Satellites Help Track Fishing in Latin American Oceans

Global Fishing Watch is using satellite technology and data sharing to increase transparency of fishing activity in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (PET) region, including waters around Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia. The organization compiles publicly available satellite information with vessel tracking data provided by governments to create a near real-time map of fishing fleets.

This allows for analysis of patterns, risk detection, and support for marine conservation efforts. The initiative aims to move beyond terrestrial maps to include an “oceanic map” that accounts for factors like sea temperature and nutrient distribution, especially as a major El Niño event approaches.

Several Latin American nations, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru, are already sharing fleet tracking data. The increased transparency has yielded results, such as a 98% reduction in fishing activity around Costa Rica’s Isla del Coco after the area’s protected zone was expanded. Global Fishing Watch is now working with governments to ensure sustainable resource management and responsible fishing practices.