AIS Awarded Third Consecutive Contract to Lead NOAA’s Innovative Shark Research Fishery Monitoring Program

This multi-year project keeps AIS at the forefront of next-generation fisheries monitoring, where traditional observer coverage is enhanced, and in some cases, replaced, by intelligent, cost-effective electronic monitoring (EM) tools.

“This award represents more than just a contract win, it reflects NOAA’s continued trust in AIS to lead complex, high-impact programs that drive the future of fisheries science,” said Rebecca Hailey, Vice President of Fisheries at AIS. “Our team is proud to help deliver smarter solutions that support both sustainable harvest and industry viability.”

The Shark Research Fishery plays a vital role in supporting stock assessments and meeting key research objectives for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Since its inception in 2008, the program has relied on a select group of commercial fishermen to participate in highly regulated research fishing trips under strict quotas and 100% observer coverage. These trips collect critical life history and stock data while also generating economic opportunity for participating vessels.

Under the newly awarded contract, AIS will provide full-spectrum project management, overseeing two mission-critical elements:

1. System Validation: Ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and operational effectiveness of the camera-less EM solution through rigorous evaluation and reporting.

2. Cost Reimbursement Administration: Managing financial reimbursements to participating vessels, helping offset study-related costs and incentivizing continued industry collaboration.

Looking ahead, AIS is committed to refining EM tools and workflows that bridge the gap between government, science, and industry, helping ensure both ecological resilience and economic sustainability.