ABSTRACT
Global Fishing Watch creates, transforms and distributes data to increase the transparency of human activities in the global ocean. We process global vessel tracking data from Automated Identification Systems (AIS) and Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and various satellites and provide these for free access and use. We work with different research institutions, other non-profit organizations, and government agencies to help reduce illegal, unreported, andunregulated fishing, protect the rights of small-scale fishers, and conserve marine biodiversity.
In Asia, where fisheries are both vital to livelihoods and challenged by issues of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, these datasets and tools offer critical applications for research, governance, and conservation. I will give an overview of our datasets and tools and how we are applying these to support tropical fisheries management in various parts of Asia.
BIO
Rollan has been a Fisheries Analyst for Global Fishing Watch since 2021, where he works on advancing the use of satellite data and analytics to monitor global fishing activity in Asia and beyond. With a background in spatial data analysis, marine science, and capacity development, Rollan collaborates with governments, NGOs, and academic institutions to co-develop projects and build technical expertise in fisheries and ocean monitoring. He is particularly interested in how applied research can bridge the gap between scientific innovation and policy implementation to drive sustainable ocean management. He has over 15 years of experience in marine science
and fisheries management in the Philippines. He previously worked on various fisheries projects with USAID, World Bank, UN FAO, and the University of the Philippines and University of Hawaii at Manoa.