47. A problem-solving exercise was undertaken in the Workshop to reinforce the concepts and information presented in the Workshop concerning measures to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing and to encourage participants to interpret and apply them. The scenario for the exercise is attached as Appendix J.
48. Participants were requested to work in four groups and to decide what initial steps should be taken to address the IUU fishing problem presented in the scenario. The composition of the working groups are attached as Appendix K. The solutions to the problem presented in the Workshop by the leaders of each of the working groups are attached as Appendix L.
49. Following the group presentations in the Workshop, Ms Judith Swan commented generally on the proposed solutions. She noted that a range of creative and different approaches had been suggested indicating that there were a range of options that could be considered. Some groups took an approach based on responsibilities and activities and others referred to strategies and issues. Participants were aware of the need to move quickly and to seek effective internal and external coordination when confronted with an IUU fishing problem of the type described in the scenario. All groups presented immediate responses and some also considered a more long-term forward-looking approach, including the development of institutional capacity.
50. Ms Swan indicated that it was apparent that all groups had recognized the need to cooperate with other countries and organizations in order to solve the problems relating to IUU fishing. All groups addressed the need for a cooperative approach to MCS through RFMOs and the International MCS Network as well as with other concerned States. In this context, suggested cooperation included information exchange, inspection, enforcement, legal proceedings and trade sanctions.
51. Ms Swan indicated that it was apparent from the presentations that the working groups had a good knowledge of the respective roles of officers in government including the need to cooperate to collect information, gather evidence and analyse results. The importance of an attempted interdiction of the IUU vessel was emphasized as the confirmation of the coastal State’s intention to enforce against IUU fishing and as the basis for future legal or regional action. Ms Swan noted the importance of information management and observed that approaches ranged from involving fishers, parliaments and the press to a more incremental approach that depended first on confirmation of evidence and development of a strategy before releasing all relevant information.
52. Ms Swan noted that an issue that had not been addressed so well by the groups was that of vessel registration and the possibility of taking action against a vessel that was stateless. Overall, she concluded that the solutions suggested by the working groups should enable countries to be better placed to address particular instances of unauthorized fishing in zones of national jurisdiction and IUU fishing practises generally.
