Organizations from Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Chile have joined forces in the Legal Ocean Watch (LOW) project, an innovative initiative that aims to combat illegal fishing in Latin America through the use of satellite tools and a collaborative approach. This effort is focused on transforming fishing regulations and strengthening the protection of marine ecosystems.
Fishing in inland waters is a key activity for global food security and employment. In 2019, it represented 12.7% of global fish production, benefiting more than 58 million people. However, illegal fishing seriously threatens this industry, causing estimated annual economic losses between 10,000 and 23,000 million dollars, according to the United Nations.
In addition to the ecological damage, this illicit practice is associated with human rights violations, such as human trafficking and forced labor. In Latin America, coastal economies and communities dependent on fishing are particularly affected by these illegal activities.
Technology to monitor the oceans
In response to this crisis, LOW will implement satellite monitoring systems to detect illegal vessels and generate evidence that can be used in legal proceedings. The initiative is led by the organization FIMA from Chile and involves the participation of Environmental Defense of the Northwest (DAN) from Mexico, the Center for Environmental Advocacy (CIAM) from Panama, and Law, Environment, and Natural Resources (DAR) from Peru.
“Today, illegal fishing not only threatens the oceans due to the overexploitation of species, but also because of its impact on the environment and communities. Additionally, it is linked to crimes such as human trafficking and inhumane working conditions,” explained Antonia Berrios, coordinator of the NGO FIMA and LOW in Latin America.
The project uses tools from the Global Fishing Watch (GFW) platform, such as the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and the Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). These resources allow tracking fishing activity in real-time and collecting crucial data to strengthen fishing legislation.
Towards structural change
LOW not only seeks to sanction illegal fishing, but also to promote reforms that enable the use of satellite technology in administrative and judicial processes. In the short term, participating organizations will receive training in the use of these tools. In the long term, it is expected to consolidate regulatory changes that strengthen surveillance and compliance with fishing regulations in the region.
Furthermore, the initiative promotes cooperation with affected coastal communities, fostering an ethical and sustainable approach in the fight against illegal fishing.
What are the consequences of illegal fishing?
Illegal fishing has negative consequences for:
- Environment: illegal fishing destroys marine ecosystems, erodes the food web, leads to the loss of marine species such as turtles and corals, and increases sea pollution.
- Economy: it results in income and job losses for fishermen and fishing communities, as well as fiscal revenue losses for governments and damage to the fishing industry’s reputation.
- Society: It threatens the food security of communities dependent on fishery resources and affects the livelihoods of those engaged in artisanal fishing.
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is responsible for the loss of 11 to 26 million tons of fish annually, according to the FAO. For this reason, to combat illegal fishing, protected areas can be established, aquatic and land surveillance and protection measures can be implemented, checkpoints can be set up, a virtual system for reporting illegal fishing can be established, and fishermen can be involved in the monitoring and care of resources.
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