Taiwan, Canada sign MOU on Dark Vessel Detection

Taiwan and Canada signed an MOU granting Taiwan access to Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

• Signed by outgoing Canadian representative Jim Nickel and Taiwan’s envoy to Canada Harry Tseng; Action: grants Taiwan Coast Guard Administration access to Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system; Value: DVD system valued at 7 million Canadian dollars (US$5.09 million); Source: statements from MOFA and CTOT. Agencies did not specify the signing date (confirmed action: MOU signed).
• DVD capabilities: the system “uses satellite imagery and analytics to identify and track vessels operating illegally by concealing their location or intentions”; Context: CTOT represents Canadian interests in Taiwan in absence of official ties; Precedent: Canada signed a similar DVD access agreement with the Philippines in 2023 (confirmed past agreement).