Methodologies and indicators for the estimation of the magnitude and impact of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing: 1.4 Developing and using indicators of performance
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing indicators apply readily available data and straightforward calculations to measure something that provides insight into – but does not actually estimate – the level of IUU fishing. In doing so, indicators aim to evaluate and monitor performance in combatting IUU fishing, including highlighting where improvements in monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) systems are needed. Since they are easy to update and track over time, indicators offer an alternative to often resource-intensive quantitative IUU fishing estimation methods, and can be adapted across a broad range of fisheries.
This document reviews various types of indicators and develops a universal framework based on detection, coverage and investment indicators for IUU fishing. It then presents four hypothetical case studies, illustrating how these indicators can be applied to different fisheries with different IUU fishing risks. A variety of recommendations are also presented for engaging stakeholders and drawing inferences from similar fisheries.