Insights API

Introduction Vessels Insights API

The Insights API is a set of indicators or 'vessel insights' that bring together important information on a vessel's known activity (based on AIS), vessel identity information and public authorizations. The objective of the insights is to support risk-based decision-making, operational planning, and other due diligence activities by making it easier for a user to identify vessel characteristics that can indicate an increased potential or opportunity for a vessel to engage in IUU (Illegal, Unreported, or Unregulated) fishing. The vessel insights were originally developed in collaboration with TMT, the Ocean Risk & Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) and representatives from the insurance industry. The project aimed to strengthen an insurance underwriter's ability to assess the potential that a vessel they insure may engage in or support IUU fishing. The collaboration included a pilot whereby insurance underwriters were asked to provide feedback on Vessel Viewer and the utility of the insights. The insights were then expanded for testing by port inspectors, MCS officers, the seafood industry, and others, with feedback from all pilot groups informing improvements and future efforts.

These are the available insights:

• Any apparent fishing events in no-take MPAs

• Any apparent fishing events detected in areas with no known RFMO authorization

• The vessel’s AIS coverage metric

• Any AIS off events

• If the vessel is present on an RFMO IUU vessel list