Data Management and the Way Forward

The intent of this paper is to review the current electronic systems in place for NPFC, as well as those under development and propose a way forward to merge these initiatives into a coordinated, effective database that is user friendly to Members for analyses, report writing and management purposes.

Current and developing NPFC e-systems include:

• Direct Entry Vessel Registry;
• Collaboration website;
• e-IUU Vessel Listing;
• e-Information Management (as a start for the compliance monitoring scheme) and
• e-Reporting for annual reports.

We have also developed a collaboration site on the web to enable Members to develop, share and edit documents under discussion.  Linked to these systems in future is expected to be a regional VMS to enable scientists to utilize the information for fine tuning VMEs and establishing closed areas, as well as fleet monitoring for compliance purposes.  The various e-systems noted above are our future, however we need to determine how to link them electronically to be effective and user friendly for our Members, the scientific committees, compliance committees and management.