Best practices in the fight against IUU fishing
Curbing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is crucial for sustainable fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
IUU Best PracticesIn 2019, the GFCM celebrated the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing with an award ceremony promoting best practices in fighting against IUU fishing across the region. Among initiatives received from all over the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the following seven best practices were selected as examples of virtuous initiatives and innovation to be adapted and replicated in the region.
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The same technologies are being used to develop a traceability system in which it is hoped will be launched in 2020. Barcode markings will allow consumers to track the fish they're purchasing right back to the vessel which caught it, also providing information on where and when the catch was made, and the gear used. Click here for more information on best practices. |
By answering these questions and thus providing traceability, the system exposes fish that have been illegally integrated into supply chains. It can also be used to confirm the provenance of products labelled as sustainable, while highlighting the presence of over-exploited species in various markets. This project has been piloted in small-scale fisheries in Egypt, focusing on a fish species commonly caught in northern and inland lakes. Click here for more information on best practices |
The Pilot Project establishes an observation and inspection programme to detect and act against instances of suspected IUU fishing, which comprised a number of important elements:
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Facilitated by Oceana and the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment), the project was launched in 2017 with an industry-wide statement against IUU fishing signed by leading players in the global insurance industry including Allianz, AXA and Generali - to date it has gained more than 30 insurance bodies around the world. In February this year the signatories' commitments were reinforced with the launch of the first ever set of guidelines to assist insurers in avoiding contracts associated with IUU fishing. Click here for more information on best practices.
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This project - part of the Interreg Med FishMPABlue2 framework - focuses on IUU fishing in marine protected areas (MPAs). It investigates:
The initiative has been so far applied in 11 pilot MPAs across six countries: Telascica (Croatia), Bonifacio (France), Zakynthos (Greece), Egadi Islands, Portofino, Torre Guaceto (Italy), Strunjan (Slovenia), Cabo de Palos, Freus d'Evissa I Formentera (Spain). The relevance of its findings, though, is not limited to the locations studied: it will help to form strategies to combat IUU fishing across the whole Mediterranean region. Click here for more information on best practices |
This information helps the fishers access local markets, while people can use an Android application to ensure the quality and origin of the fish they're buying. The fishers are supported in their operations by an office at the port. The Club Bleu team also plays a role in raising consumer awareness of the importance of traceability and sustainability - and of avoiding IUU fishing. Click here for more information on best practices. |