The FiTI focuses on public access to information for 12 thematic areas of marine capture fisheries, such as fishing licenses, vessel registry, catch data, subsidies and beneficial ownership.
Core characteristics of the FiTI
Transparency needs trust! This is why the FiTI is implemented through National Multi-Stakeholder Groups, equally represented by government, companies and civil society.
Transparency requires a two-sided approach: making data available in the public domain, and ensuring that stakeholders can draw reliable conclusions from it.
Countries are not expected to have complete data for every thematic area from the beginning. Instead, public authorities must disclose the information they have, and where important gaps exist, demonstrate improvements over time.
The FiTI does not replace or duplicate existing government systems. Instead, the need for national authorities to develop and strengthen their own systems for collecting and publishing information online is emphasised.
The FiTI International Board undertakes regular evaluations to verify compliance of all participating countries against the FiTI Standard. This covers the provision of FiTI Reports, the meaningful involvement of stakeholders, as well as the impact of the FiTI in the country.
FiTI Standard: Defining for the first time what information on fisheries management should be published online by governments!
The FiTI Standard is an internationally recognised framework that sets clear requirements on what is expected from countries regarding transparency in marine fisheries.
It was developed in a 2-year global consultation process with government representatives from fishing nations, industrial and artisanal fishing entities, civil society and intergovernmental organisations.
FiTI countries:
We contribute to the sustainability of marine fisheries by supporting the following countries to enhance the accessibility, credibility and usability of national fisheries management information.
News, Updates, Blogs
Seychelles publishes newly structured FiTI Report, enhancing stakeholder understanding of fisheries transparency
The latest report shows that Seychelles continues to move towards strengthening the credibility, quality, and usefulness of published fisheries information.
Mauritania’s National Multi-Stakeholder Group reviews its 6th FiTI Report
The FiTI International Secretariat carried out a mission to Mauritania to support it’s National Multi-Stakeholder Group in their 7th annual FiTI Report process.
The Fisheries Transparency Initiative 10th Anniversary: Its Story and Learnings
As Dr. Valeria Merino’s term as Chair of the FiTI International Board concludes, she reflects on the creation and evolution of the FiTI over the past decade.
Dr Audun Lem appointed as new Chair of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI)
The International Board of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) has appointed Dr Audun Lem as the third Chair of the Initiative.
Comoros inaugurates National Multi-Stakeholder Group
The Union of the Comoros recently brought together stakeholders in fisheries to establish and inaugurate a National Multi-Stakeholder Group.
FiTI International Board elects eight members for 2026-2028 term
The International Board of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) is extremely pleased to welcome three new Board Members: Mr Tymon J Kiepe, Mr Alfred Bulakali Nkuru, and Ms Sophie L P Benbow.
Liberia inaugurates National Multi-Stakeholder Group
The Republic of Liberia has established a National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) to facilitate the effective implementation of the FiTI in Liberia.
FiTI in numbers:
13
Governments committed to implement the FiTI Standard
16
Fisheries information reports published by National Multi-Stakeholder Groups
123
Organisations engaged in National Multi-Stakeholder Groups
4
Country validations conducted to assess compliance against FiTI Standard
10
transparency briefings (short 'tBriefs') published in English, French, Spanish
14
TAKING STOCK country transparency assessments conducted