Combating Illegal Fishing

Abstract

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a worldwide phenomenon. Its extent and its environmental, economic and social consequences are such that it has become a priority issue at international level. IUU fishing contributes to the depletion of fish stocks and jeopardises protection and recovery measures put in place to ensure the viability of resources. It represents unfair competition for those who exploit fish resources legally. The Commission have been involved in the fight against IUU fishing for over a decade and in 2002 the Commission adopted an Action Plan against IUU fishing inspired by the FAOs International Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing of 2001. However, despite regional and international efforts to stop IUU fishing the phenomenon is still a growing problem and as a result, the European Community intensified its action towards IUU fishing by launching a consultation process in 2007. A Proposal to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing was adopted in October 2007 and a Regulation to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing was adopted on 29 September 2008, after a unanimous political agreement.