Problem Statement

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing undermines global fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, and economic sustainability. Responsible for losses exceeding $23 billion annually, IUU fishing depletes marine resources, destabilizes ecosystems, and disproportionately impacts small-scale fishing communities. Detecting and managing illegal fishing activities is particularly challenging due to the vast areas of ocean to monitor and the ability of illicit operators to evade traditional enforcement mechanisms. A scalable, data-driven approach is necessary to enhance monitoring and enforcement while promoting transparency in maritime activities.

How EO Can Help

EO technology offers a powerful tool for combating IUU fishing by providing monitoring and surveillance capabilities. By analyzing satellite imagery, EO can detect and track fishing vessels, identify suspicious activities, and monitor compliance with marine protected areas. This allows for more effective enforcement of fishing regulations and better management of marine resources.

• Detecting and Monitoring Fishing Activity: Detection of suspicious fishing activity forms the foundation of an effective strategy to combat illicit, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. EO systems utilize a combination of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical data to identify vessels operating in unauthorized areas or without proper identification. Satellites such as Sentinel-1 and RADARSAT-2 provide all-weather, day-and-night radar imagery, enabling the detection of vessels regardless of lighting or cloud conditions. SAR imagery is particularly effective at locating "dark vessels" that turn off Automated Identification System (AIS) signals or Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) to evade detection. Algorithms process SAR data to pinpoint vessel shapes, locations, and movement patterns, that will provide insights around potential IUU activities. High-resolution optical data from Sentinel-2 and Landsat complements SAR by confirming certain behaviour, such as the deployment of fishing gear or course and speed through wake analysis. Visual analysis can help classify vessel types—such as trawlers versus transport ships—to determine whether their activities align with registered permissions. AIS data, and VMS data which tracks legitimate vessels transmitting location and activity information, is integrated with EO systems to cross-check vessel identities. This integration helps identify discrepancies or suspicious behavior, such as vessels turning off AIS transmitters, which is a common tactic used by IUU fishing operators.

• Classifying and Analyzing Risks: After detecting vessels, EO tools classify activities and assess risks to prioritize enforcement efforts. Machine learning algorithms analyze vessel movement patterns, such as loitering or zigzagging, to identify fishing activities in restricted areas. Historical data from platforms like Global Fishing Watch further aids in identifying patterns and pinpointing IUU fishing hotspots. Combining EO data with geospatial layers, such as MPAs, Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and spawning grounds, creates detailed risk maps that highlight high-priority areas for enforcement. These assessments consider vessel behavior, the frequency of dark operations, and proximity to sensitive ecosystems, enabling authorities to allocate enforcement resources effectively and focus on the most critical areas of concern.

• Enforcing Laws: EO systems play a vital role in supporting enforcement operations and ensuring long-term compliance with maritime laws. Automated systems provide near-real-time alerts to enforcement agencies, enabling the rapid deployment of patrols or drones to intercept suspicious vessels. Platforms like SkyTruth and Global Fishing Watch integrate EO data to deliver actionable intelligence for enforcement teams, enhancing their ability to respond quickly and effectively. EO also aids post-incident processes by collecting evidence of illegal activities. High-resolution imagery and SAR data document the location, timing, and nature of suspected offenses, serving as critical evidence in legal proceedings. Persistent monitoring capabilities allow authorities to track flagged vessels over time, deterring repeat offenses and encouraging compliance. Public platforms such as Global Fishing Watch make fishing activity data accessible, promoting transparency and fostering accountability across the fishing industry.

Case Study: Monitoring Dark Fishing Activity in North Korean Waters

In 2020, Global Fishing Watch conducted an extensive analysis to monitor dark fishing activity in North Korean waters, utilizing the advanced satellite technologies and methodologies outlined in the image below.

Over a period of 40 days, spanning the squid fishing season from May to December, the team meticulously gathered and analyzed data. Key components of the analysis included daily observations of nighttime optical imagery and automatic identification system (AIS) vessel tracking data. Nighttime optical imagery was particularly valuable in identifying vessels operating without lights, a common tactic used to evade detection. By cross-referencing this imagery with AIS data, which tracks the movement and identification of vessels, the team was able to pinpoint suspicious activities and potential violations.

This use case was created with contributions from Global Fishing Watch.