Detection of Squid and Pacific Saury fishing vessels around Japan using VIIRS Day/Night Band image

The Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) satellite, which carries a new Day/Night Band (DNB) radiometer, has very high sensitivity to observe anthropogenic light emission sources, especially on the activity of maritime vessels. This study applied DNB images to detect fishing vessel by three case species in Northwest Pacific ocean (Neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii), Japanese common squid (Todarodes pacificus), and Pacific saury (Cololabis saira)). The results of fishing positions and distribution were well validated using location reported data by fisherman. The more application of DNB data could be used to estimate the numbers of fishing vessels, vessel speed from Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), and combined traditional fishing grounds, season time, habits and water temperature to distinguish the fishing species. The DNB data could form the basis for future fisheries management and information system.