Community Based Resource Monitoring of fisher catches has been a major focus of AES’ work over the last ten years. AES have implemented electronic Catch Assessment Surveys (eCAS) across several projects and landscapes in Zambia, Angola and Gabon. Electronic data collection using tablets has been paired with web-based databases and reporting systems to allow near real time assessment of trends in key fishery indicators. 

CAS monitoring has been implemented using local community members who have been trained to routinely collect data from their local areas of residence. This allows for regular data collection to be undertaken over large geographical areas and in remote locations on an ongoing basis. Residents from the fishing areas are selected by the local community to undergo training to become CAS enumerators. Training includes fish identification, fish weighing and measuring techniques, catch sub sampling and survey data entry. Project supervisors are trained to review incoming data via an online portal with custom built quality control metrics which allows potential errors to be identified at an early stage, and remedial action to be implemented quickly. This training of enumerators and supervisors in combination with quality control measures built into the eCAS ensures that the data are accurate and consistent. 
 

The data collected provides vital information on spatial and temporal trends in fisheries indicators. Trends in these indicators can be used to evaluate responses of the fishery in relation to external factors such as flood regimes or implementation of fisheries management measures implemented through Fisheries Management Plans (e.g. effort regulation, gear restrictions, closed seasons and fish breeding or protected areas). All indicators can be tailored to project requirements and are viewable via an online dashboard. 

CAS surveys are unrivalled in their ability to provide near real time data on trends in remote and dispersed fisheries in a format that is trusted by local communities as data is collected by a member of their community (as opposed to an external expert).