GFW - Global Fishing Watch#
Description#
Data sharing
GFW - Global Fishing Watch
Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is an open-access platform that uses satellite data to track fishing activity worldwide. By analyzing signals from Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), it provides insights into where and when fishing occurs, helping to improve the management of marine resources.
For Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), GFW can be particularly useful in several ways. It allows researchers and policymakers to monitor fishing activity within and around MPAs, helping to identify cases where vessels might be operating in restricted zones. This kind of transparency can support better enforcement and compliance with conservation regulations.
GFW is also valuable for evaluating the effectiveness of MPAs over time. By comparing fishing activity before and after an area is designated as protected, it becomes easier to assess whether restrictions are being respected and if the MPA is achieving its conservation goals.
Additionally, the platform can support stakeholder engagement, offering accessible data that communities, NGOs, and decision-makers can use to discuss the impacts of MPAs on fisheries and local economies. While GFW doesn’t replace on-the-ground enforcement or local knowledge, it adds an important layer of information that can contribute to more informed and adaptive marine management.
GFW Home Page: https://globalfishingwatch.org/