Taipei: Taiwan and Canada have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on using a Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as announced by the two governments on Monday.

According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT) confirmed that the agreement was signed in Taipei by outgoing Canadian representative Jim Nickel and Taiwan's envoy to Canada, Harry Tseng. The specific date of the signing was not disclosed by the agencies.

The Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, acting in lieu of official diplomatic ties, represents Canadian interests in Taiwan. MOFA stated that the agreement is set to enhance bilateral cooperation against IUU fishing and support economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region. In a Facebook post, CTOT revealed that Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration would gain access to Canada's DVD system as part of the deal.

The Dark Vessel Detection system, valued at 7 million Canadian dollars (US$5.09 million), employs satellite imagery and analytical tools to identify and monitor vessels that operate illegally by hiding their location or intentions. This information was detailed in a Canadian government press release from February 24, 2021. The program is designed to offer advanced satellite data and analysis to small island nations and coastal states severely impacted by IUU fishing, which poses threats to local economies, food security, and fish stocks.

In a previous agreement, Canada extended access to the DVD system to the Philippines in 2023, underscoring its commitment to international collaboration in combating illegal fishing activities.