Australia's national research organization CSIRO has developed a world first notification system that alerts authorities when vessels undertaking illegal fishing arrive in port.
The web-based reporting tool identifies and ranks vessels across the globe based on a list of behaviors associated with illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing.
CSIRO senior scientist and co-designer of the platform Dr Chris Wilcox said the tool used data collected by satellites to monitor and report suspiciously behaving vessels.
"Almost all vessels are equipped with anti-collision devices that can be detected by satellites," Wilcox said. "Using data from these systems, we can shine a spotlight on vessels acting suspiciously based on factors including the vessel's history, movement and whether its transmitter has been intentionally disabled.
"Countries will be able to sign-up to receive notifications, or directly access the portal to search for vessels and then be provided with a report which highlights the suspicious behaviors involved."
The announcement follows the execution of the first international treaty aimed at eradicating IUU fishing, coordinated by the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation and agreed to by 29 countries.
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