The efficiency of using remote sensing for fisheries enforcement: Application to the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery

This paper analyzes the impact of applying vessel detection technology using satellite images (vesseldetection system, VDS) to complement air patrols for fisheries enforcement and control. Due to limitedfisheries enforcement budgets there is the need to allocate costs efficiently among competing controltools. This paper focuses on assessing the benefits of using VDS jointly with VMS (vessel monitoringsystem) and air patrol surveillance to improve effectiveness of controls. A statistical model to estimatethe number of inspections was developed and was used with enforcement costs data as reported by anumber of EU countries. The result of applying VDS in fisheries enforcement is presented in one of themost demanding fisheries enforcement contexts: the Mediterranean bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery.JRC.G.4-Maritime affair