Report | August 19, 2022

AIS: What is it?

Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a tracking system that automatically transmits a vessel’s identity, speed and GPS location.

This factsheet explains how the Automatic Identification System (AIS) works and why it’s essential for monitoring global fishing activity. AIS increases transparency at sea by broadcasting a vessel’s identity, location, and speed, helping deter illegal fishing and improve safety. While AIS offers significant advantages, including real-time vessel tracking via Global Fishing Watch, it also has vulnerabilities such as tampering and lack of universal requirements. Oceana outlines key policy recommendations to strengthen AIS use and enforcement.