The vast ocean covers nearly 70 percent of the planet, and despite being a global, publicly shared resource, there is limited transparency, especially regarding fishing activities. This activity includes illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, representing up to $23 billion in seafood annually, or one in every five wild-caught fish.
Vessel tracking technologies offer a powerful solution as they enable real-time monitoring of vessels, fostering sustainable fisheries management. The emergence of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), developed in the 1990s and mandated for commercial ships by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2004, revolutionized vessel surveillance.
How do these technologies support responsible fishery control?
Vessel Tracking for Sustainable Fisheries
The first use of modern vessel tracking technologies, particularly the Automatic Identification System, began in Europe and North America in the late 1990s. Originally designed to improve maritime safety, these advancements quickly became essential tools for monitoring and managing global fishing practices.
How Vessel Tracking Contributes to Responsible Fisheries
Tracking technologies like Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and electronic devices play a crucial role in preventing overfishing, ensuring compliance with regulations, and protecting marine ecosystems. By providing real-time data, these devices allow authorities to monitor fishing operations at sea, particularly in areas prone to overexploitation. Small-scale fishers benefit from these solutions by gaining access to tools that promote eco-friendly practices, leveling the playing field with larger operations. Google Scholars highlight how electronic tracing enhances transparency, enabling better control of fish stocks and reducing illegal activities
Benefits of Vessel Monitoring for Resource Conservation
Tracking techniques have transformed fisheries regulation by providing instant insights into fishing and supporting responsible practices. Combining tools like Vessel Monitoring Systems and electronic data platforms, these solutions enhance oversight and enforcement efforts at every scale:
Better Monitoring of Fish Stocks: With accurate data from VMS, authorities and researchers can manage fishing activity and assess the health of fish populations. Google Scholar emphasizes the importance of this data in preserving marine biodiversity.
Sustainable Practices: Electronic systems empower small-scale fishers by offering tools to optimize catches without depleting resources.
Effective Enforcement of Fishing Quotas: With real-time data, regulatory bodies can ensure compliance with quotas, while supporting long-term resource conservation.
Types and Applications of Vessel Surveillance
According to Global Fishing Watch, over 400,000 AIS devices broadcast vessel information annually, but only about 2% of the world’s approximately 2.9 million vessels carry AIS. This 2% is responsible for over half of the fishing effort beyond 100 nautical miles from shore. What are innovations used in fisheries supervision, and how do they differ?
Overview of Vessel Tracking Systems
Effective fisheries management relies on innovations like GPS, AIS, and satellite systems, each offering unique features and limitations. These advancements, when integrated, will provide a more robust and cost-efficient solution to control, support eco-friendly practices, and reduce illegal practices. Here’s a detailed comparison of them:
1-Global Positioning System (GPS)
This satellite-based navigation system provides accurate location, velocity, and information to users anywhere on Earth, as long as there is an unobstructed line of sight to at least four GPS satellites. The first satellite of the GPS, Navstar 1, was launched in 1978 and became fully operational in 1993 with 24 satellites providing global coverage. Initially designed for military purposes, GPS was later made available for civilian use, revolutionizing navigation worldwide.
Strengths:
- Provides precise location data for ships, enabling instant checking of fishing fleets.
- Cost-effective and widely adopted, especially by small-scale fishers.
- Can integrate with electronic logbooks to provide detailed catch data.
Limitations:
- Lacks the capability to differentiate between ships and other maritime traffic.
- Requires a stable signal, which can be disrupted in remote or deep-sea areas.
2-Automatic Identification System (AIS)
Developed in the 1990s, the Automatic Identification System is a technology that enables vessels to transmit critical data such as their identity, position, speed, and course to nearby ships and shore stations. It was created to enhance marine safety and collision avoidance. In 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) made it mandatory for all commercial vessels over 300 tons to carry AIS transponders.
Strengths:
- Provides vessel identity, position, and course information in near real-time.
- Google-based mapping tools often integrate AIS data to improve visualization for supervision programs.
- Enables authorities to trace suspicious operations, ensuring compliance with fishing quotas.
Limitations:
- Primarily designed for larger vessels, leaving gaps in small-scale fisheries coverage.
- Signals can be turned off, making it vulnerable to misuse by illegal operators.
3-Satellite Tracking Systems
They rely on satellites orbiting the Earth to provide coverage in remote or vast areas where traditional communication technologies like GPS or AIS may not be available. In fisheries supervision, the innovation is used to monitor fishing fleets and ensure compliance with regulations.
Strengths:
- Offers global coverage, especially in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial technology.
- Perfect for supervision fleets operating in distant waters, providing data for research and conservation programs.
Facilitates research by linking studies with DOI references to track fishing activities and marine resource use.
Limitations:
- High costs can limit accessibility for smaller fisheries or developing regions.
- Data transmission may experience delays, reducing real-time effectiveness.
Case Studies
While affordable and simple to install, ship tracking tools have proven to be effective in enhancing fisheries management worldwide. The following case studies illustrate how various nations have successfully applied these systems for enforcement in their fisheries.
United States: Implementation of AIS and VMS
In the United States, the implementation of AIS and VMS has greatly enhanced the oversight of fishing fleets along the coast. These devices allow authorities to trace vessels in real time.
New Zealand: Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM)
New Zealand has been a leader in implementing Remote Electronic Monitoring systems, which combine satellite tracking with onboard cameras. This technology ensures that vessels adhere to regulations and report their catches accurately while reducing illegal fishing practices in remote areas.
European Union: Fisheries Control and Surveillance (FCI) Program
The European Union has implemented the Fisheries Control and Surveillance (FCI) Program, which uses VMS and satellite technology to monitor fishing in real time. This scheme helps ensure compliance with EU regulations, tracks ship movements in protected areas, and provides data for better regulation of marine resources.
Pacific Islands: Regional Fisheries Surveillance
In the Pacific Islands, the Regional Fisheries Surveillance program has been successfully used to combat illegal fishing. By integrating satellite and VMS, the program allows member states to monitor fishing fleets operating in their waters, ensuring that foreign vessels comply with national and regional laws, and reducing illegal fishing in the region.
Global Trends in Fishery Management
Imagine a world where fishery management is driven by instant data and advanced technologies, ensuring green practices across the globe. As countries adopt these innovations, there is a growing emphasis on protecting marine ecosystems and reducing illegal fishing, paving the way for more responsible and efficient fisheries supervision.
Challenges in Implementing Vessel Tracking Tools
Implementing vessel systems in fisheries supervision presents several challenges that hinder widespread adoption. Some of the primary barriers include:
High Costs: The initial investment, including hardware, software, and installation, can be prohibitively expensive for smaller operations or developing nations. Ongoing maintenance and subscription fees can add to the financial burden, making it difficult for all stakeholders to adopt the technology.
Technological Limitations: While devices like AIS and satellite tracking offer powerful data, they can be limited in areas with poor network coverage, such as remote regions. Additionally, some systems may not be compatible with older ships, requiring costly upgrades.
Lack of Infrastructure: In many regions, the infrastructure necessary to support real-time data transmission and processing is underdeveloped. This can result in delays or gaps in monitoring, undermining the effectiveness of systems.
Resistance to Change: Some fishers may be reluctant to adopt the technologies due to concerns about privacy, perceived interference with their operations, or fear of increased regulation and oversight.
The Global Landscape: Legislation and Initiatives
These trends signal a growing global commitment to responsible fisheries management, where technology plays a critical role in improving enforcement, protecting marine biodiversity, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
International Agreements and Legislation: Global frameworks like the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are driving countries to adopt stricter regulations around fishing practices. These agreements emphasize the need for responsible operations, including innovations for monitoring and enforcement. Countries are also aligning their national laws with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, with specific targets related to ocean conservation and responsible fishing.
Technology Integration in Enforcement: The use of vessel tracing systems, such as AIS and VMS, is becoming a cornerstone in enforcing regulations. These technologies allow authorities to monitor fishing fleets in real time, reducing IUU fishing. Several countries and regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) are integrating satellite-based systems, electronic reporting (ER), and electronic monitoring (EM) to ensure compliance with fishing quotas, size limits, and protected areas.
Innovative Initiatives: Collaborative initiatives, such as Global Fishing Watch, leverage satellite tracking data to map and monitor vessel movements, fostering transparency in the fishing industry. Additionally, programs led by governments, NGOs, and the private sector are driving innovation, from developing low-cost tools to enhancing data-sharing platforms for better decision-making.
Sinay’s Vessel Tracking Solutions
As the developer of a big data platform designed to study the marine environment, our company provides innovative solutions to enhance fishery management through advanced technologies and real-time data. Our vessel tracking system, integrated with Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM), offers comprehensive tools for monitoring marine life and fishing operations.
By combining real-time vessel tracing with hydrophones to detect marine mammal vocalizations and anthropogenic noise, we support eco-friendly fishery management and ensure compliance with regulations. The data we gather is processed and transmitted through cloud-based systems, enabling immediate alerts and detailed reports for better decision-making. Additionally, with features such as Safecube for container tracking, we streamline the control of maritime logistics, offering businesses valuable insight into operational efficiency, reducing manual work, and improving sustainability in the shipping industries.
Conclusion
Our ocean is rich in resources, but it faces growing challenges from overfishing and illegal activities. To address these issues, vessel tracking technologies are important in enhancing fishery management by providing real-time data on vessel movements and fishing practices. These solutions, including Automatic Identification Systems and satellite tracking, help ensure compliance with regulations, reduce illegal fishing, and support sustainable practices.
FAQ about fishery management
Vessel tracking technology uses GPS, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and satellite data to monitor the location, movements, and activities of fishing vessels in real-time. It helps ensure compliance with regulations and supports sustainable fisheries.
By providing detailed data on fishing activities, vessel tracking helps prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It also aids in monitoring fishing quotas, ensuring sustainable practices, and protecting marine ecosystems.
Vessel tracking enhances safety at sea by providing real-time location updates. It also improves operational efficiency by optimizing routes and helps fishermen comply with regulatory requirements, avoiding penalties.
Challenges include the cost of installation and maintenance, resistance from some stakeholders, and the need for robust data management systems. However, advancements in affordable technology and international regulations are driving wider adoption.
By enabling precise monitoring of fishing activities, vessel tracking helps prevent overfishing, supports marine conservation, and ensures that fish stocks are managed responsibly for future generations.
