International organization endorses suggestion to halt unlawful fishing practices
Gotta Nix that Fishin'!: The international fishing community is on a mission to eradicate harmful, illicit fishing practices as they jeopardize food security, endanger fishermen's livelihoods, harm marine ecosystems, and create unfair market competition, according to a recent press release.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights the need to prevent financial backing from reaching unscrupulous individuals involved in illegal fishing. They propose member countries to adopt a series of political measures that reduce the risk of support funding IUU fishing, and should withdraw public funds if this occurs.
One key recommendation is to provide fishing support solely to vessels that fly the flag of the supporting member state. If not, special precautions and controls should be enacted. Vessels must also have authorization or legal right to fish, adhering to international standards.
Moreover, the OECD encourages implementing mechanisms to exclude, withhold, and, when possible, withdraw support from vessel owners and operators linked to IUU fishing. Sharing information about IUU fishing determinations, for instance, through regional fisheries management agreements, is recommended.
The expected outcome of the new legal tool is to significantly contribute to global discussions on building sustainable and resilient fishing at the United Nations' third Conference on the Ocean, set to happen from June 9 to 13 in Nice, France.
Speaking of ocean conservation, have a look at Trawling Reduces CO2 Absorption by Oceans to learn more about the impact trawling has on the carbon cycle in our oceans.
Insights:
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses grave threats to food security, marine ecosystems, and fair market competition. To combat this issue, international collaboration is crucial, including participation in treaties like the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). Additionally, robust monitoring, control, and surveillance systems (MCS) using technologies such as vessel monitoring systems (VMS) can help in tracking fishing activities and verifying the legality of catches. Economic incentives can be used to motivate sustainable fishing practices, and capacity building can assist developing countries in enforcing laws and managing fisheries sustainably. Transparency and traceability are also vital, with electronic catch documentation and monitoring systems ensuring the traceability of seafood products, preventing IUU-caught fish from entering the market.
- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggests that member countries authorize fishing support only to vessels under their flag, enforcing international standards, as this can help combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- To prevent financial backing from reaching unscrupulous individuals involved in IUU fishing, the OECD strongly recommends implementing mechanisms to exclude, withhold, and withdraw support from vessel owners and operators linked to such practices.
- In a bid to promote environmental-science-led practices in fisheries, the OECD encourages member countries to share information about IUU fishing determinations through regional fisheries management agreements, encouraging transparency and traceability.
- The international fishing community condemns the harmful, illicit fishing practices that jeopardize food security, endanger fishermen's livelihoods, harm marine ecosystems, and create unfair market competition, issues often covered in general-news discussions.
- The OECD's new legal tool aims to significantly contribute to global discussions on building sustainable and resilient fishing at the United Nations' third Conference on the Ocean, emphasizing the vital role of science and politics in preserving the world's fisheries.
