The Open Data Institute (ODI) is working with Global Fishing Watch, an international non-profit organisation that seeks to advance ocean governance through transparency of human activity at sea, embedding data ethics and ensuring responsible innovation.
Founded in 2017, Global Fishing Watch has emerged as a leader in open data, using cutting-edge technologies like satellite imaging and machine learning to generate actionable insights and publishing open-access tools, datasets, and code to enhance ocean stewardship for the benefit of all. The organisation recognises the importance of data ethics in fostering responsible innovation and building collaborations that are fair, inclusive, and rooted in shared responsibility across regions, countries, and institutions.
Global Fishing Watch’s fully remote, globally distributed team has grown significantly over the past two years, making the implementation of formal data ethics governance processes crucial for ensuring long-term responsible innovation. In February 2024, it commissioned the ODI to conduct a data ethics maturity assessment, helping them assess their current practices. This laid a strong foundation for integrating data ethics into their workflows, where clear standards are established based on best practices, and knowledge-sharing becomes routine.
Global Fishing Watch is already making strides toward embedding data ethics into the organisation by:
- raising awareness and understanding of data ethics across the wider employee base through online and in-person data ethics training
- setting up an internal data ethics committee to provide guidance and support to establish data ethics across the organisation
- working towards publishing data ethics principles and related actions to ensure transparency and accountability
- embedding data ethics methodologies into pilot projects to establish best practices for identifying and assessing potential risks of harm to individuals and communities represented in the data
The ODI will continue working with Global Fishing Watch in 2025 to define its comprehensive data ethics commitment, emphasising the principles of responsible data stewardship to ensure ethical and transparent management of data. As part of this partnership, the ODI will support the organisation’s journey to evolve into a recognised data institution dedicated to sustainable and equitable data practices that serve its stakeholders and the broader community.
Working with AI and publishing open data always raises ethical concerns. Thanks to ODI’s support, over the last year we’ve been able to move beyond ad hoc considerations and start embedding data ethics into our core processes. Better understanding how data ethics can be applied to our work will help us develop a more mature practice, ensuring that as we grow, we can focus our efforts on harnessing AI for good
Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Global Fishing Watch
