Relevance of Data Analytics in Fisheries: Unveiling Insights for Sustainable Management - A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The value of fish resources to socioeconomic development is immense. However, there is growing evidence that continuous fishing-both at sea and in freshwater sources is threatening the availability of fish resources evidenced by the dwindling fisheries resources. Cognizant of this, several fisheries institutions, governments, and local users have come up with several strategies to promote sustainable fishing. Unfortunately, most of the initiatives have not fully managed to repulse unsustainable fishing practices. Owing to this we use a systematic literature review to argue and present a case for governments and fishery management organizations to invest in data analytics as a new pathway that can give a comprehensive, near real-time view of both ocean resources and coastal fishing activities in light of the declining fish stocks and escalating environmental problems. The review documented that by using data analytics, governments, and fisheries management organizations/individuals may respond more swiftly to external forces like climate change and implement new policies and regulations thus promoting sustainable fisheries management.