Project Overview:
This pilot project will test a newly developed, low-cost EM system developed by archipelago called LIME in combination with a tablet-based electronic logbook (E-Log) to determine its effectiveness as a tool to improve data quality and the timeliness of in-season management decisions, specifically related to the spatial distribution of crab gear to mitigate marine mammal interactions. The first phase of this project will serve as a proof-of-concept trial to validate whether this EM system can successfully collect EM data on-board two crab fishing vessels based out of Westport, WA, and to develop the data flow and reporting protocols that will meet WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) management needs.