About
The Oceana IUU Vessel Tracker is a free, web-based geospatial monitoring tool developed by Oceana — one of the world's largest ocean advocacy organizations — in partnership with Global Fishing Watch, Google, and SkyTruth. The tool enables researchers, policymakers, journalists, and conservation advocates to track vessels that have been flagged on RFMO (regional fishery management organization) IUU vessel lists for engaging in illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing. Using automatic identification system (AIS) satellite and terrestrial receiver data, the tracker displays vessel names, near-real-time locations, and fishing activity overlaid on a map that also shows exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and marine protected areas. As of June 2021, it monitored 168 vessels on RFMO IUU lists. IUU fishing is one of the most serious threats facing global ocean health and food security. The U.S. International Trade Commission estimated that $2.4 billion worth of IUU-derived seafood was imported into the United States in 2019 alone. By bringing transparency to fishing activity, this tool aims to give enforcement agencies, NGOs, and the public the information they need to identify and address illegal fishing operations. Note: As of 2021, the tool is no longer actively supported or updated, though the map interface remains accessible for educational reference.
Key Features
- Real-Time Vessel Location Tracking: Displays the near-real-time locations of IUU-listed fishing vessels using AIS satellite and terrestrial receiver data from Global Fishing Watch.
- RFMO IUU Vessel List Integration: Automatically cross-references vessel data against RFMO-maintained lists of vessels confirmed or suspected to be engaged in illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing.
- EEZ and Marine Protected Area Overlays: Maps exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and marine protected areas alongside vessel tracks, enabling users to detect incursions into restricted waters.
- Fishing Activity Visualization: Shows not just vessel location but also fishing activity patterns, helping users distinguish active fishing operations from transit or port activity.
- AIS-Powered Transparency: Leverages automatic identification system (AIS) broadcasts collected via satellite to make fishing vessel movements visible to the public and enforcement bodies.
Use Cases
- Journalists and investigators tracking specific vessels suspected of illegal fishing activity across international waters
- Ocean conservation researchers monitoring IUU-listed vessel movements relative to marine protected areas and EEZs
- Policy analysts and NGOs building evidence-based cases for stricter international fisheries enforcement
- Academic researchers studying patterns of IUU fishing behavior and geographic hotspots
- Government agencies and port authorities cross-referencing incoming vessels against known IUU vessel lists
Pros
- Free and Publicly Accessible: Requires no account or subscription — anyone from journalists to policymakers can access IUU vessel data at no cost.
- Backed by Reputable Organizations: Developed in partnership with Global Fishing Watch, Google, and SkyTruth, lending credibility to the underlying data sources and methodology.
- Combines Multiple Data Layers: Overlays IUU vessel tracks with EEZs and marine protected areas, providing context that enforcement and research users need in a single view.
Cons
- No Longer Actively Supported: As of June 2021, the tool is no longer being maintained or updated, meaning vessel lists and features may be outdated.
- AIS Data Limitations and Spoofing Risks: AIS data can be manipulated, contain errors, or be absent entirely when vessels turn off their transponders, reducing the reliability of the tracker for enforcement purposes.
- Only Covers AIS-Broadcasting Vessels: Vessels that have disabled their AIS devices — a common tactic among illegal operators — are entirely invisible on the tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does IUU fishing mean?
IUU stands for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. It includes fishing without authorization, ignoring catch limits, operating in closed areas, and using prohibited gear — activities that deplete fish populations, damage habitats, and threaten food security.
Where does the vessel location data come from?
The tracker uses AIS (automatic identification system) data collected by Global Fishing Watch via satellite and terrestrial receivers. Only vessels currently broadcasting their AIS signal are visible.
Is the IUU Vessel Tracker still active?
The tool is no longer being supported or updated as of 2021. The interface may still be accessible, but the vessel lists and data are not being actively maintained.
How many vessels are tracked?
As of June 2021, there were 168 vessels listed on RFMO IUU vessel lists that the tracker monitored.
Can I rely on this tool for legal enforcement purposes?
No. Oceana advises using the information at your own risk. AIS data can contain errors due to faulty devices, intentional manipulation, or poor satellite reception, and the tool is not intended as evidence for enforcement actions.
