Papua New Guinea teams up with Global Fishing Watch, to share vessel tracking data

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- In a newly established partnership with Global Fishing Watch, Papua New Guinea (PNG) has committed to sharing vessel tracking data from its Fishing Industry Association on the organisation’s public map.

Through this agreement, the Pacific island country is taking action to enhance the monitoring of fishing vessels operating in its waters and increase the transparency of its seafood supply chain.

“We welcome this new partnership with PNG and commend their leadership in fisheries transparency,” said Global Fishing Watch chief executive officer Tony Long in a statement. 

“We see incredible value in the relationship that the National Fisheries Authority has with the Fishing Industry Association, demonstrating the importance of effective government and industry partnerships in advancing good governance and promoting a positive compliance environment.”

A memorandum of understanding outlining the partnership was signed between Global Fishing Watch and the National Fisheries Authority on Oct 11, 2022, at the 17th Infofish World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok.

The agreement was reviewed and endorsed by all members of the Fishing Industry Association and is a testament to PNG’s commitment to increasing accountability across the fishing sector and its desire to effectively manage fisheries and marine resources for sustainable and equitable benefits. 

The newly available vessel monitoring system data will complement the already-existing automatic identification system, or AIS, data that appears on Global Fishing Watch’s map. 

This additional layer of information will help strengthen vessel compliance and aid in the sustainable use of marine resources, and highlights industry’s appreciation for the role transparency plays in building trust with their customers.

Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organisation dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea.

-- BERNAMA