Imagine a system that would utilize stakeholders to report illegal fishing activities via the web, SMS text messaging, phone, and other sources, while simultaneously using observation technologies such as acoustic monitoring, inexpensive radar, and unmanned aircraft to do the same.  The system could help replace expensive  military surveillance currently used to monitor illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing at a fraction of the cost.  The system could also greatly improve our ability to observe and collaborate data on IUU fishing, while taking action to stop its threat to our oceans. 

The good news is, the plans for this system have been developed by Shah Selbe and the Center for Ocean Solutions.  Funded by COS, the FishNET project focuses on developing inexpensive technology solutions using a web-based information system to capture and analyze official and crowd-sourced data used to combat IUU fishing.  With its integrative and innovative approach, FishNET is gaining well-earned recognition. 

 

FishNET is currently one of ten finalist candidate solutions in the running for the prestigious $100,000 Gulfstream Navigator Award.  Hosted by the Savannah Ocean Exchange, the 2011 award recognizes the best solution for “Shaping the Future of Our Coasts,” a theme selected by the Savannah Ocean Exchange Board of Governors.  The top ten solution submissions were selected by an exclusive panel of experts from various disciplines, and the winning solution will be selected by attendees of The Solutions Exchange in Savannah, GA in September. 

Solutions are evaluated on the criteria of feasibility and ease of implementation, and breadth of application.  Top solutions include those that require readily available resources, are cost effective, and whose benefits outweigh the risks.  In addition, the solution should be versatile and useful in diverse settings.  

FishNET was also selected as a semi-finalist in the 2011 Buckminster Fuller Challenge, highlighted here.    

The winner of The Gulfstream Navigator Award will be announced at The Solutions Exchange on September 8^th, 2011.  Good luck, Shah!

Here's proof that scientists have a sense of humor.  To view a spoof video created by the Savannah College of Art and Design for the 2011 Savannah Ocean Exchange competition, click the video player below: