EM (Electronic Monitoring)

Electronic monitoring (EM) is independent at-sea documentation of fishing activity using onboard cameras, GPS, and gear sensors, with the recorded video reviewed ashore by trained analysts. It complements or substitutes for human observers, and is used where observer coverage is low or where vessel size or safety makes carrying observers hard. Programs differ by review intensity: NOAA Fisheries runs EM at 100% camera coverage on covered trips with a set fraction of footage audited, and best-practice guidance for RFMOs calls for full recording coverage with random review of at least 20% of activity. EM verifies retained and discarded catch, checks logbook accuracy, and is a tool against IUU fishing.