“The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet, generating oxygen, regulating our climate, and providing essential livelihoods for billions. Yet, this vital resource is under immense pressure from human activity and climate change. Despite its critical importance, the ocean has historically remained the least observed part of our planet, making a comprehensive understanding of human impact nearly impossible to achieve — until now.
Global Fishing Watch is transforming this landscape by seizing the power of big data and cutting-edge technology. What was impossible a decade ago is now a reality: the ability to turn massive datasets into actionable information that drives better science and fairer policies. By making human activity at sea public knowledge, we can protect biodiversity, stabilize fisheries, and secure the future of coastal communities.
Global Fishing Watch’s primary focus remains on commercial fishing, the most widespread human activity at sea. Because fishing has traditionally been difficult and costly to monitor, we pioneered the first-ever public map to track the industrial fishing fleet, encompassing some 80,000 vessels. As technology advances, we are expanding our scope of work to map other industrial activities, ensuring a more complete view of the ocean.
At Global Fishing Watch, open collaboration and transparency are in our DNA. We believe that equitable access to information is the key to enabling the sustainable use of our global ocean. Follow our work to explore how we use innovation to illuminate the high seas and safeguard our ocean for generations to come.
