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Global Fishing Watch
Global Fishing Watch

Coinciding with the U.S. State Department's 2016 Our Oceans Conference, Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google launched the first public Beta of Global Fishing Watch. Global Fishing Watch is a web-based platform that is free for anyone with an internet connection to use in nearly real-time. The platform currently tracks an estimated 35,000 fishing vessels and their activity starting as early as January 1, 2012, through three days prior to present time. The goals of the project include:

  • Providing citizens and journalists access to data
  • Allowing seafood companies to monitor vessels they purchase from
  • Enabling responsible fishing parties to demonstrate their legal practices
  • Providing researchers data to address fishery management questions
To this last point, the research capabilities of this platform are perhaps the biggest benefit. Much of the criticism of fishery management is the failure to listen to scientific advice. It is fair to anticipate that the Research Program of Global Fishing Watch is going to provide world-class support to improve fisheries given the current research partners.

To learn more, we strongly recommend reviewing Global Fishing Watch's FAQ page and follow them on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.  
Seafood Spotlight: Yellowtail Rockfish
Yellowtail Rockfish
Yellowtail rockfish from the U.S. West Coast received both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and a "Best Choice (green)" assessment from Seafood Watch in 2014. Additionally, yellowtail rockfish from British Columbia received a "Good Alternative (yellow)" assessment from Seafood Watch in 2016. With an estimated 70%+ (based on an average from 2011-2014) of the U.S. West Coast quota for yellowtail rockfish going unharvested and fishermen only receiving $.52/lb. the opportunity for yellowtail rockfish to replace less sustainable seafood options is as good as it gets. 

Based on average landings of yellowtail rockfish from 2011-2014 and using 2016 Seafood Watch ratings, the sustainability breakdown of yellowtail rockfish is as follows:
  • ~50% "Best Choice (green)" - from U.S. West Coast
  • ~50% "Good Alternative (yellow)" from British Columbia 
Kenai Red Fish Company - Portland, Oregon
Kenai Red Fish Company
For over 30 years Kenai Red Fish Company of Portland, Oregon has offered its customers fresh Chinook and sockeye salmon from Alaska’s Cook Inlet. Operating under a company-wide mission to bring the highest quality, sustainably-caught salmon to those who care about their environment, overall health, and supporting local businesses - Kenai Red Fish Company has expanded their operations to include a Community Supported Fishery (CSF) which has built strong relationships between the community and their local fishermen. These efforts, in addition to working to provide reliable data on the age and gender of fish populations in Cook Inlet, taking measures to prevent bycatch, sharing their GPS data, and undertaking operational reviews to make sure the fishery continues practicing proper management, have all contributed to the vitality of the fishery and to the success of their company. Read more...
Sustainable Seafood News of the Week
Why Illegal Fishing is Becoming a National Security Issue
(Politico, 9/13/16)

Whole Foods Drops Hawaii Fish Auction Until it Proves Fair Boat Labor
(KHON, 9/13/16)

America’s Blueprint for Sustainable Fisheries
(Center for American Progress, 9/14/16)

Obama Creates Atlantic Ocean's First Marine Monument
(New York Times, 09/15/16)

Outlook is Dismal for B.C.’s Wild Salmon
(Vancouver Sun, 9/11/16)

NOAA Fisheries Establishes International Marine Mammal Bycatch Criteria for U.S. Imports​
(NOAA Fisheries, 09/14/16)

Why Your Red Snapper May Have Worn a Tracer
(USA Today, 09/13/16)

Improving Fisheries & Aquaculture in the Asian Pacific Region​
(Seafood Watch YouTube, 09/14/16)

Can Farmed Fish Feed the World Sustainably?
(University of California, 9/13/16)

How Seaweed Could Protect Your Oysters Against Ocean Acidification
(Yale Climate Connections, 9/13/16) 

A Model for the Eco-Transformation of the Shrimp Industry
(Eco-Business, 09/14/16)

BAP Welcomes First Certified Sea Bass Farm​
(Global Aquaculture Alliance, 09/14/16)

SFP Adds US Foods as First Foodservice Sector Partner in North America
(Undercurrent News, 09/14/16)

Overwaitea Seafood Gets 'Ocean Wise' Approval from Vancouver Aquarium
(CBC News, 09/14/16)

Find that Fish: Chicken of the Sea Launches Traceability Initiative
(Food Dive, 9/12/16)
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