Illegal fishing: Global satellite map will help hunt down hidden vessels

Using computer-vision algorithms to crunch through satellite image and shipping location data has revealed areas where ships may be catching seafood illegally

By David Hambling

About 20 per cent of the global seafood catch is harvested illegally, and now the areas where it is happening can be spotted faster on a new online map that uses satellite radar imagery. The digital map, created by the Global Fishing Watch (GFW) non-profit organisation, is revealing previously undetected fishing fleets operating in coastal waters across the oceans.

Regulations vary by country, but commercial-size vessels must generally have Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders fitted so they …