GLOBAL FISHING WATCH SEALS DEAL WITH PALAU TO ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY IN FISHERIES SECTOR

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Global Fishing Watch has entered into a new partnership with Palau aiming to strengthen sustainable fisheries management and promote transparency as a principle of ocean governance.

The agreement, which was signed between Global Fishing Watch and Palau’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, establishes a collaborative framework for publicly sharing the country’s vessel tracking data, which is aggregated and shared through the Fisheries Information Management System.

The memorandum of understanding also reinforces the two parties’ commitment to the development of robust ocean governance policies, a longstanding priority for the Pacific island nation.

“This partnership underscores our mutual commitment to combatting illegal fishing while also signalling transparency as a powerful tool in driving responsible fishing practices,” said Global Fishing Watch chief executive officer, Tony Long in a statement.

Meanwhile, Palau Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment, Steven Victor said: “By making our vessel tracking data publicly available on the Global Fishing Watch map, we hope to increase transparency and accountability of fishing activities in our waters. This can drive sustainability of our resources and contribute to reducing illegal activities in our ocean.”

Announced at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the partnership marks a cooperative effort that will enable joint work and demonstrate the various ways the fisheries sector can embrace open data to enhance management decisions and increase transparency across the seafood supply chain.

Under this partnership, Global Fishing Watch will provide analytical support based on the examination of vessel behaviours, fleet patterns, and trends associated with port inspections, licensing and enforcement efforts.

This information exchange can help inform the country’s ongoing development of its national fisheries policy and marine spatial plans, and will also strengthen its regional and international influence in support of ocean governance initiatives.

Palau joins Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Marshall Islands who have committed to making their vessel tracking data publicly available via Global Fishing Watch’s map.

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

-- BERNAMA