Unlawful Practices in the International Fishing Industry
In an unprecedented move, the recent report from NOAA Fisheries on international fisheries management has brought to light not only improper fishing (known as IUU fishing) but also the troubling consequences of protected living marine resources’ bycatch. Forced labor and inappropriate shark catches have made a maiden appearance in this year’s list of IUU fishing identifications.
This biennial analysis fulfills NOAA’s legislative onus to provide the U.S. Congress with concrete details under the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. Nations named in the report that participate in IUU fishing could face the denial of U.S. port privileges.
Working Together to Cleanse Global Fisheries
In addition to providing a way to sanction offending nations, the report enables the U.S. government to join hands with problematic fishing nations to rectify their issues. This year, seven nations were pinpointed for IUU fishing and two more made the list due to their inadequate regulation of shark catches.
The nations called out for IUU fishing incidents that occurred between 2020 and 2022 include Angola, Grenada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, The Gambia, and Vanuatu. The charges against China and Taiwan also encompass accusations related to forced labor within the seafood industry. In addition to the IUU fishing allegations, China and Vanuatu were singled out for their lack of shark fishing regulatory structures.
A Two-Year Post Identification Process
Every two years, following the release of the report, NOAA Fisheries embarks on a journey of collaboration with the identified nations for two years to rectify the activities that had brought them under the spotlight. Then, NOAA Fisheries bestows a certification of the result.
For the countries that take substantial action and provide proof of the same, a positive certification is issued. On the other hand, nations not taking enough action are given a negative certification. The most recent NOAA report announced positive certifications for Costa Rica, Guyana, Senegal, and Taiwan for significant changes since the 2021 report. In contrast, Mexico, China, and Russia received negative certifications.
The Dire Consequences of IUU Fishing
IUU fishing is a critical threat to sustainable fisheries and ocean ecosystems, both essential for worldwide food and economic security. Being a high-reward, low-risk operation, especially in international waters, IUU fishing unfairly disadvantages those within the fishing and seafood production industries who abide by the rules.
Unfortunately, IUU fishing is so rampant that in 2019, the U.S. imported a shocking $2.4 billion of seafood sourced from such operations, as reported by the International Trade Commission.
Beth Lowell, Oceana’s Vice President for the U.S., appreciated NOAA’s approach in the naming of countries involved in IUU fishing and forced labor. She commented, “There’s still much work to do, but NOAA’s steps towards enforcing the law amongst fishing vessels are encouraging for future sustainability.”
