IUU Fishing Research Articles

International Actions Against IUU Fishing and the Adoption of National Plans of Action

This article examines the National Plans of Action (NPOAs) adopted by selected States to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Despite some minor differences between States’ NPOAs, the NPOAs generally are similar to what was envisioned in the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing adopted in 2001.

Where do “Undocumented” Fish Land? An Empirical Assessment of Port Characteristics for IUU Fishing

Research on IUU fishing has identified the importance of ports of convenience as facilitators of IUU fishing activities. These types of ports allow IUU fishing vessels to offload their illegal catch undetected and transfer it via other methods to target destinations and into international markets. No study to date has explained what port characteristics make them attractive to IUU fishing vessels. Applying the risky facilities framework, this study empirically tests ports’ traits that facilitate vessel entry and offloading of illegal catch. A total of 120 ports visited by IUU fishing vessels are studied for measures of regulation of behavior and degree of enforcement activity occurring within their jurisdiction. Additionally, country-level characteristics are examined. Policy recommendations are devised to inform change in place management practices and to discourage IUU fishing activities.

The dimensions of a transnational crime problem: the case of iuu fishing

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is a significant transnational crime problem that costs developing nations from $2 to $15 billion in economic losses annually. Perpetrators include established organized crime groups and commercial fishers, while the incidence of IUU fishing is often shaped by public corruption. Various economic drivers, such as the exceptionally high value of some species, and the Flag of Convenience (FOC) system of vessel registration contribute to the significance of the problem. Negative environmental impacts involve the depletion of fish stocks, damage to coral reefs, and stress on marine mammals and birds. Social and economic impacts are severe as well, and are most especially prevalent in developing nations. Theoretically, IUU fishing may be viewed as arising and proliferating due to “criminogenic asymmetries,” especially evident in the uneven patchwork of international laws governing the world’s oceans. A broad range of public and private responses have thus far generated limited success in thwarting IUU fishing.

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing on the High Seas: The Port State Measures Agreement in Context

Despite stepped-up efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (iuu) fishing on the high seas, it is flourishing. The threats that it poses, ranging from adverse effects on fish stocks to the destabilisation of coastal communities, warrant renewed urgent concern about its proliferation. There is general agreement amongst commentators, regulators and those on the ground alike that a multi-pronged approach to tackling iuu fishing is required which creatively employs the complementary legal tools currently available. The potential power of port state controls, as a relatively simple and economic means of hitting at the profitability of iuu fishing has recently received attention, in part due to the adoption of the 2009 fao Agreement on Port State Measures. This article provides input into the potential of this Agreement to meaningfully advance current efforts in tackling iuu fishing, particularly from an enforcement perspective, in combination with other existing regulatory efforts towards this end.

ANALISIS TRANSHIPMENT PASAL 69 AYAT (3) PERATURAN MENTERI KELAUTAN PERIKANAN NO. 30 TAHUN 2012 TENTANG USAHA PERIKANAN TANGKAP

This study aims to analyze the content analysis of the application of Article 69 paragraph (3) of the Regulation of Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries No. 30 Year 2012 on Business fisheries in Regional Fisheries Management of the Republic of Indonesia to Indonesian marine fisheries. Previous studies or research focused on handling of legal issues and marine fisheries which was only viewed from the macro side perspective while this research mainly discusses transshipment as stipulated in Article 69 paragraph (3) Regulation of the Minister. It employed normative juridical method by qualitative-descriptive approach. The results showed that the application of the article led to an increased possibility of the practice of IUU fishing by foreign vessels in Indonesian waters, hence, a review of the implementation of the Article is necessarily conducted.Keywords: content analysis, marine fisheries, transhipment

Fisheries, ecosystem justice and piracy: A case study of Somalia

It has been argued that a possible root cause of Somali piracy is the (illegal) overfishing that has been taking place in the country's waters, which has deprived local fishers of their livelihoods, and which may be considered as another form of ‘piracy’. In this paper, we explore the origins of this argument using both historical and ecosystem justice frameworks, and argue that the origin of piracy in Somalia is a result of a combination of state failure, IUU fishing, toxic waste dumping and its impact on the ecosystem. We then present some potential resolutions to the problem of piracy, which requires a multifaceted approach, including (i) the establishment of a viable Somali state where the rule of law is the order of the day; and (ii) action taken to prevent illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping to provide support for the local fishing industry.

Dispatches

Dispatches

Impact of turbot fishery on cetaceans in the Romanian Black Sea area

The abundance of the three species of endemic Black Sea marine mammals represented by Delphinus delphis ponticus (Barabasch-Nikiforov 1935), Tursiops truncatus ponticus (Barabasch-Nikiforov 1940) and Phocoena phocoena relicta (Abel 1905) has shown a dramatic decline due to direct killing practiced in earlier times, incidental catches in fishing gears, depletion of the fish populations entering the cetacean food web, and habitat degradation. These threats are more severe in the Black Sea owing to its semi-enclosed nature, high human density, and human activities being carried out especially in coastal zones. Each year, incidental cetacean catches are registered on the Romanian littoral and, consequently, mortalities occur among individuals which strand on the beaches. These mortalities affect in particular the species Phocoena phocoena , considered the most vulnerable one to gillnet fishing. The greatest hazard for Black Sea marine mammals is turbot gillnets, taking into account their number and distribution area. This paper presents data on the description of the current fishing system used in the commercial fisheries of the Romanian Black Sea area, the geographical distribution of the incidental catches, fishing effort, IUU fishing and ghost fishing, CPUE values of cetacean by-catches, indirect impacts of fisheries and recommendations.

Voluntary Guidelines for Flag State Performance: A New Tool to Conquer IUU Fishing

Abstract Within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao), Voluntary Guidelines for Flag State Performance were adopted by the fao Technical Consultation on Flag State Performance on 8 February 2013. The Guidelines, which focus on the role of the flag State in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (iuu) fishing and build on existing international law, constitute a ground-breaking international instrument. They set out criteria and procedures for the assessment of flag State performance, as well as provisions on cooperation between flag States and coastal States, compliance and cooperation with, and assistance to, developing countries. The Guidelines were adopted as a response to the lack of effective control by many flag States over their fishing and fishing-related vessels, mindful that flag States may generally be said to have the primary responsibility for preventing, deterring and eliminating iuu fishing.1 The Guidelines are a robust and comprehensive tool for enhancing international fisheries governance.

Catching Up on Fisheries Crime

This article describes international collaborative efforts aimed at improving the global capacity to address fisheries crime, with a particular focus on the International Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (IMCS) network and INTERPOL activities. These 2 initiatives have emerged as a response to existing governance deficits and, combined, substantially improve the prospects for addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing (FAO 2001) and associated crimes. I describe the development of these initiatives and provide some reflection on their challenges and opportunities. I use the term fisheries crime to include illegal fishing and associated crimes, although the efforts described here improve the prospects for addressing all aspects of IUU fishing activities, some of which may not constitute legal violations (FAO 2001).

Introduction: Oceans governance: Where have we been and where are we going?

Australian ocean governance faces the challenge of sustaining a balance between marine resource use and conservation while dealing with pressing threats resulting from climate change such as sea level rise, fisheries food security, IUU fishing and ocean acidification. Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a way forward for dealing with these challenges in oceans governance. This paper examines a recent Commonwealth MSP initiative in Australia: Marine Bioregional Plans (MBPs) that are based on large marine ecosystems and provide the framework for the establishment of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas. Four MSP conditions are introduced: use of ecosystem-based approaches; spatial orientation; integration; and a multilevel policy framework. By analysing MBPs utilising these conditions, this paper outlines the challenges and accomplishments of this MSP process.

Oceans governance and marine spatial planning in Australia

Australian ocean governance faces the challenge of sustaining a balance between marine resource use and conservation while dealing with pressing threats resulting from climate change such as sea level rise, fisheries food security, IUU fishing and ocean acidification. Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a way forward for dealing with these challenges in oceans governance. This paper examines a recent Commonwealth MSP initiative in Australia: Marine Bioregional Plans (MBPs) that are based on large marine ecosystems and provide the framework for the establishment of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas. Four MSP conditions are introduced: use of ecosystem-based approaches; spatial orientation; integration; and a multilevel policy framework. By analysing MBPs utilising these conditions, this paper outlines the challenges and accomplishments of this MSP process.

What’s in a Name? The Illegality of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing

Abstract “Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing” or “IUU fishing” has become a common term in legal discourse, yet its exact meaning remains unclear. Taking the explanation offered in the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing as a starting point, this paper elucidates on the term’s meaning and draws conclusions as to its utility in international law.

Middlemen, informal trading and its linkages with IUU fishing activities in the port of Progreso, Mexico

Abstract This paper explores the economic environment that makes informal fish trading possible, the nature of these activities and how they are interconnected or might stimulate IUU fishing activities in the port of Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico. The main argument is that fish trading by middlemen has been developed within the scope of an informal sector which depends on the existence of structural and organizational factors such as: a dual economic system where the formal and informal sectors are complementary, and an institutional environment and a socio-economic network that interconnects both sectors and supports the activity. Research for this study was carried out during 2008 and 2009 in the port of Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico. The survey strategy was a non-probability sample adapting and combining chain referral techniques because middlemen in this region are a hidden population. Findings indicate that the main motivation for middlemen to remain underground is to maximize benefits. In order to do so, they need to build a socioeconomic network which is the center of their trading system. This way of operating generates incentives for fishers to fish illegally because middlemen would buy their products even if they do not meet formal regulations.

Antarctic Treaty System Ready for a Challenge

In their Policy Forum “Challenges to the future conservation of the Antarctic” (13 July, p. [158][1]), S. L. Chown et al. discuss concerns about the Antarctic Treaty System's (ATS's) ability to navigate future challenges. We believe ATS has demonstrated that it is both robust and adaptable. ![Figure][2] United. Treaty nation flags fly over the South Pole. CREDIT: PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS JOHN K. SOKOLOWSKI/U.S. NAVY Chown et al. raise the issue of marine resource harvesting, biological prospecting, and potential mineral and hydrocarbon exploitation. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) regulates the harvesting of marine resources in the Southern Ocean, and it has arguably the most highly developed system for ecosystem-based management of any international agreement ([ 1 ][3]). Underpinning CCAMLR's decision-making processes is the precautionary approach which, as it has evolved, has set very conservative catch limits on fish stocks and provided other mechanisms for reducing harvesting impacts. The Southern Ocean krill fishery is arguably the largest underexploited fishery in the world. For many years, CCAMLR has been developing mechanisms in advance of projected escalation of interest in the fishery, including setting precautionary catch limits, establishing small-scale management areas, and invoking trigger points where, when a predesignated catch is exceeded, additional conservation measures will apply. In their discussion of the submissions of several Antarctic claimant states to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), Chown et al. have misconstrued both the actions of those Antarctic Treaty Parties and the effects of those actions. All Antarctic Treaty Parties are bound by the Antarctic mining ban ([ 2 ][4]). Submission of data to the CLCS in relation to Antarctic or other continental shelves has no bearing on that ban or a party's obligation to uphold it. Mitigating unacceptable human impacts in Antarctica is a substantial focus for the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, as Chown et al. note. There is no evidence that human interest in Antarctica will outpace the capacity of the ATS to respond. The historically steady climb in Antarctic tourism numbers from the 1990s has been reversed since the 2008 financial crisis ([ 3 ][5]) and also since the International Maritime Organization introduced a ban on the use and carriage of heavy and intermediate fuel into the Antarctic Treaty Area in 2011 ([ 4 ][6]). Tourism is subject to ongoing monitoring, oversight, and management, mainly through the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)—an organization mindful of the extraordinary responsibilities it carries for maintaining the integrity of the pristine Antarctic environment. Local impact is minimized by a system of site guidelines and rules about behavior ashore—the latter originally adopted by IAATO in its by-laws and later formalized by the ATS. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties have addressed past challenges firmly and overtly within the Antarctic Treaty's twin pillars of peace and science ([ 5 ][7]). Reforms to the operation of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, increased opportunities for engagement with relevant international organizations, and the presence of nongovernmental organizations as observers to ATS meetings and as members of national delegations since the mid-1980s all work to strengthen the institutional resilience of the ATS. The number of parties acceding to instruments of the Antarctic Treaty System has steadily increased (including, notably, Malaysia and Pakistan in 2011). At the same time, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties have increased engagement with relevant international organizations: among them, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization regarding IUU fishing; the International Hydrographic Office in relation to charting Antarctic waters; and the International Maritime Organization in the development of the Polar Shipping Code. We concur that the challenges facing the region defy complacency. The quickening pace of global change requires scientists and policymakers to work together. With this as a fundamental underpinning for future action, we believe the ATS is well placed to meet these challenges. 1. [↵][8] 1. A. Constable , Fish Fisheries 12, 138 (2011). [OpenUrl][9][CrossRef][10][Web of Science][11] 2. [↵][12] Article 7, Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, Antarctic Treaty Secretariat ([www.ats.aq/e/ep.htm][13]). 3. [↵][14] International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, Tourism Statistics ( ). 4. [↵][15] Annex I, Chapter 9, “Special requirements for the use or carriage of oils in the Antarctic area,” International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) (International Maritime Organization Resolution MEPC.189(60), 26 March 2010). 5. [↵][16] Articles I and III of the Antarctic Treaty, Antarctic Treaty Secretariat ([www.ats.aq/documents/ats/treaty_original.pdf][17]). [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1222821 [2]: pending:yes [3]: #ref-1 [4]: #ref-2 [5]: #ref-3 [6]: #ref-4 [7]: #ref-5 [8]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [9]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DFish%2BFisheries%26rft.volume%253D12%26rft.spage%253D138%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1111%252Fj.1467-2979.2011.00410.x%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [10]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1111/j.1467-2979.2011.00410.x&link_type=DOI [11]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000290540700003&link_type=ISI [12]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text [13]: http://www.ats.aq/e/ep.htm [14]: #xref-ref-3-1 View reference 3 in text [15]: #xref-ref-4-1 View reference 4 in text [16]: #xref-ref-5-1 View reference 5 in text [17]: http://www.ats.aq/documents/ats/treaty_original.pdf

Effects of IUU fishing and stock enhancement on and restoration strategies for the stellate sturgeon fishery in the Caspian Sea

Sturgeon is the most valuable fish species because of the high demand for their roe. The sturgeon fishery was historically the most important fishery in the Caspian Sea, but the major sturgeon species have now been classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Considering commercial importance and data availability, we focus this study on stellate sturgeon. By applying a Depletion-Based Stock Reduction Analysis to model the population dynamics of the stellate sturgeon in the Caspian Sea, we estimate that the current stock is only 16% of the biomass (BMSY) that can produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). If all fish removals are stopped and no more stock enhancement takes place in the future, the stock would recover to BMSY by 2035 on average, with a 50% probability of it occurring between 2029 and 2058. If stock enhancement continues at the 2010 level, the rebuilding process will be 5 years faster, reaching BMSY by 2030. In contrast, if IUU fishing continues at the current level and only legal fishing is stopped, the stellate sturgeon will fail to recover and become extinct by 2042 without stock enhancement. Therefore, the priority of conserving the stellate sturgeon stock in the Caspian Sea is to eliminate IUU fishing. Practical rebuilding plans need also to include a combination of reducing fishing removals and restoring the spawning potential of the stock that has been lost by human interruptions in the ecosystem such as destruction of spawning grounds and overfishing.

Global Cooperation among Diverse Organizations to Reduce Illegal Fishing in the Southern Ocean

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is prevalent globally and has detrimental effects on commercial fish stocks and nontarget species. Effective monitoring and enforcement aimed at reducing the level of IUU fishing in extensive, remote ocean fisheries requires international collaboration. Changes in trade and vessel activities further complicate enforcement. We used a web-based survey of governmental and nongovernmental organizations engaged in reducing IUU fishing in the Southern Ocean to collect information on interorganizational collaborations. We used social-network analyses to examine the nature of collaborations among the identified 117 organizations engaged in reducing IUU fishing. International collaboration improved the ability to control and manage harvest of commercially important toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) stocks and reduced bycatch of albatrosses (Diomedeidae) and petrels (Procellariidae) in longlines of IUU fishing vessels. The diverse group of surveyed organizations cooperated frequently, thereby making a wide range of resources available for improved detection of suspected IUU vessels and trade flows, cooperation aimed at prosecuting suspected offenders or developing new policy measures. Our results suggest the importance of a central agency for coordination and for maintaining commonly agreed-upon protocols for communication that facilities collaboration. Despite their differences, the surveyed organizations have developed common perceptions about key problems associated with IUU fishing. This has likely contributed to a sustained willingness to invest in collaborations. Our results show that successful international environmental governance can be accomplished through interorganizational collaborations. Such cooperation requires trust, continuous funding, and incentives for actors to participate.

IUU fishing in Indonesia’s live reef fisheries

The live reef fish trade involves the exploitation of coral reef fishes to supply luxury seafood restaurants in Hong Kong and mainland China; and high demand and expensive prices resulted in excessive fishing. Almost all of Indonesia’s coral reef areas are heavily exploited, and their sustainability is threatened by overfishing, IUU fishing and the effects of destructive fishing on the target species, non-target species and on their environment. This article outlines the results of a study conducted over 2009–10 in a number of locations in Indonesia analysing the live reef fish trade, including fishing equipment, supply chain and other socio-economic aspects. Recommendations are proposed to assist the Indonesian government in developing fisheries management plans for coral reef fish.

Dispatches

Dispatches

Evaluation framework for regulatory requirements related to data recording and traceability designed to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

Abstract In 2001 FAO published the “International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing”. Based on this plan, national and supranational authorities have developed legislation to fight the so called IUU fishing. A key aspect of the legislation proposed so far is the mandatory recording of some data elements and the requirement that these data should be available for access through a traceability system. This article outlines a general framework for evaluation of these types of requirements, using a predictor-outcome N-way matrix. A “good practise” system is described, against which the existing systems and practises can be evaluated. The framework can be used to assess if the regulatory requirements ensure that the relevant IUU fishing identification data are made available, and it can also be used to evaluate the requirements imposed on the traceability system.