The tuna industry moves millions of tons of fish across vast ocean networks every year, yet many suppliers still struggle to track their products from vessel to shelf. Traditional paper-based documentation leaves gaps that expose businesses to compliance risks, mislabeling issues, and sustainability challenges. Modern satellite tracking technologies like VMS and AIS offer a solution, but understanding how they work and integrate into your tuna supply chain makes the difference between basic monitoring and comprehensive traceability.
What VMS and AIS technology actually track
Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) both use satellite technology to track fishing vessels, but they serve different purposes and capture distinct data types.
VMS operates as a mandatory tracking system in most fishing jurisdictions. It transmits vessel position data directly to fisheries management authorities at regular intervals, typically every hour or two, capturing precise GPS coordinates, vessel speed, and course. Some VMS units also record engine status and fishing gear deployment, helping authorities identify when vessels are actively fishing. When VMS is turned off, this usually creates an immediate non-compliance when fishing in EEZs.
AIS functions differently. Originally designed for maritime safety, AIS broadcasts vessel information to nearby ships and coastal stations more frequently than VMS, often every few seconds when vessels are moving. AIS data includes vessel identity, position, speed, heading, and navigation status. Unlike VMS, AIS signals can be received by anyone with appropriate equipment. However, fishing vessel captains may temporarily switch off AIS for various reasons without sanctions.
VMS provides more reliable long-range coverage in remote ocean areas, while AIS offers higher-frequency updates and additional vessel details near coastlines or other vessels.
How satellite tracking follows tuna from catch to processing
When vessels depart port, their VMS and AIS systems begin recording and transmitting location data, creating a digital trail throughout the fishing trip. During active fishing, satellite data captures vessel behaviors indicating fishing activity — sudden speed changes, circular movement patterns, or extended periods at specific coordinates. Some advanced systems combine movement data with sensors detecting gear deployment, including whether a tuna net set targets a free-swimming school or a FAD.
When tuna is caught, digital logging systems record the time, location, and fishing method for each haul or set, linking this data to the satellite-tracked vessel position. At port discharge or transshipment, digital systems assign unique identifiers to each batch, connecting them to verified fishing locations and activities. Processing facilities receive both the physical tuna and its associated tracking data, maintaining the chain from satellite-verified fishing activity through to the finished product.
Why traditional tracking methods fail tuna suppliers
Manual documentation systems create significant vulnerabilities for tuna suppliers:
- Documentation errors and data loss: Paper logbooks completed at sea lead to illegible entries, missing information, and transcription errors that multiply as tuna moves through facilities
- Timing and accuracy issues: Manual records often completed hours or days after fishing events make it difficult to accurately link catch batches to specific locations
- Fragmented information systems: Vessel logs, port records, processing documents, and certifications exist in separate systems, requiring weeks of manual assembly during audits or compliance checks
- Inability to prove negative claims: Manual systems cannot provide timestamped evidence confirming tuna was not caught in protected areas or using prohibited methods
- Regulatory and reputational risks: Incomplete documentation can lead to regulatory violations and lost sales when customers discover verification failures
How SmarTuna transforms vessel tracking into product verification
SmarTuna integrates real-time VMS and AIS data into a comprehensive digital traceability platform, automatically combining satellite tracking with vessel records, discharge volumes, and certifications to create verifiable documentation for each tuna batch.
The platform assigns a unique Raw Material ID at port discharge, digitally linking each batch to its satellite-verified origin and fishing activities before processing begins. Key capabilities include:
- Automated compliance checking: Real-time verification against 15+ regulatory and certification databases, including RFMO registries, ISSF PVR, MSC CoC, and IUU blacklists
- Continuous vessel monitoring: Real-time integration with satellite VMS and AIS systems providing uninterrupted tracking throughout each fishing trip
- Instant documentation access: Digital storage of all verification documents per batch enables immediate, audit-ready retrieval
- Universal data compatibility: GDST-compatible data exchange works across all tuna species and fishing methods
- Consumer transparency features: Digital Product Passports accessible via QR codes provide verified sustainability information to end consumers
Instead of reactive documentation assembly after problems arise, tuna suppliers gain proactive access to verifiable sustainability and sourcing claims backed by real satellite data. Ready to strengthen your tuna traceability? Contact SmarTuna today to learn how the platform turns vessel monitoring data into audit-ready proof of sustainable sourcing.
