By Joyce Ann Rocamora
MANILA– Canada’s extension of its dark vessel detection (DVD) program for the Philippines through 2033 shows the strong partnership between the Philippine and Canada in combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities (IUUF), Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan Gonzaga said Saturday.
Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the extension of an agreement allowing the Philippines to use the DVD program for another seven years during his bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Dark Vessel Detection Program will be extended until 2033. This underlines our shared commitment to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities,” Chan-Gonzaga said in a text message.
“Moreover, it will also strengthen our ability to maintain strong maritime domain awareness,” he added.
The DVD System detects illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by vessels who deliberately turn off their Automatic Identification System.
It uses layered multi-sensor satellite data from both commercial and government-owned satellite assets to provide near real-time satellite imagery.
The Philippines and Canada signed the arrangement in 2023 that allowed the Philippine National Coast Watch Center to deploy the system. (PNA)
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila on Saturday (Nov. 14, 2026). (Photo courtesy of President Marcos)
