Chinese Taipei
Our work
In 2021, Global Fishing Watch kicked-off a collaboration with TMT and the Taiwan Fisheries Agency (TFA) to support ongoing efforts to protect marine resources and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. By fostering international cooperation and trust, our shared vision was to create a collaborative environment for sustainable and responsible fisheries management.
Over the next two years, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of open-registry vessels, focusing on uncovering beneficial ownership structures and tracking vessel movement patterns within these networks. Through a series of workshops and meetings, our three organizations gained a deeper understanding of the complexities around beneficial ownership and exchanged knowledge on potential management solutions.
In 2024, our collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding, establishing a multifaceted approach to strengthening transparency and accountability within the global fishing industry. Global Fishing Watch and the TFA identified future areas of cooperation, including research and data sharing, and the pursuit of joint international goals.
The success of this pioneering initiative depends on sustained dialogue and a commitment to information sharing from all parties. This work has the potential to expand beyond Asia and serve as an influential example in global fisheries governance more broadly.
Highlights
Our work in Chinese Taipei encompasses collaborations with various stakeholders. Alongside the TFA, we are also engaged with the Ocean Affairs Council and the Ocean Conservation Administration and maintain a research partnership with the National Taiwan Ocean University.
Vessel information: Assessing key information
In collaboration with the TFA, we assess vessel tracking information, analyze beneficial ownership structures to identify potential flags of convenience vessels and conduct thorough risk assessments at both the vessel and fleet levels.
Operational support: Supporting vessel activity analysis
By tracking vessel activity over time, we help identify patterns that may undermine effective fisheries management. This includes supporting TFA's efforts to monitor flags of convenience vessels and build a collaborative network with flag and port States for regulatory enforcement across jurisdictions.
Capacity development: Adopting technology and exchanging information
We share best practices and provide technological support to TFA for the adoption of monitoring and regulatory tools in domestic and international fisheries management.
Marine protection: Supporting effective conservation
To support the Ocean Conservation Administration in their efforts to optimize the management of marine protected areas and implement other effective area-based conservation measures, Global Fishing Watch will provide staff with targeted training on our tools and participate in future workshops to help inform their approach.
About Chinese Taipei
With an estimated 1,100 vessels, Chinese Taipei boasts the second-largest distant water fishing fleet globally, playing a significant role in the world’s seafood industry.Â
As a member of key regional fisheries management organizations like the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the North Pacific Fisheries Commission and the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization, Chinese Taipei has been actively engaged in discussions around improving fisheries management. However, in 2015, these efforts faced increased scrutiny when the European Union issued a yellow card, signaling the need for urgent reforms. Although this yellow card was lifted in 2019, a significant portion of its fleet operates under flags of convenience, presenting unique challenges for monitoring and regulation.Â
Our extensive global dataset is a robust and reliable tool for understanding operations of the distant water fishing fleet from Chinese Taipei, regardless of its flag registry. Our dynamic collaboration on data analysis enables the TFA to improve its management capabilities, protect marine ecosystems and reinforce its regional leadership in sustainable fishing practices.
Chinese Taipei’s proactive approach to sharing data and developing innovative management strategies can serve as a regional model for fisheries management. Together, we are addressing shared challenges and driving positive change across the international fishing industry.