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An action framework to address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing

Author
Miller D. G. M, Slicer N. M, Sabourenkov E
Journal/Series
Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs | Vol 6 (2); p. 70 - 88
Date
2014
Source
IUCN (ID: ANA-091052)
Publisher | Place of publication
Taylor & Francis Group Ltd | Abingdon, U.K.
ISSN
1836-6503
Document type
Article in periodical
Language
English
Field of application
International
Subject
Fisheries
Keyword
Fishery management and conservation Fishing authorization Marine fisheries Enforcement/compliance
Abstract

framework is provided to guide regulatory action against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. The framework is designed to provide context and decision ‘milestones’ for fisheries compliance regulators, particularly in jurisdictions where fishery compliance enforcement skills are limited. Recognising that legal fishing is not usually a target for regulatory action, the framework also acknowledges that a fishery's continued ‘legal standing’ should be monitored to ensure ongoing compliance. Fisheries that have no, or no longer exhibit, legal standing are considered to be IUU. The proposed framework identifies specific actions to be applied in combating a lack of compliance by such fisheries in the context of various complex and associated issues. Examples of specific fishing activities have been derived from a standardised approach, which can then be used to focus regulatory action against IUU fishing activities per se. The question of appropriate sanctions, and penalties, for IUU fishing offences is briefly discussed.