Earth to disrupt IUU fishing in the pacific region

07/01/2022, San Francisco, California: Earth partners with Nia Tero, to support them in the development of the Pasifika Ocean Rangers. A new initiative to support the Fiji, Cook and Solomon Islands by providing leadership and expertise in satellite and fisheries surveillance to the Ocean Ranger teams on the ground.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is having devastating consequences on coastal fisheries and fishing communities around the world. According to the FAO, illegal practices account for 26 million tons of fish caught annually, valued at up to $23 billion dollars. Operating illegally, organized criminals enter community waters, marine protected areas (MPAs) and no-take zones (NTZs), using destructive fishing methods from dragnets, arsenic and even dynamite, causing irreparable damage to marine-based ecosystems and depriving local communities of their primary source of protein.

As part of this partnership Earth will advise on the Pacific capacity, challenges and issues with fisheries information and actions currently available. Earth will also lead on relationships with Surveillance officers in Pacific countries and regional organizations, Develop and train Pacific based Ocean Rangers in the use of Earth’s technology and any other monitoring software deemed necessary.

Elliot Dudley, UK Managing Director says:

“We’re very proud to join Nia Tero in tackling this global problem, and look forward to sharing the results of this exciting initiative and expanding beyond the Pacific region.”

About Nia Tero

Nia Tero is a US-based non-profit working in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and movements worldwide. Our governing bodies, leadership and staff are of diverse non-Indigenous and Indigenous identities and life experiences. We view this diversity as a source of our strength as a bridging organization, committed to Indigenous self-determination and an inclusive culture guided by Indigenous wisdom, practices and protocols.

About Earth

Earth is a public benefit corporation (PBC) working to develop technology and strategic partnerships for the protection of our forests, oceans and biodiversity. We work on the frontline of conservation, deploying advanced technology to help maintain healthy forests and oceans as a frontline defence against climate change. Utilizing the latest in smartphone and satellite technology, the Earth platform supports indigenous communities, smallholder farmers and artisanal fisherfolk throughout the equatorial tropics.