The UK's Royal Navy has signed an information-sharing letter of intent with the nonprofit Global Fishing Watch in order to better tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Indo-Pacific, the UK government announced.

The new agreement will see the two organizations share information, data and technical advice on maritime activity to better prevent illegal fishing at sea.

The two bodies have already been working closely on a pilot project in the Philippines, funded by the UK government's integrated security fund. "By sharing information, we will improve understanding, assessment of risk, and enable pre-emptive action to avert maritime incidents," shared the UK government in a release.

The UK co-launched the IUU fishing action alliance pledge at the UN Oceans Conference in 2022, in collaboration with the US and Canada.

For his part, Tony Long, CEO of Global Fishing Watch, said that this latest agreement was part of the organization's ongoing efforts to build a global maritime business.

"By using automatic identification system, vessel monitoring system, satellite, and other data, we are increasing awareness of ocean activity, including identifying patterns of IUU fishing, through our online map," he said. 

"This is helping governments, businesses and NGOs develop a fuller understanding of high-risk areas and tailor policies and regulations that support local economies, safeguard marine habitats and combat IUU fishing for the good of all."