Klemas, V.
Remote sensing of environmental indicators of potential fish
aggregation: An overview
Sustainable use of marine resources requires effective
monitoring and management of the world’s fish stocks. Acoustic and
electromagnetic remote sensing techniques are being used to help manage
fisheries at sustainable levels, while also guiding fishing fleets to locate
fish schools more efficiently. Fish tend to aggregate in ocean areas that
exhibit conditions favored by specific fish species. Some of the relevant
oceanographic conditions, such as sea surface temperature, ocean color
(productivity) and oceanic fronts, which strongly influence natural
fluctuations of fish stocks, can be observed and measured by remote sensors on
satellites, aircraft and ships. The remotely sensed data are provided in
near-real time to help fishermen save fuel and ship time during their search
for fish, to modelers who produce fisheries forecasts, and to scientists who
help develop strategies for sustainable fisheries management. This article
describes how acoustic, optical and radar sensors on ships, satellites and
aircraft are used with forecast models to improve the management and harvesting
of fisheries resources.