Request for Proposal Policy review on Brazil’s Vessel Data Reporting

Location: Remote

Who we are

Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea. By creating and publicly sharing map visualizations, data and analysis tools, we aim to enable scientific research and transform the way our ocean is managed. We believe human activity at sea should be public knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the common good of all.

Context

Timely and up-to-date information sharing is critical for preventing, deterring, and eliminating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. However, key international and regional databases, such as the FAO Global Record of Vessels, regional fisheries bodies vessel databases, contain sparse and incomplete information. Global Fishing Watch is working with Brazil's authorities in developing interoperability solutions to automate the process of collection, management and sharing of vessel related data, including through the development of a vessel information sharing tool that will help reduce the time and effort required for data submissions to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and the FAO Global Record. 

As part of the efforts to improve this situation and enhance ocean governance, fisheries management, and international cooperation, it is essential to understand the existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing vessel registry data, including obligations related to data collection, management, and sharing. Understanding the state, challenges, and opportunities around vessel data sharing policies, can  enable national authorities to meet commitments to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) , the FAO Global Record, and other regional and global organizations.

Objectives

The Policy review on Brazil's Vessel Data Reporting Obligations is meant to analyze the existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing fishing vessel registry data in Brazil, which refers to fishing vessels and those supporting fisheries activities, such as carriers and tankers. The review will include obligations at national level and commitments at regional and international level, as well as the institutional framework overseeing them. 

The assignment will