Video reef fishing for data

Somewhere off the coast of Florida, a fishing boat bobs in the swell. Nate Bacheler helps swing a large metal fish trap over its side. It’s no ordinary trap; and Bacheler’s no ordinary fisherman. He is a biologist with NOAA Fisheries. In each trap are two HD video cameras. Scientists are using the trap-videos to estimate the population size of reef fish, including important species in the Southeast, like the red snapper and gag grouper. Video allows scientists to collect precise abundance data on species for a NOAA-conducted Southeast Reef Fish survey. Fishermen are also working alongside scientists to improve data collection. "We're helping in every way we can to get the most accurate data," said Jimmy Hull, a commercial fisherman from Ponce Inlet, Fla, about 10 miles south of Daytona Beach. "I'm in this so we can have sustainable fisheries forever,” he said. Scientists expect to use the combined trap/video data in upcoming stock assessments for red snapper and gray triggerfish. (Source: Science Daily 02/18/15) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding and Marine note: Red snapper is the most economically important reef fish species for coastal communities in the Gulf of Mexico. Some government agencies have considered it in peril due to overfishing. Red snapper represents a vital economic commodity to these coastal fishing communities; and supports highly lucrative commercial and recreational fisheries. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting public workshops across NW Florida in March to gather public input on the Gulf of Mexico recreational red snapper season.