Global atlas of AIS-based Fishing Activity: Challenges and Opportunities

This atlas seeks to shed light on the opportunities and challenges related to mapping and analysing fishing activity using AIS (ship-tracking) data. It reviews AIS-related data in the context of global and regional fisheries knowledge, and shares insights into the strengths and limitations of the data and current processing methodology. Advances in information technology provide opportunities for the creation of a global database of fishing effort according to gear type with an unprecedented level of spatial and temporal resolution, which could inform fisheries management and research around the globe. For each FAO Area, based on AIS data, the atlas presents the number and percentage of vessels broadcasting AIS, the spatial patterns corresponding to the presence and intensity of fishing activity, and an analysis by gear type. It includes detailed information on methods, case studies and comparisons with outside data. To ensure accuracy, over 50 fishery experts from around the world reviewed and assessed the maps, charts and supporting text produced by the authors and editorial team.