Request for Proposals: Study on Commercial Sensitivity, Profitability and Public Vessel Tracking with a focus on Japan and Distant-Water Fishing Nations

Application deadline: September 29, 2025
Please see submission instructions at the bottom of the page.
Applicants do not need to be based in Japan.

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.

Background

Japan is home to one of the world’s largest and most economically important fishing fleets supported by well-established and effective fisheries management systems. At the same time, other distant-water fishing nations (DWFNs) also operate significant fleets that play a key role in global seafood supply chains. Across these contexts, there is growing international momentum around the use of the automatic identification system (AIS) not only to complement existing fisheries management tools and strengthen transparency, sustainability, and accountability, but also to fulfill its essential purpose as a maritime safety instrument. 

Despite these developments, concerns remain in both Japan and other DWFNs regarding the potential commercial sensitivities of public vessel tracking, including risks related to competitiveness and knowledge of fishing grounds. Similar concerns have also been raised around greater transparency of vessel monitoring (VMS) data,  creating hesitation about adopting AIS-related measures for fisheries management.

Global Fishing Watch is therefore commissioning a study that examines the relationship between public vessel tracking, commercial sensitivity, and profitability, providing evidence and examples from other regions where AIS or public VMS use has been implemented successfully. The findings will help inform dialogue with governments and industry stakeholders by presenting a balanced and evidence-based assessment.

Project Description 

This consultancy will carry out an analysis of perspectives within the Japanese industry and in selected DWFNs, regarding public vessel transparency, including both AIS and VMS. The objective is to explore industry views on potential risks and challenges, while also assessing opportunities and benefits that transparency might bring, such as enhanced market access, increased consumer trust, improved operational efficiency, and stronger compliance.

The analysis aims to provide an understanding of how transparency is perceived and experienced, highlighting both concerns and potential benefits for industry stakeholders. The study should also draw on international case studies to illustrate how public vessel tracking has been implemented elsewhere, what lessons can inform the Japanese context, and what opportunities exist for leveraging transparency into a competitive advantage.

Consultancy objectives

The consultancy must achieve the following objectives:

Assess the perceived and actual risks of being publicly tracked through the use of AIS or through VMS if made more publicly available, for Japan’s fishing industry and for other selected DWFNs, with particular attention to commercial sensitivity and profitability.Gather insights from Japanese industry representatives and other selected DWFNs, through desk research, interviews and/or surveys.Document relevant case studies from other countries or regions where AIS use (or public VMS) has been expanded, analyzing industry outcomes and lessons learned.Develop actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders that highlight opportunities while addressing sensitivities.

Scope

The consultancy will primarily focus on Japan’s industrial fishing fleet. Comparative analysis should draw on at least four relevant international case studies, with the option to include Korea or other examples where they help contextualize Japan’s position. The assessment should consider commercial, economic, and reputational dimensions, as well as implications for global seafood trade and competitiveness.

Expected Deliverables

The consultant must deliver the following:

1. Stakeholder Assessment: A synthesis of perspectives from Japan’s fishing industry and government, as well as from selected DWFNs, on AIS and public VMS tracking.
2. Risk-Benefit Assessment: An analysis of the commercial, economic, and reputational risks and benefits of AIS transparency for Japan’s fisheries sector and selected DWFNs.
3. Comparative Case Study Analysis: A report covering at least four international case studies of AIS or public VMS implementation, analysing outcomes, challenges, and lessons directly relevant to Japan and selected DWFNs. The consultancy should provide an outline and a draft report for review and feedback before submitting the final report, to ensure the analysis aligns with project objectives and expectations. 
4. Recommendations Report: A set of practical and actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders in Japan and selected DWFNs, based on the findings from the assessments and case studies.

The consultant must demonstrate proficiency in both Japanese and English. All deliverables must be submitted in English. A final presentation of the findings will be made to Global Fishing Watch staff. 

The direct outputs of this consultancy are intended to inform Global Fishing Watch. Whilst the outputs themselves will not be made publicly available, content from the outputs may be shared with partners or published as Global Fishing Watch determines appropriate.

Coordination and Reporting

The consultant will work in close coordination with the Global Fishing Watch International Policy team, ensuring regular communication and active participation in scheduled check-in meetings throughout the consultancy period. A final presentation will be organized to share key findings, conclusions, and recommendations with the team. Any necessary travel related to this consultancy should be foreseen and reflected in the proposed budget.

Consultant Profile

• Proven experience in fisheries economics, policy analysis, or industry research, preferably including direct experience working with the fishing industry.
• Familiarity with the fisheries sector and industry groups in Japan and other DWFNs and the ability to engage with institutional stakeholders.
• Familiarity with vessel tracking technologies (AIS and VMS).
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with experience producing technical report and policy recommendations
• Proven track record of similar consultancy work, with references.

Submission requirements

Interested parties should submit a proposal work plan (Word) via email outlining methodology, activities, and timeline. The work should be carried out over a 7-8 week period. The budget should be submitted in spreadsheet form.

The proposal should consist of:

• A CV and cover letter explaining the provider’s interest and qualification for the consultancy including a description of previous experience with the types of work proposed in the RFP.
• A list of all staff members who will be working on the commission (if more than one).
• A narrative proposal outlining how the provider intends to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the previous section.
• A budget breakdown detailing costs for deliverables that includes: 
• The number of work days expected (per employee) and associated day rate and what these entail (e.g. research, report writing, meetings)
• Costs of stakeholder engagement, if any. 
• A proposed timeline, including:
• Expected delivery dates for all deliverables, workshops and meetings. 
• Expected payment points.
• Key time points that documents will be shared with Global Fishing Watch for review.

Applications should be sent to krizia.matthews@globalfishingwatch.org and ariadna.bartra-baron@globalfishingwatch.org 

Application deadline: September 29, 2025

Equal Opportunities: Global Fishing Watch is an equal opportunities employer. Global Fishing Watch is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization and in the greater ocean management and conservation community. We believe that diverse backgrounds, skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger organization. Bringing together professionals who possess broad experiences and a spectrum of perspectives will enable us to reach our goal of improved ocean governance faster. We hire and promote qualified professionals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organizational goals match the urgent challenges facing our global ocean, and our mission is designed to help secure a healthy ocean for all. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of humanity’s diversity, by providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees of Global Fishing Watch and for our partners, vendors, suppliers and contractors.