Potential cooperation of RFMOs for the integrity of MCS: Lessons from the three RFMOs in the Asia-Pacific

Abstract

Enhanced monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) vessels is key to sustainable fisheries. This study examined relevant conservation and management measures (CMMs) in three regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs) of the Asia-Pacific to identify their challenges. We focused on two CMMs: vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and IUU vessel lists. We also conducted two qualitative analyses to gain an in-depth understanding of registered vessels, including the fishing capacity of member states in the three RFMOs and the relationships between the fishing capacity and catch of flag states. Consequently, we identified several challenges, including VMS data gaps and difficulties in applying sanctions to different IUU entities. While these challenges may be common across RFMOs, there are still limited inter-RFMO cooperation to address them. Also, our quantitative analyses revealed that coastal developing states with limited capacity have a high number of recorded vessels and that a large fishing capacity (especially that of large distant water fishing nations) does not necessarily indicate a large catch. Our analyses highlight the need to improve vessel management capacity and ensure the accuracy of vessel related information. Overall, our findings indicate the need for collaborative work among RFMOs in the form of, for example, a formal communication platform, which would provide RFMOs opportunities to promote knowledge or technology transfer. Inter-RFMO cooperation can be particularly useful for the youngest RFMO managing the North Pacific as its enhancement of CMMs is essential to achieve the integrity of MCS for IUU vessels in the Asia-Pacific.