Shared Data, Shared Goals: A Review of APEC and Metacoalition Engagement with FAO Data-sharing Platforms

The Supply Chain Risk Project (SCRP) reviewed the use of the FAO Global Record and PSMA Applications for Designated Ports and Contact Points by APEC Economies and the Metacoalition. While 62% of APEC Economies have some data on the Global Record, the information is often insufficient for tracing supply chains to the vessel level. Private sector engagement is low, with only 5 of 17 surveyed respondents using FAO platforms, citing issues with data quantity, standardization, and a lack of guidance. The report recommends that APEC Economies align with industry needs by providing standardized, up-to-date vessel data and that both parties engage with the FAO to improve platform interoperability and export capabilities, particularly as the PSMA Global Information Exchange System (GIES) becomes operational in 2024.

• As of June 2023, 62% of APEC Economies had some publicly available data on the FAO Global Record, with vessel identification (specifically vessel name) and vessel registration being the most common data fields provided.
• The FAO PSMA Applications for Designated Ports and Contact Points contains designated port names for 57% of APEC Economies, and 67% of APEC Economies have listed a designated port contact.
• Current data on FAO platforms is insufficient for seafood companies to trace supply chains to the vessel level or effectively assess IUU fishing risk due to a lack of comprehensive and regularly updated information.
• Private sector adoption of FAO platforms is low; only 5 out of 17 surveyed seafood sector respondents engaged with them, with most preferring Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) vessel authorization lists.
• Industry leaders identified four primary barriers to using the Global Record: a lack of guidance, capacity constraints for small- and medium-sized companies, insufficient data standardization and validation, and the inability of non-FAO members like Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei to participate.
• The report recommends that APEC Economies prioritize the provision of standardized vessel identity information (e.g., UVI, MMSI, call signs) and activity information (e.g., VMS and AIS details) to support the seafood industry's verification efforts.
• To improve the Global Record's utility, the report suggests the FAO implement versatile export options (GUI and API), align data elements with industry standards like GDST, provide comprehensive API documentation, and offer an open-source data schema.

APA

World Economic Forum (2023). Shared Data, Shared Goals: A Review of APEC and Metacoalition Engagement with FAO Data-sharing Platforms. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_SCRP_Transparency_Review_2023.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. Shared Data, Shared Goals: A Review of APEC and Metacoalition Engagement with FAO Data-sharing Platforms. 2023. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_SCRP_Transparency_Review_2023.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=Shared Data, Shared Goals: A Review of APEC and Metacoalition Engagement with FAO Data-sharing Platforms |date=November 2023 |url=https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_SCRP_Transparency_Review_2023.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2023shared, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{Shared Data, Shared Goals: A Review of APEC and Metacoalition Engagement with FAO Data-sharing Platforms}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2023}, month = nov, url = {https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_SCRP_Transparency_Review_2023.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }