Albatrosses spying on illegal fishers

[Neil Fitzgerald]

Thought did go in to it. They explained as much. Whether on balance it is better to have no idea of the size of the illegal fishing problem and the associated seabird bykill, or try to get some idea of the problem so enforcement action can be taken, I don't know.

[Michael Szabo]

Satellite tracking vessels is the answer: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-a ... dian-ocean

[Neil Fitzgerald]

That appears to just say more vessels should be required to use VMS, but the problem is that IUU fishers turn it off. That's why we have had such a poor idea of the scale of the issue, until now. There are other satellite systems using AI image recognition and probably a bunch of other sensors, but I suspect they have shortcomings (cost - improving, cloud?). Ultimately this may be the best tool. Until the bad guys start taking out satellites...

[Michael Szabo]

It will require a range of measures at the national, regional and international levels, including economic measures designed to stop IUU companies operating such as seizing their assets and excluding countries from RFMOs if they perist in allowing IUU fishing vessels to operate under a Flag of Convenience:
http://www.iuuwatch.eu/2019/06/new-repo ... -in-rfmos/