USVI and Puerto Rico Digital Deck Pilot Project

Project IntroductionAugust 13, 2013

Charles SteinbackEcotrust

Project Overview• Pilot project to develop, test, and implement

an electronic catch report mobile application to support:− Collaborative fishing efforts,− Better track and manage fisheries data, and− Provide information to aid harvest management

decisions (effectively monitor regulations, such as Annual Catch Limits)

• It will also provide fishermen with real-time access to their catch information to more effectively participate in the management of their fishery and business.

Partners and Timeline• We will be working with fishermen on St.

Croix, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico, and collaborating with local Fisheries Associations, the USVI Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Caribbean Fishery Management Council, and NOAA.

• 12 month project, starting July 2013− Needs assessment (months 1-3)− System design (months 2-3)− Prototype and testing (months 3-7)− System implementation (months 8-12)

Status/Update• Attended fisher registration in St. Croix and St.

Thomas− Presented project, 19 STX and 14 STT (will form

working group) to help design, test, and implement.• Currently building catch report entry form for

use on phone, tablet, and laptop/desktop• Next – meet with fishers that have signed up in

STX and STT to begin design and test plan• Work with agencies and fishers to determine

how best to expand and implement project in PR

ContactCharles SteinbackDirector of Marine Planning, Ecotrustcharles@ecotrust971-404-5632

• Funding− National Fish and Wildlife Foundation− NOAA