The European Commission and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) have pledged to work closely together to fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The partnership will involve exchanging information about suspected IUU-activities; enhancing global traceability of fishery products threatened by IUU fishing, through a risk-based, electronic catch documentation and certification system; joining forces in supporting developing states in the fight against IUU fishing and the promotion of sustainable fishing through education and training; and strengthening cooperation in international fora, including regional fisheries management organisations.
European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said: "Putting an end to illegal fishing is one of the main objectives of the EU's international ocean governance agenda.
“By joining forces with the Republic of Korea, a world player in fisheries, we send a clear message to those breaking international law that there is no place for such products on our markets and we will continue to fight illegal fishing until we have fully eradicated it."
Joint statement
Commitment to the pledge was marked by a joint statement signed by Commissioner Vella, and Kim Young-Choon, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea.
EU have been working closely together with South Korea on IUU fishing for several years already.
In April 2015, the Commission lifted the yellow card issued to South Korea in 2013 for concern about IUU fishing.
