Platform Requests

I wanted to flag something that partners, both technical (e.g., JAC) and country/agencies, really appreciate in the map, but I think could be improved. It is the ability to download polygons directly from the map, especially EEZs, MPAs, or custom drawn. Right now the only way to do it (as far as I know), is to download a data layer within the area or conduct a dynamic report and download within the report window. If you do this a .geojson of the polygon is included in the zipped output file. I often use this just to spit out a polygon for some other purpose. Most users don’t know this but really like it when they figure it out. I don’t know if there are restrictions with some of our sources for shapefiles/areas, but if it is possible to add a simply feature to just download the polygon directly (ideally with options for shapefile, kml, or geojson), I think a lot of users would see value in that.

It was pointed out by Spanish-speaking participants in a workshop that GFW translation of vessel class 'bunker' to 'Aprovisionamiento' is not very clear, because this could mean provisioning of many things, whereas bunker is understood to signify provisioning of fuel only.

Currently, users are unable to adjust the order of layers. Enabling layer reordering including for user-defined datasets would significantly improve usability and flexibility.

The dynamic reports graph for vessel list by flag is now visualized with bubbles rather than a standard bar graph (as is the case for vessel list by gear type, for example). A user has requested the ability to be able to visualize vessels by flag as a standard bar graph, as they use this visual in their reports.

Could we use the analysis functionality (before/after, period comparison) for environmental layers? For example, could we compare temperature visually for the same month across two years?

It would be helpful to be able to export a barplot or evolution figure from dynamic reports with formatting, similar to the screenshot function in the map. The current workaround of taking and cropping screenshots isn't optimal (and excludes a title for example).

Support removing areas (e.g. EEZs) from dynamic reports (e.g. leaving high seas areas) to allow more flexible analysis and improved insights.

The analysis features in the Vessel Group analysis are brilliant. Currently when you view the encounter events for a vessel group comprised of fishing vessels, the "Vessel List" includes only the fishing vessels. It would be useful to be able to quickly create a list of the carrier vessels involved in these encounters, to then track the movements and port visits of these carriers. This would be especially useful for journalists or industry partners trying to trace the supply chains of where fish are potentially landed.

Include the Reefers category in the vessel presence/type filters. This option would facilitate the identification of this key group of vessels for distant water fleets, allowing for the measurement of cargo movements. It could also provide information on catch transshipments when one of the vessels turns off its AIS system. It would greatly facilitate the investigation and monitoring of fishing activity on the high seas.

Improving classification for bunker vessels shown on the map