Global Fishing Watch represents a groundbreaking fusion of satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and marine conservation that’s transforming how we understand human activity at sea. This remarkable platform processes millions of gigabytes of data to create the world’s first comprehensive, real-time map of industrial fishing activity across our planet’s oceans.
Founded through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, the platform harnesses cutting-edge technology including high-resolution optical imagery from Planet satellites, vessel GPS tracking data, and sophisticated machine learning algorithms. The result is an unprecedented level of transparency that enables researchers, policymakers, and the public to monitor fishing vessels, detect illegal activities, and understand patterns of ocean use like never before.
What makes Global Fishing Watch truly exceptional is its commitment to open access and democratic ocean governance. By making this powerful surveillance technology freely available, the platform empowers smaller nations and conservation organizations with tools that were previously accessible only to major maritime powers. The platform’s impact extends beyond monitoring — it’s actively reshaping policy discussions around sustainable fishing, marine protected areas, and the implementation of international ocean treaties.
The project exemplifies how technology can serve environmental justice, turning vast oceans from opaque frontiers into transparent, accountable spaces. With partnerships spanning scientific institutions worldwide and real-world applications in countries like Chile leading transparency initiatives, Global Fishing Watch is setting new standards for how we can collectively steward our shared marine resources.