Remotely-Sensed Data Products For the Fisheries:
A review and synthesis of over 10 different data sources and their potential use in the fisheries

Eric O. Rogers, Ph.D.  and Patrick K. Simpson
Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 242065, Anchorage, Alaska, USA 99524-2065

Abstract

Due to the large areal extent and remote nature of the ocean, satellite remote sensing is necessary for measuring and monitoring the "changing ocean" that is so important to fisheries.  Satellite data offers the combined benefits of large-scale synopticity, high spatial resolution, and frequent repeatability of coverage.  The primary disadvantages are that satellite measurements are generally limited to the very near-surface film of the ocean and visual and infrared measurements are
restricted to cloud-free areas.

While neither the behavior of the ocean nor the behavior of fish is completely understood, there are several factors that are commonly recognized as having an impact on fishing success.  These factors will be examined to identify potential contributions of satellite data.  The various sources for that data will be identified and discussed, along with the spatial and temporal resolution, delivery format, any necessary processing after delivery, any difficulties the application of the data,
and the advantages or disadvantages of each dataset.

To obtain maximum benefit the satellite data must be analyzed in conjunction with all other available data in an integrated GIS
environment.  SciFish has a commercial fishing GIS product Fish Trek 98 which is designed to provide captains with a variety of essential information such as bathymetry, snags, water temperature, historic catch figures, and bycatch.  In addition, vessel captains can log their catch, tide, current, marks, snags, temperature, sea conditions, weather, and lunar conditions in a personalized electronic log book that is fully integrated with all other available data sources.  The product is designed to run on a laptop pc integrated with a GPS for real-time analysis and positioning.  This product is currently in use by commercial fishermen, and will be discussed in a separate presentation.

Funding for this project by NASA grant  CAN-97-MTPE-02 "MTPE-Derived Data Products for the Fisheries", is gratefully acknowledged.