efforts by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) to develop a spatial extent of commercial fishing operations within the US Caribbean, also known as a fisheries footprint, in support of future marine spatial planning projects in this region. To fill these data gaps, we are using remote sensing data, specifically synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which provides all-weather imaging of ocean spaces. This paper will also discuss the strengths and limitations of SAR data in monitoring a fishery of this scale, highlighting the aspects of fishing activity that remain unaccounted for and require further research to identify the best monitoring approaches.