European Union System of Fisheries Management Based on Information and Communication Technology

Abstract

The fishing industry in Europe has faced environmental, economic, and social challenges. Since the early 2000s, a key tool in addressing these challenges has been information and communication technology (ICT), which has helped to modernize fishery systems in European Union (EU) countries. The ICT used in EU fisheries can be categorized broadly as 1) macro-technologies such as satellite and other remote sensing technologies in combination with geographical information systems, 2) micro-technologies adapted for fishing vessels such as echo sounders, ship navigation devices, and mobile communication devices to connect fishermen and consumers, and 3) onshore micro-technologies related to internet technology and mobile devices. The European Monitoring Center on Change has used ICT to effectively manage fisheries bio-resources. This use of ICT has contributed to the development of sustainable and competent fisheries in the 2000s, even though the knowledge-sharing practices involved are contrary to the long tradition of autonomy within the fishery industry.