EC launches digital tool to help fight IUU fishing

Within its 2023-2023 report on activities to prevent IUU fishing, it highlights amendments to the IUU Regulation introducing the IT system CATCH, which will support the certification scheme for imported fishery products.

EU importers and Member States’ authorities will be using CATCH from 2026, while non-EU countries can join voluntarily.

“CATCH will contribute to a better protection of the EU market and its consumers against imported products obtained from IUU fishing,” said Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius.

“This IT system has a potential to become a reference point as a digital environment for catch documentation schemes and international trade flows of fishery products thanks to its web-based approach and considerable interoperability opportunities.”

The amendments to the regulation also change the content of the catch certification and accompanying documentation to improve traceability as well as reinforcing measures to deal with countries in breach of the regulation.

Between 2020 and 2023, the Commission provided support to international partners to promote fisheries compliance and fight against IUU fishing.

It also played a key role in the fight against IUU fishing within regional fisheries management organisations, advocating for the ratification of the FAO’s Port States Measures Agreement.