Automatic Identification System (AIS) as a potential tool for Small-Scale Fisheries Management and Governance in Liberia

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) in Liberia typically have little or no means to track artisanal vessel movements. Combined with the open access nature of SSF this has contributed to overexploitation of and overcapacity in these fisheries: there are influxes of the unlicensed and unmarked vessel from neighboring countries that conduct illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing with little or no fear of been caught because of weak surveillance. A vessel monitoring system (VMS) is a pre-licensing requirement for all commercial vessels in Liberian territorial waters, and this has helped support sustainable management of the fisheries resources. However, no such systems are used in SSF. This study will examine the potential utility and cost-effectiveness of Automatic Identification System (AIS) as a tool for sustainable management and governance of SSF in Liberia using a feasibility analysis that examines the advantages and disadvantages of using AIS in this context. As a whole the study will help to inform decisions about whether to implement AIS in this context, and if so, how to design the system for maximum efficiency and effectiveness