European Fisheries Control Agency uses satellites to track illegal dark vessels

The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) is collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) to utilize satellite technology to detect ‘dark vessels’—fishing boats that turn off or falsify their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to engage in illegal activities.

This initiative comes as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that nearly 40% of global fishing is unsustainable, with illegal catches estimated between 11 and 26 million tons annually. The impact on regional economies is significant, highlighted by recent incidents where vessels such as the Hai Xing 2, Bao Feng, and Bao Win were fined 2.6 million euros by Argentine authorities for unauthorized fishing. These vessels, flying the flag of Vanuatu, reportedly moved to Zanzibar following the sanctions.

While satellite technology aims to strengthen enforcement within national jurisdictions, monitoring remains a challenge in international waters.