As a member of FFA and in accordance with regionally accepted MTCs and MCS operating procedures, the PIC has established port State controls that are consistent with other FFA member States. In addition, as a party to the WCPF Convention, the PIC will work with other party States to further develop appropriate port State controls. The WCPF Commission itself is required to consult, cooperate and collaborate with other relevant intergovernmental organizations to ensure through effective management, the long-term conservation and sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks in the region.[41]
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The IPOA-IUU encourages States to take steps, consistent with international law, to prevent fish caught by vessels identified by the relevant RFMO to have been engaged in IUU fishing being traded or imported into their territories. |
It is an offence to bring into the PIC fish that has been taken illegally in another State[42] or in areas of high seas that may be subject to international conservation and management measures. To enhance this provision of the Fisheries Management Act 2002, and to strengthen its MCS capability, the Government of PIC is exploring the establishment of joint and reciprocal surveillance and enforcement arrangements with neighbouring island States. Where there is an agreement with another State, prosecution of the offence can take place in the PIC and any penalties remitted according to conditions of the agreement.[43]
The PIC will continue to supply information to FFA and other relevant RFMOs including the WCPF Commission on vessels suspected of IUU fishing in their respective areas of competence. The WCPF Commission is empowered to develop procedures that allow for non-discriminatory trade measures to be taken against any State or entity whose fishing vessels fish in a manner that undermines the effectiveness of the conservation and management measures the Commission has adopted.[44]
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The IPOA-IUU suggests that certification and documentation requirements should be standardized to the extent feasible, and electronic schemes developed where possible, to ensure effectiveness, reduce opportunities for fraud, and avoid unnecessary burden on trade. |
Measures will be taken to implement catch documentation and certification schemes for PIC vessels that are adopted by FFA and the WCPF Commission and any other relevant RFMO to which PIC is, or may become a member. The PIC is already MCS compliant and implements the regional reporting and documentation standards.
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The IPOA-IUU calls on States to take steps to improve transparency of their markets to allow the traceability of fish or fish products. |
Technical assistance will be requested to develop measures to improve the transparency of markets to allow the traceability of fish and fish products.
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The IPOA-IUU calls on States to take measures to ensure that their importers, transhippers, buyers, consumers, equipment suppliers, bankers, insurers, other service suppliers and the public are aware of the detrimental effects of doing business with vessels identified as engaged in IUU fishing, and should consider measures to deter such business. Similarly, the IPOA-IUU calls on States to take measures to ensure that their fishers are aware of the detrimental effects of doing business with importers, transhippers, buyers, consumers, equipment suppliers, bankers, insurers and other service suppliers identified as doing business with vessels identified as engaged in IUU fishing. |
In an endeavour to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing, fishery management compliance plans will focus on awareness-raising to ensure transparency, clarity and direction to support the implementation of approved fishery Management Plans. Seminars and out-reach programmes for the general public, fishers, Police, Crown Law and restaurateurs to explain the penalties associated with the purchase of IUU caught fish, have been conducted.
A Compliance Plan has been developed and implemented for the National Tuna Management and Development Plan and further Compliance Plans will be developed and implemented for the deepwater fishery, the charter boat (sports) fishery, the marine seaweed fishery and the marine aquarium fishery.
It is intended that an amendment to the Fisheries Management Act 2002, be drafted that makes it an offence to conduct business or trade in fish or fish products derived from IUU fishing.
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[41] WCPF Convention, Art.
22. [42] Fisheries Management Act 2002, Part IX, S65. [43] Fisheries Management Act 2002, Part IX, S65 (3). [44] WCPF Convention , Art.25. |
