The initiative, led by Global Fishing Watch, aggregates Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals and government-held Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data to create a near real-time map of human activity at sea. This digital oversight allows authorities to identify risky patterns and protect migratory species across borders shared by Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia.
Satellite monitoring transforms ocean conservation in Latin America
Across the Eastern Tropical Pacific, a technological shift is turning once-hidden maritime zones into transparent corridors. By integrating satellite imagery with fleet tracking data, conservationists are mapping the movements of fishing vessels near protected landmarks like the Galápagos and Cocos Island with unprecedented precision.
"We have eyes at sea," said Mónica Espinoza, head of Latin America for Global Fishing Watch. Beyond tracking ships, the platform analyzes environmental variables such as sea temperatures to predict how shifting climates influence both marine life migration and commercial fishing behaviors. This data-driven approach has already yielded tangible results: satellite tracking confirmed a 98% reduction in fishing activity within the expanded protected area surrounding Costa Rica's Cocos Island. Carlos Chacón, the organization's senior manager for the region, emphasizes that such transparency is the foundation for managing marine resources sustainably as environmental pressures mount.
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