Protecting marine environments
Safeguarding marine biodiversity not only supports a healthy environment but also contributes to the wellbeing of societies and economies — food provision, identities, livelihoods and more. Through transparency and the use of technology, we are enabling governments, the private sector and civil society to reduce impacts on the ocean. Mapping human activity at sea is a vital part of planning out effective marine protected areas (MPAs) and monitoring potentially damaging activities.
Our objectives
Global Fishing Watch’s 2030 goals seek to:
- Reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices.
- Better enforce and protect the rights of 1 million small-scale fishers.
- Empower institutions and people across 30 countries to improve effective designation and management of MPAs and other effective area- based conservation measures.

All of this involves transparent data that shows where fishing activity is taking place and where there are risks to vulnerable marine populations and ecosystems. This openness and transparency is particularly vital in reducing illegal and unreported fishing — activities that may threaten the sustainability of our ocean. Knowing these facts helps governments and other stakeholders make the right decisions in designating MPAs and take action where it is needed.
What we do
Our work on marine biodiversity is underpinned by the strategic plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity, otherwise known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
This agreement includes an ambition to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. We work with governments and other partners globally on the monitoring of human activity at sea and compliance of fishing activity. We also train officials and marine experts to use our tools so that they can better protect coastal regions and livelihoods.
Using our unique combination of open data, cutting-edge tools and in-depth research, Global Fishing Watch is supporting the effective design, monitoring and management of MPAs and other area-based management tools. We are also supporting governments in making decisions that promote, rather than undermine, marine biodiversity.
Designation
Our data informs governments about what is happening off their coastlines, so they can designate the most appropriate areas for marine protection.
Management
We help governments develop or improve management plans for existing marine protected areas so that they address localized threats to biodiversity.
We support the inclusion of relevant and monitorable measures in management plans to increase accountability.
Monitoring and enforcement
Our tools help support marine patrols and monitor movements at sea.
We train officials and experts to use our tools so that they can identify illegal, unregulated and unknown fishing activity and protect marine diversity.
Marine Manager
Our marine manager portal is making it easier to get a more complete view of commercial fishing, maritime transport and tourism activities as well as providing insights into critical environmental and oceanographic data that affect MPAs.
Developed in partnership with Dona Bertarelli, this innovative technology portal seeks to improve insight into marine protected areas. By monitoring the quality, efficiency and impact of long-term protections, Marine Manager aims to ensure robust and science-based management of protected areas and in acknowledgement of the vital contributions they make to our ocean.
The portal is supporting governments in protecting their coastal areas: over 30 layers of distinct information on human activity, biological and oceanographic information can be accessed for free. This includes vessel activity, bathymetry, sea surface temperature, and oxygen and salinity levels.