Electronic monitoring services (EMS) is fast becoming an alternative to onboard fisheries observation and may offer cost savings and risk reductions while still meeting the data collection standards of most domestic and international fisheries observation programs. AIS has developed a robust EMS solution that is currently providing services to both domestic and international clients. We work together with industry leading providers of hardware and software that leverage wireless transfer of video data as well as a cloud-based storage system. AIS offers all aspects of the EMS including:

• Consultation for EM project design

• Project management

• Vessel Monitoring PLAN (VMP) development

• EM reviewer training (program specific)

• Onboard EM system installation, training, support

ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM INSTALLATION

We work with electronic monitoring hardware and software providers each with their own unique equipment capabilities. We provide a best value tradeoff for our clients when determining the recommended system for the project requirements and data being collected, taking into consideration the equipment requirements of the regional government program it will be operating in. We utilize local marine installers to ensure systems are professionally installed and have the durability required to sustain long term uninterrupted use, yet maintenance support is nearby.

TRAINED REVIEWERS

Our EM reviewers are selected from our internal pool of employees many of whom are certified by NMFS and operate under a regulatory NOAA Fisheries EM program certified by the regional EM program. Employees are trained on the review software, program objectives, fish species and all other technical aspects of each program. Our EM review team is bolstered by strong field and fisheries biology backgrounds, bringing advanced technical abilities and the attention to detail necessary for efficient review.

PROJECT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

Every EM project has unique goals and objectives based on the fishery and regulatory requirements. Our experienced team works with our clients and the government program administrators to design an EM solution starting with the Vessel Monitoring Plan (VMP) right through data submission, input on scaling, and final reporting for a project. Our prior experience with different regions within the US and international will ensure the most cost-effective way to enroll vessels in existing or new EM programs.

NOAA FISHERIES APPROVED PROVIDER

We are an approved EMS provider for the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office and the NMFS West Coast Region Pacific Coast Groundfish Program. Additionally, we have international experience in the following countries:

VIDEO REVIEW AND DATA MANAGEMENT

All data collected is encrypted and stored and managed in a cloud environment that meets or exceed all security requirements to protect all sensitive or proprietary data.

When paired with an EM Hardware Provider advantages of our solution include:

• Dedicated experienced project management and video review team.

• GPS tracking and secure, encrypted data transfer.

• Wireless EM video data transfer option through cellular, Wi-Fi or satellite connections.

• Clients access live streaming from all vessel cameras via satellite connectivity system.

• High speed internet connectivity onboard vessel available to captain and crew for market updates, access to emergency safety personnel, real time weather and personal devices for e-mail and other communication.

• Communications packages tailored for small, mid, and large-scale fishing vessels—with industry leading price/performance.

• Data is provided to operators and government regulators in industry standard data formats via secure APIs.

• Video data review and database management

• Data analysis and reporting

• QA/QC and third-party verification

• Direct data submission through programming interfaces

• Gulf of Guinea (Ghana)

• South Pacific Ocean (Chile)

• Indian Ocean (Kenya)

• Caribbean Sea (Panama)

Leadership

Rick Usher
Sr. Vice President

Rick Usher’s passion for the ocean began as a child exploring the shores of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. With over 40 years of diverse experience in the marine industry, Rick’s career has spanned from commercial fishing and aquaculture to environmental management. He has captained offshore mussel harvesting vessels, managed quality control for major seafood processing companies, and logged over 5,000 hours as a commercial shellfish diver in New England waters.

In 2004, Rick joined A.I.S., Inc. His career at AIS has taken him across the U.S. and around the world, where has managed fisheries programs as well as numerous environmental monitoring projects collaborating closely with industry partners, including NOAA and the U.S. NAFO delegation. Rick’s dedication to protecting our ocean environments through accurate data collection and analysis continues to drive the mission of AIS.

Mr. Usher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of New England.

Contact:
Phone: 508-990-9054
Email: emsmgmt@aisobservers.com

Christi Smith
EM Program Manager

Christi has lead teams conducting electronic monitoring review for over 10 years. She has extensive experience training EM reviewers on a multitude of different fishery gear types, and leading review for several international EM projects.

Contact:
Phone: 774-762-9923
Email: emsmgmt@aisobservers.com