New members are flocking to sign up to The Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Action Alliance indicating a growing global aim to tackle the problem.
The Alliance has added Iceland, The Republic of Korea, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, The European Union and Chile as new members, all of which have committed to the joint pledge to end IUU fishing.
“For too many communities, the threat of IUU fishing looms year after year, as they bear the brunt of the instability and violence that accompanies this serious, organised, transboundary crime,” said Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the UK.
”For marine species, the impact can be devastating, and this has a catastrophic effect on the lives of the hundreds of millions of people who depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. So, we need to accelerate our efforts and scale up.”
Combined force
The Alliance, comprised of State governments, non-governmental organisations and industry leaders from around the world, is committed to tackling IUU fishing through a coordinated, global approach.
Tackling IUU fishing involves members striving to be leaders in their respective countries by enacting and enforcing effective fisheries regulations, investing in monitoring and surveillance technologies and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Members intend to coordinate their efforts internationally to combat IUU fishing while also sharing information and best practices.
IUU fishing covers a range of illicit activities, including foreign vessels fishing in another country’s territorial waters, violation of international conservation laws or tracking requirements and failure to report catches to proper authorities.
It’s estimated to be worth between GB£10 to GB£20 billion per year.
