Today, on the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, we reflect on the urgent need to protect our oceans and the communities that rely on them. At OptiFish, we believe that ending IUU fishing requires more than enforcement – it calls for innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to transparency and sustainability. In this statement, Els Torreele from ILVO, the project’s coordinator, shares how OptiFish is working to make that vision a reality.
“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, economic stability, and food security worldwide. The fact that one in every five fish is caught outside legal and transparent systems is deeply alarming – not just for the ocean, but for all of us who depend on its resources.
At OptiFish, we are committed to changing this reality.
Our project delivers cutting-edge technologies that improve the traceability, transparency, and trust in fisheries operations. By combining DNA-based species recognition, electronic monitoring (EM), hyperspectral and multispectral cameras, robotics, and smart data systems, we are making it possible to monitor catches accurately, detect unreported or misreported species, and prevent illegal practices before they reach our plates.
OptiFish is not just about technology. It’s about trust.
We work with fishers, policymakers, scientists, and civil society to co-create solutions that are effective, accepted, and aligned with the principles of sustainability and fairness.
On this day, we reaffirm our dedication to building a future where all fish are caught legally, sustainably, and transparently – because ending IUU fishing is not only possible, but essential.”
Cover Photo: ©FAO/Chewy Lin
Els Torreele’s Portrait: ©Els Torreele, used with permission