Technological and operational strategies of the Colombian Navy against IUU fishing: maritime surveillance systems and comparison with international models (2005–2024)

Abstract

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a major threat to marine biodiversity, fisheries sustainability, and the economic stability of coastal states such as Colombia. In this context, maritime surveillance and control technologies have become critical tools for improving detection, monitoring, and operational response. This literature review analyzes the technological and operational strategies used by the Colombian Navy to combat IUU fishing between 2005 and 2024, with special emphasis on surveillance systems, information integration, and decision-support capacities. A systematic and structured review was conducted using academic databases, official documents, international regulations, and technical reports. The analysis examines the use and applicability of tools such as satellite monitoring, Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), and artificial intelligence-based platforms, and compares the Colombian case with international models including THEMIS and SKYLIGHT. The results show progress in maritime control and fisheries surveillance; however, technological gaps, limited interoperability, logistical constraints, and inter-institutional coordination challenges continue to affect enforcement effectiveness. The study concludes that strengthening technological infrastructure, data integration, and intelligent maritime monitoring systems can improve operational decision-making and enhance Colombia’s capacity to prevent and respond to IUU fishing.