One in four fish in Africa is still caught illegally, despite the efforts of many African nations to overcome the problem. According to the organization Stop Illegal Fishing, an independent non-profit based in Africa dedicated to ending illegal fishing in the continent's waters, ongoing efforts are being made by the majority of African maritime states to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, but greater momentum is needed if the "New Frontier of African Renaissance" – hailed by the African Union earlier this year – is to come to fruition. IUU fishing is threatening the sustainability of fish stocks, damaging the ecosystem, depriving governments of income, and African people of their livelihoods, according to Peter Thomson, United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean. And the scourge of IUU is affecting a majority of African nations; 38 of the 54 African countries have coastal borders and many inland countries have vast lakes, which are also affected by illegal fishing and poor fishing practices. The issue of IUU in Africa has been well-studied, and numerous solutions have been proposed. A report in 2016 by the Overseas Development Institute and Spanish research and journalism group PorCausa used satellite tracking to monitor the methods and scale of the problem, pointing out that transhipments, lack of inspection of containerized shipments, inadequate legal frameworks, poor technology, and a lack of political will were all partly to blame.
Monitoring of illegal fishing activities in the waters of Seychelles will soon be conducted by drones as the island nation embarks on a trial project. The Seychelles Fishing Authority will be the coordinator of the project — called FishGuard — which will be integrated into the fisheries patrol routines of the Seychelles Air Force and the Seychelles Coast Guard. "SFA is a leading partner in this project and eagerly looking forward to its implementation in view of the potential to significantly improve how the authority combats illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities, especially in the northern part of our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone)," said Ronny Renaud, the authority's chief executive. Surveillance of large marine areas will be done using a combination of the short and long-range drone equipped with artificial intelligence. A drone is an unmanned aircraft that may be remotely controlled or can fly autonomously through software-controlled flight plans by working in conjunction with onboard sensors and GPS. The project will be tested in October with the Seychelles Air Force designated as the operator. The Coast Guard will support the project by providing a vessel for at-sea deployment of the drones, and the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority will ensure that safety requirements are met and required flight authorizations are obtained.
The Secretariat of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the government of 115-island Seychelles east of mainland East Africa are organizing a joint event at the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2018 – enabling Small Island Developing States (SIDS) share experiences in harnessing the blue economy and to identify areas of further development. The event will be taking place one year after Ministers in charge of Fisheries and Aquaculture in ACP countries concluded two days of comprehensive talks in Nassau, the Bahamas on September 21, 2017. They renewed commitment to developing the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in their countries, as well as unlocking the potential of the 'blue economy' through a new 'ACP Blue Growth Initiative'. More than 150 delegates from at least 60 fish-exporting countries and regions gathered to strategize on how to enhance the role of fisheries and aquaculture in their national socio-economic development. "The ACP Group remains determined to play a catalytic role to enhance the sustainable flow of benefits from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors for development of our countries. To this end, it is necessary to enhance capacity building activities, deepen our policy analysis and continuously explore ways to secure funding from our partners for this purpose," said ACP Secretary General Dr. Patrick Gomes, reaffirming the important role of the sector in ensuring food and nutrition security, livelihoods, and revenues for ACP states.
About US$152 million (K497 million) is lost from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Association (FFA), which Papua New Guinea is a sizable member of. Maritime security and transnational crime was also another concern in the region, according to the regional monitoring control and surveillance strategy 2018-2023 document that was released last week by FFA. The document said despite significant progress in the last five years, "illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing still exists in Pacific tuna fisheries". "The 2016 IUU quantification report estimated the value of total product either harvested or transshipped involving IUU activity in Pacific tuna fisheries at US$616.11 million (K2 billion) with a potential economic loss to FFA Members of US$152.67 million (K499 million) per year," it said. "This IUU fishing is mostly driven by licensed vessels."Over 95 per cent of the total estimated volume and value of IUU activity primarily relates to under-reporting, misreporting and non-reporting. "Therefore, an important focus of this strategy is on improving levels of compliance amongst licensed fleets. "In addition to IUU fishing, Pacific Island countries also face threats to maritime security resulting from transnational crime.
The European Union has lifted a so-called "yellow card" it had given Tuvalu over its fisheries management. The lifting comes following improvements Tuvalu's made to fight illegal fishing. The European Commission said Tuvalu has amended fishing laws, complied with other state obligations and brought in sanctions. It said it was also updated its fisheries management system and adopted regional conservation measures. The yellow card was an official warning to EU trading partners in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Tuvalu was issued the yellow card in December 2014, at risk of being considered a "non-cooperating country." Fish caught by vessels operating in these countries can't be imported into the EU. The European Commission said it recognised Tuvalu's progress in addressing shortcomings in its fisheries governance. It said the EU had been able to help Tuvalu combat illegal fishing through a range of measures. According to the European Commission, Tuvalu had amended its fisheries legal framework in line with international law of the sea instrument. It had complied with flag, port, coastal and market state obligations, and also included a deterrent regime of sanctions. Furthermore, Tuvalu has updated its fisheries management system on "best scientific advice and precautionary approach practices" and has complied with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission conservation and management measures.
No illegal fishing activities in the Pacific Islands region were discovered during a massive ten day operation called Operation Island Chief 2018 (OPIC18) covering more than 16.5 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. The operation aimed to detect, deter, report and/or apprehend potential illegal, unregulated or unreported (IUU) fishing activities, but no infringements or breaches were found. OPIC18 ended on 3 August and involved hundreds of personnel from the ten Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) member nations including Fiji, FSM, Kiribati, Palau, PNG, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, and the Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (QUADs) – Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States. In addition, patrol boats from Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands, as well as aircrafts from Australia and the United States took part. The OPIC18 was helld in joint coordination led by the FFA's Fisheries and Surveillance Centre (RFSC) team. Fisheries, Police Maritime Units and Navy officers of FFA members also joined the RFSC team as watch-keepers, working around the clock shifts during the operation, with the primary task of monitoring and analysing the Regional Surveillance picture and all incoming data from the QUAD surveillance providers.
The fishing industry needs more Africans in general to participate as Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) at all levels as primary fishers, processors and marketers, said Senzeni Zokwana, South Africa's agriculture minister. The ocean economy, specifically the fishing sector is one of the profitable sectors yet underreported in terms of its opportunities for the economy at large. Since the appointment of Zokwana, there has been a firm commitment to make transformation and diversify the sector which is dominated by established foreign companies harvesting the marine living resources. "Allocation of fishing rights to the previously disadvantaged sections of the society is my priority," Zokwana added. A lot of work is being done in this regard to open more access through quotas so that fields are levels for entrance. Ocean economy carries with it opportunities for this country, it has a potential to unlock numbers of employment opportunities whilst facilitating many downstream and upstream business opportunities including in its value chain. In areas where there are no issues of social redress to level the access fields in marine living resources extraction, which is the biggest economic endowment the country has, the sector will act in ways that are non-interventionist.
The European Union has lifted a so-called "yellow card" it had given Tuvalu over its fisheries management. The lifting comes following improvements Tuvalu's made to fight illegal fishing. The European Commission said Tuvalu has amended fishing laws, complied with other state obligations and brought in sanctions. It said it was also updated its fisheries management system and adopted regional conservation measures. The yellow card was an official warning to EU trading partners in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Tuvalu was issued the yellow card in December 2014, at risk of being considered a "non-cooperating country." Fish caught by vessels operating in these countries can't be imported into the EU. The European Commission said it recognised Tuvalu's progress in addressing shortcomings in its fisheries governance. It said the EU had been able to help Tuvalu combat illegal fishing through a range of measures.
The Fiji government has agreed to sign up to a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) treaty aiming to prevent, deter and stop illegal fishing by implementing efficient port state measures. From Fisheries Ministry it is explained that the goal of this commitment is to ensure a substantial amount of revenue is not lost and the livelihood of Fijians in coastal areas are unaffected. The treaty, known as Port State Measures, determines that Fiji will have to implement measures in their ports to detect illegal fishing, stop the landing and the sale of illegally caught fish and ensure the information on unscrupulous vessels is shared worldwide. Fisheries Officer Meli Raicebe points out they guarantee control over the work done to eliminate the negative environmental, economic and social consequences of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported. Foreign fishing vessels would have to request permission to enter Fiji's ports and transmit detailed information about their identities, activities and the fish they have onboard.
Mozambique is losing at least $60m a year because of illegal fishing, the country's minister of the sea, inland waters and fisheries, Agostinho Mondlane, has reportedly said. According to Mozambique News Agency, Mondlane revealed this during the 7th meeting of Fish-i Africa in the capital Maputo recently. "We should take on individual and collective responsibility for defending the noble interests of our peoples and nations," Mondlane was quoted as saying. He said the most effective way to fight illegal and unreported fishing would be through unified efforts from African countries along the Indian Ocean to help gain food security for the development of the affected countries. The fight against illegal fishing has been ongoing, as it also contributes largely towards overfishing. A lot of fish and other marine animals have been placed on the "threatened species list", according to UN Environment.org.
Three fishing vessels have been arrested in Gabon, a year after Gabon's President Ali Bongo Ondimba declared the creation of nine new national marine parks and 11 new aquatic reserves at the United Nations Ocean Conference in New York. The marine conservation group Sea Shepherd is assisting the government in combating illegal fishing in what is now Africa's largest network of marine protected areas. First, two trawlers, the F/V Jin Li 961 and F/V Jin Li 962, were arrested for fishing illegally in the northern waters of Gabon. The trawlers were detected by the radar of the Sea Shepherd vessel M/Y Bob Barker as they crossed the border from neighboring Equatorial Guinea to fish in marine reserves protected under Gabonese law. Armed Gabonese navy sailors boarded the two trawlers and government inspectors found a finned tiger shark in the hold of one vessel. Both vessels are now detained in the Port of Libreville. Another vessel, the F/V Hua Yi 5, was arrested earlier near the Congolese border in the Grand Sud du Gabon Aquatic Reserve for fishing in Gabonese waters without a license.
Mozambique is losing at least $60 million a year due to illegal fishing and is seeking international assistance to a crackdown on illicit fishing in its waters, Fisheries Minister Agostinho Mondlane said on Tuesday.Mondlane told a regional meeting in the capital Maputo that illegal fishing activity was having a negative impact of Mozambique's annual revenues. "We should take on individual and collective responsibility for defending the noble interests of our peoples and nations," Mondlane said as he officially opened the 7th meeting of Fish-i Africa, a partnership of eight east African countries. The official noted that illegal fishing hurts economies and holds back development of African countries. Fishing contributes about four percent to Mozambique's' gross domestic product.
About 306,440 tons of fish were harvested illegally in the Pacific region with an estimated cost of 616.11 million U.S. dollars from 2010 to 2015, a Fijian government official said here Thursday. While presenting the Ministry of Defence submission on the Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and unregulated Fishing, Fiji's Deputy Secretary of Defence Ilai Moceica said that this was stated by a report from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (PIFFA). Describing this as a huge loss for many Pacific Island Communities economy and for the many islanders who rely on the fisheries sector for their livelihood, he said that the ratification and accession of an agreement and its implementation will contribute to strengthen fisheries management and governance at all levels. The illegal and unreported fishing is a maritime security challenge that needs to be addressed as it would not only have a direct impact on Fiji's blue economy but also it will impact the livelihood of coastal and maritime communities, he added.
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Ghana is not only a serious threat to the ecology of the oceans, but also denies the country much needed tax revenues which can be used to stimulate economic growth and delivery of poverty alleviation projects. According to an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) study titled Better Policing for Development 2014 Policy Coherence and Illicit Financial Flows, the fisheries sector is of strategic importance to many countries but remains vulnerable to a wide range of tax crimes and other transgressions – including money laundering, corruption, drugs and arms smuggling. In Ghana, more than 10 percent of the country's 28 million population are said to be engaged in the fisheries sector – the greater part of the people dependent on fisheries are artisanal fisher-folks and fishmongers, according to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. But despite this huge number of people employed by the fisheries sector, the industry's contribution to the country's GDP for more than a decade has been nothing but disappointing. The sector, according to Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) contributed 2.5 and 2.3 percent to GDP in 2009 and 2010 respectively. It however tumbled to 1.7 % of GDP in 2011 and has since never recorded any figure above that. Currently, its contribution to GDP is at a paltry 1.2 percent from the 1.1 percent recorded in 2016, clearly reflecting a sector that is in terrible distress.
Mrs Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) has inaugurated two reconstituted committees for the implementation of the final component of the West Africa Regional Fisheries Programme (WARFP) in Ghana. The committees which have five members each are the Alternative Livelihood Compensation Management Board and the National Revolving Fund Implementation Committee (NaRFIC). Mrs Quaye charged the committee members to work hard towards the achievement of the objectives of the project which commenced in 2012 and expected to end in June 2018. She reminded them that the project was aimed at improving the sustainable management of Ghana's fish and aquaculture resources. Other objectives of the 53 million US Dollars programme were; reducing of illegal fishing, increasing the value and profitability generated by fish and aquacultic resource exploitation, and the developing of the aquaculture sector. She urged them to review the project and make a proposal for the second phase of the project for consideration by the Ministry.
Mozambique's Minister of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, Agostinho Mondlane, and his visiting counterpart from Madagascar, Gilbert François, want to sign bilateral agreements to combat illegal tuna fishing in their maritime waters, APA can report on Wednesday.The two officials met late on Tuesday in the Mozambican capital, Maputo. "A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed soon with a view to implementing the understandings reached, within the framework of the talks begun between the two countries", he told a media briefing late on Tuesday. Madagascar's Fisheries Minister said "satellite, radar and port inspections will be used to crack down on illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean, where tuna catches have reached the maximum sustainable limits", Francois said, adding that port inspections will play an increasingly major role in the crackdown, with authorities checking boats, documents and even cargo.
He continued: "Estimated to be about 10 to 15 percent of the region's total catch, illegal and unreported fishing disrupts the tuna trade worth tens of millions of dollars every year".
Richard Ball, chairman of the Coalition of Legal Toothfish Operators (COLTO), said the recent arrests of illegal toothfish harvesters is making a difference. "The transition over the last 20 years has been astounding. From the peak of illegal fishing in 1997, IUU fishing for toothfish has been reduced by 99%," he said. Ball's comments follow news that Liberia's coast guard seized the Hai Lung, a ship reported to be a "notorious Antarctic and Patagonian toothfish poaching vessel," as it was transitioning through the West African nation's coastal waters on March 13. The vessel, which also has operated under the names Yele, Ray and Tropic, to name a few, has been blacklisted by a number of regional fisheries management organizations, including the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, according to Sea Shepherd, an ocean conservation group. A big clue to the Liberian coast guard boarding officer that the ship was doing something illegal was that it handed him a certificate of Indonesian nationality that was allegedly issued on Aug. 8, 2017 by a senior ministry of transportation who was known to have been transferred to another position at the time, Sea Shepherd recounts.
Western Indian Ocean coastal nations continue to struggle to control illicit maritime activity, including illegal fishing, which accounts for up to 1 in 4 fish caught in the region. Authorities often lack adequate ways to collect information on suspected illegal activity or the capability to take enforcement actions when they detect it. To help address those issues, the U.S. Defense Department's Africa Command and European, Canadian, and Australian forces recently led a training exercise to help nations synchronize the detection of and respond to suspicious activity. The annual exercise, called Cutlass Express, brings together African partner nations to strategize, train, and synchronize efforts around potential real-world scenarios. In February, I was fortunate enough to be part of the exercise and saw the navies and coast guards from Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Mauritius, Seychelles and Somalia working together to improve safety, security, and freedom of navigation in African waters. Pew's ending illegal fishing project was invited to the exercise to bring fisheries enforcement expertise and on-the-water experience.
As a signatory to the SADC Protocol on Fisheries, South Africa will play a significant role in the establishment of the SADC regional Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) which will soon be established in Mozambique. The SADC MCSCC is expected to enhance and coordinate compliance and enforcement efforts in the SADC region in order to combat illegal fishing. "Fighting illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing is one of the priorities of the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). Fisheries crime is not just a national challenge but it is also a global scourge that undermines governments' poverty eradication efforts. "The fact that fisheries crime is largely transnational in nature raises a need for organised global communities to work together in addressing illegal fishing," said the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Sunday.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is a major player in government's blue economy initiative under the Operation Phakisa umbrella and this week said it would "galvanise" itself and law enforcement agencies to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. The comments come as the Hawks arrested 16 people in Gansbaai in the Western Cape on Monday in a sting operation over abalone poaching. Eight of those arrested are officials from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The officials apparently assisted poachers in the area and will this week appear in the Hermanus Magistrates Court on charges of corruption, racketeering and defeating the ends of justice. Vico Thembalethu, Acting Chief Director: Monitoring Control and Surveillance, said abalone poaching is part of the IUU fishing problem which in its entirety "threatens world food security and ecosystems". "South Africa is not exempt from this and DAFF has galvanised law enforcement agencies through Operation Phakisa to deal with IUU fishing," he said, adding the national department responsible for the continued well-being of South Africa's oceans understands the need for "organised international communities to work collaboratively in dealing with it".
In a significant development for global fisheries, blockchain technology is now being used to improve tuna traceability to help stop illegal and unsustainable fishing practices in the Pacific Islands tuna industry. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Australia, Fiji and New Zealand, in partnership with US-based tech innovator ConsenSys, tech implementer TraSeable and tuna fishing and processing company Sea Quest Fiji Ltd, has just launched a pilot project in the Pacific Islands tuna industry that will use blockchain technology to track the journey of tuna from "bait to plate". The aim is to help stop illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and human rights abuses in the tuna industry. These have included reports of corruption, illegal trafficking and human slavery on tuna fishing boats.
Ghana is an important fishing nation in Africa and the World because about 10% of its citizenry operates in the fisheries sector and produces about 450,000 metric tonnes of fish from both capture and culture. It is also known to have high per-capita fish consumption higher than the world's average. Based on the characterization of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, Ghana stands as a Coastal State, Flag State, Port State and also a Market State. Ghana is therefore under international obligation to ensure that its own fishing fleets are regulated; has capacity to regulate fishing activity in its Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) and designated fish landing ports to avoid becoming a destination for illegally caught fish; and also to ensure that its fish products entering the international markets are certified. In November 2013, Ghana's failure to take sufficient actions against illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing activities by Ghana flagged vessels, brought about the European Commission's issuance of a 'yellow card' sanction on Ghana. This yellow card effectively banned the export of fishery products from Ghana into the 28-nation trade bloc of the European Union.
Moves towards eliminating illegal fishing near Papua New Guinea and in the wider Pacific are high on the agenda of PNG at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting in Argentina this week. During a session on illegal fishing, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Rimbink Pato delivered a keynote contribution in support of trade rules requiring the abolition of subsidies given by certain major economies to their fishing industries. Mr Pato and Commerce and Industry Minister, Wera Mori are representing PNG at the ministerial meeting in Buenos Aires. Mr Pato commented after his role in the high level session on "illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing". "We know from experience that fishing subsidies by big economies are detrimental to smaller scale fishing industries in PNG and other Pacific countries," Mr Pato said.
Sierra Leone has received a $4 million grant from the World Bank to help support the country's fisheries sector, reports Awoko. Speaking at the West African Regional Fisheries Program, Sierra Leone's minister of fisheries and marine resources said the grant would help the country prevent and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities. Jingjie Chu, World Bank task team leader and senior natural resource economist, said proper management of both the artisanal and industrial fisheries sector would require education and commitment.
An initiative called FISH-i Africa helps coordinate the efforts of eight cash-strapped countries to uncover and catch pirate fishing operators in the western Indian Ocean. In July 2016, the trawler Greko 1 approached Mombasa, Kenya, a major fishing port on the western Indian Ocean. Registered in Belize and owned by a Panamanian subsidiary of a Greek company, the boat's operators had been fishing for years in Somali waters and unloading and selling their catch in Mogadishu and Mombasa. In Kenya, they would present a fishing license issued by Somalia. Authorities in Mombasa had sought to verify the legitimacy of the license with their counterparts in Somalia and couldn't get a response. But when the trawler approached Mombasa this time, port authorities denied the Greko 1 a berth, forcing the vessel back to sea. What its operators didn't realize was that since the last time it had been in Kenya, Somalia had joined FISH-i Africa, an initiative supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts that coordinates the efforts of eight East African coastal countries to stop illegal fishing in the region. At Somalia's first meeting of the group a month earlier, it had shared information about the Greko 1, revealing to the other task force members that the vessel had been operating with a forged license.
Fisheries and Aquaculture ministers from the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have agreed on measures aimed at accelerating the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as well as address the issue of fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). A statement issued at the end of the fifth ACP meeting of ministers in charge of fisheries and aquaculture, held earlier this week, also indicated that the ministers had agreed on measure to strengthen aquaculture production, promote effective fisheries management and support small scale fisheries. The statement noted that the meeting ended with delegates agreeing to 'a renewed commitment to developing the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in their countries, as well as unlocking the potential of the 'blue economy' through a new €40 million (one Euro=US$1.29 cents) "ACP Blue Growth Initiative". The statement noted that the meeting was attended by more than 150 delegates from at least 60 fish-exporting countries and regions, who gathered to strategise on how to enhance the role of fisheries and aquaculture in their national socio-economic development.
Government has set an inter-ministerial committee to check activities of unregulated and illegal fishing said to be depleting the fish stock in the country's waters. President Akufo-Addo who announced this Thursday said government is discussing plans to acquire a fishing research vessel to monitor n address illegal fishing in the country. Speaking at Tema to welcome a fishing vessel Dr Fridjof Nansen which is equipped to undertake study of the eco system and fishing research, he said the country risk being fish deficient if illegal fishing is not checked. He added that illegal methods of fishing, as well as the over-exploitation of Ghana's marine resources, cannot continue, as they threaten the very essence of the country's existence. According to the President over the years, and especially in recent times, nearly all of Ghana's marine fisheries and some inland fisheries have been overfished. This, he said, is buttressed by the last stock survey conducted in April 2016, which shows that sardines, the dominant fish stock, are disappearing from Ghanaian waters.
Investigations into four serious breaches of vessel fishing licenses have opened up after another regional fisheries surveillance sweep in the Pacific tuna fishery. Operation Island Chief, a ten-day annual operation which ended August 4, involved nine Pacific patrol boats from the 10 participating FFA member nations – Fiji, FSM, Kiribati, Palau, PNG, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Island Chief 2017 covered more than 14 million square kilometres of Ocean. Of the four 'QUAD' nations who offer their defence and military assets to support regional surveillance, Australia, NZ and the US participated in Island Chief 2017.
When Trinidad and Tobago received a yellow card from the European Union last year for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the country's government was motivated to take steps to remedy one of the problems plaguing the twin island nation's fishing industry for decades. However, the yellow card served to highlight systemic problems with the management of Trinidad and Tobago's fisheries that has led to important fish stocks being overexploited or fully exploited. The overexploitation or full exploitation of important fisheries has meant that local fishermen "have to go farther and farther to catch fewer and fewer fish," said Terrence Beddoe, president of the NGO Fishermen and Friends of the Sea of Trinidad and Tobago (FFOS). It also means that the country is spending much more on seafood imports than it earns from fish exports, according to trade data on the Food and Agriculture Organization's website. A 2014 report by the Fisheries Division of Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries revealed that many of the most important marine fish stocks have either been overfished or fully exploited.
The research paper describes and compares the apparent impact of multilateral and unilateral trade-related measures implemented to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including trade and catch documentation schemes and trade-restrictive measures that identify and sanction countries for perceived weaknesses in addressing IUU fishing. It includes a series of recommendations that could help to make these trade-related measures more effective and more coherent.
Liberia has taken the first step through a consolidated effort to stop illegal fishing within its territorial waters, involving the West Africa Task Force (WATF) to establish its National Working Group (NWG) during a one-day workshop held in Monrovia on 21st July 2016. The WAFT brings together the six member countries of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) namely Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria and is hosted by the FCWC. The regional Task Force comes along with the project "Fisheries Intelligence and MCS support in West Africa" to tackle illegal fishing and fisheries crime and is supported by a Technical Team including Mat Tracking (TMT), Stop Illegal Fishing and NFDS with funding from Norad.
An independent study led by Ministerial Review of The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) reveals that the nations of the Pacific lose USD 123 million in revenue from illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. The announcement was made by FFA Director General James Movick while opening the FFA judicial conference in Honiara. "Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing continues to be an ongoing challenge in our region. It undermines all conservation and management efforts and robs our people of important revenue, pointed out Movick. Ministers welcomed the review and work done towards combatting IUU fishing in the Pacific region. "It is crucial that all who may come across current and emerging technologies in their work have the opportunity to discuss and fully understand such technologies, Movick stressed. He also said that one of the inputs to that Ministerial Review was an independent study that has more reliably analysed and quantified the nature and extent of IUU fishing in the FFA member region.
South Africa's law enforcement efforts at sea, particularly as far as illegal fishing is concerned, have been boosted by Norway which is funding a fisheries law enforcement academy. The academy is based at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth and will benefit from to the tune of R50 million over a five year period. The agreement was signed late last month by Norwegian ambassador Trine Skymoen and NMMU acting vice chancellor Dr Sibongile Muthwa during a Port Elizabeth conference on Operation Phakisa, government's plan to tap into the blue economy and make it a bigger contributor to GDP as well as providing work. Fishing crimes, which include illegal and unregulated fishing, as well as illegal harvesting of ocean produce and the trafficking of people, drugs and arms are some of the issues that will be tackled by the fisheries law enforcement academy, also known as FishFORCE.
A new international accord to tackle illegal and under-reported fishing will come into force on June 5. Under the Port States Measures Agreement (PSMA) governments will be required to inspect foreign fishing vessels that dock in their ports. "The vessels themselves have the obligation to prove that their condition and the catches that they have on board are in fact taken legitimately," Matthew Camilleri, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)'s chief shepherd of the Port State Measures Agreement told IPS. "If there is a closed season for swordfish and this vessel is coming in with swordfish than that is going against the management plan and therefore that is illegal," he said.
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing will be much more difficult from now on thanks to the imminent entry into force of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), states the Organization the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). FAO announced that once the necessary threshold has been reached, with 30 member countries that have formally deposited their adhesion instruments, the countdown has begun for the entry into force of this innovative international treaty. The first international treaty in the world aimed specifically at combating IUU fishing will become an international law, which is binding, on June 5.
The Minister of Fisheries, Lamin Nyabally has stressed the need for concerted efforts to be put in place to avert and stop the practice of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU) in The Gambia. The practice of IUU, he said, is a serious crime, it poses a threat to the large stocks of fish in Gambian waters. Minister Nyabally was presiding over the opening of a five-day retreat/planning meeting on Thursday at Tendaba Camp in Kiang Central District, Lower River Region. The Minister of Lands and Regional Government, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, NBR Governor And staff of the Fisheries Ministry among other dignitaries attended the meeting.
This article outlines the trade tools that are currently being deployed to tackle black market fishing activities. It also makes recommendations as to how these can be used more effectively to tackle the major problem of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The author explains that measures which impose stringent import documentation, certification, or traceability requirements, regulate transhipment, or prohibit the trade in relevant fish products can effectively tackle IUU fishing. In other words, effective regulatory oversight and implementation of measures to address these activities is essential to avoid major adverse implications of this problem. However, such regulations are likely to affect the existing conditions of trade between countries, and in turn have implications at the WTO level.
Cabo Verde has approved a statute – the National Action Plan to Prevent Illegal Fishing – which aims to ensure the long term conservation and sustainable exploration of the living resources and marine ecosystems. Foreign fishing vessels will be required to apply for prior authorisation to enter or use Cabo Verde's (Cape Verde's) ports and to land or transfer fishing catches. Démis Lobo spokesman for the Cape Verdean Cabinet said that the legislation is in line with the "Port State Measures," to be introduced by countries with port facilities, adopted by the United Nations Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in November 2009. Lobo also said that most of the measures contained in the National Action Plan to Prevent Illegal Fishing were already included and developed in current legislation.
Prime Ministers of Barbados Freundel Stuart and PM of St Vincent and the Grenadine sDr Ralph Gonsalves have signed an agreement that establishes the limits of their maritime boundaries, in order to combat the detrimental practice of illegal fishing in neighbouring countries' waters. It also aims to adress trade in contraband goods smuggled by fishermen.Prime Minister Stuart said, "We need to find a solution to this problem [of illegal fishing]. Of course, Prime Minister Gonsalves made the point that our fishermen have had no problems with St Vincent and the Grenadines and his businessmen [trading in] illegal agricultural products have not had major problems with Barbados until they get here." PM Gonsalves explained that first-time offenders might have part of their catch confiscated; repeated breaches risk losing the entire catch and third party vessels would be subject to different rules. The PM also gave the assurance that security officials would not confiscate any Caribbean fisherman's boat since this would hurt the person's livelihood.
A growing number of countries are ratifying an international agreement to combat illegal fishing, fueling interest in how best to implement the instrument. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is estimated to strip between $10 billion USD and $23 billion USD from the global economy, and fundamentally undermines the way fish stocks are managed globally. Since 2009, FAO has been working with its members to broker an Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. The agreement shall come into force when 25 countries have ratified (or acceded to the agreement). Thus far, only 12 countries have done so. The Agreement aims to promote collaboration between fishermen, port authorities, coast guards and navies to strengthen inspections and control procedures at ports and on vessels. Importantly, it also allows states to prevent the landings of catches derived from IUU fishing by vessels regardless of the flag they fly.
ANFACO-CECOPESCA calls for EU action to follow the lead of the he effective fight pursued by Spain to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It argues that other EU Member States should also ensure that their authorities carry out steady and rigorous control of regulations. This should not merely deal with IUU activity, but also include IUU fishery resources, which are either directly or indirectly traded in the EU market post-processing. Currently, the EU is the biggest market in the world for sea products and canned tuna remains one of the most consumed products. In light of the significant increase of imports from third countries, ANFACO-CECOPESCA recalls the importance of a level playing field in the canned tuna market in the EU to ensure fair competition, positively impact employment and sustainable development of the fisheries sector within the EU.
Spain and Curaçao have signed a framework agreement for technical cooperation to strengthen the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The agreement provides that both sides shall share data relevant to combating IUU fishing, including on tools used for control and inspection of fishing activities. There is also a training component to the agreement, whereby fisheries inspectors will receive both theoretical and practical training. Spain is one of the leading countries taking active steps to combat IUU fishing and has been involved in a number of international cooperation activities (e.g. Operation Sparrow). The framework agreement also makes reference to transparency and cooperative surveillance protocols, license verification procedures, support to the global register of vessels by FAO and reference is made to the TRIP project which aims to points out eminent risks in the fishing industry.
The Jamaican House of Representatives is expected to start debating the new Fisheries Bill, which shall amend the existing Fisheries Industry Act. Discussions will be held on increasing fines for breaching the provisions. Some fines are expected to increase as much as 3,000% for illegally obtaining fish. Similar increases have been included for unlawfully removing, taking away or having in possession any boat, fish pot, nets, or other fishing equipment belonging to "some other person", as well as for destroying, damaging, displacing, or altering the position of these items. However, there is an outstanding issue of unregistered fishing vessels and lack of licenses. In a recent audit, , there were 21,937 registered fishers, but only 3,091 or 14 % were licensed. In addition, of 6,411 fishing vessels registered, only 105 or 2% were licensed.
Spanish government last Friday announced penalties that could reach more than €11 million against Spanish nationals, including companies involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. An EU coalition of three international NGOs, including Environmental Justice Foundation, Oceana and WWF described the fines as a historic moment in the battle against IUU fishing and are calling on other EU member states to follow suit with their own nationals.
Delegates of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group visited Golden Ocean Fish Ltd factory in Suva and were able to witness first-hand how the company makes fish compliant for export. In 2012, Fiji did not have the relevant legal and policy framework to appropriately contribute to combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and received a yellow card warning to comply with the European Union's IUU regulations or face the prospect of losing market access. Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forests Inoke Wainiqolo said, "Fiji has two areas that we need to improve on which are our legislation as well as the number of people that are required to monitor the operations in the sea and well as our processes." Fiji managed to comply with the EU standards last year and has been sharing its experience with other countries. Illegal fishing is estimated to cost the region up to $1.7 billion per year.
Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries shall use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly called drones, to strengthen law enforcement initiatives aimed at curbing illicit fishing. Minister, Derrick Kellier, said that with the one-year drone pilot project now complete: "Our next step is to work closely with the Ministry of National Security, with a view to identifying and sourcing drones with longer endurance, so as to increase our reach as well as our law enforcement presence within the island's maritime jurisdiction." The drones are also expected to be pivotal in search and rescue missions for fisherfolk stranded or reported missing at sea. The country recorded net seafood imports totalling $135 million in 2014, compared to exports of $35 million in 2013, according to a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report. Mr Kellier attributes this to continued "drastic and rapid" decline in Jamaica's marine fishery resources, due to poaching and environmental degradation, leading to an increased need for imports to meet fish demand.
In the blog of the E15 initiative, Milton Naughton, Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) explains why illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains high on the international agenda, but also the disproportionate effects it has for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Naughton highlights that IUU fishing leads to economic losses and violations of sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction. These concerns lead to the signing of the Castries Declaration by 17 CRFM/Caricom countries to tackle the issue by establishing a broad policy framework on IUU fishing. Measures to enhance the effective management of fisheries are a prerequisite in this sector, but Naughton states that they should be complemented by stronger global and regional frameworks, and supported through international trade policy measures.
Within the framework of a new partnership with FCWC for the fight against IUU fishing in West Africa,TMT (Trygg Mat Tracking) in collaboration with SIF (Stop Illegal Fishing) and NFDS (Nordenfjeldske Development Services) has just launched the pilotphase of the project "Fisheries Intelligence and MCSsupport in West Africa". The project aims to build on existing FCWC initiatives such as conventions, work plans and the MCS working group as well as pan African initiatives, to strengthen MCS operations in West Africa. The project will establish a structure to support long term cooperation between countries in Monitoring, Control, Surveillance and sharing of fisheries information in West Africa. The first Task Force meeting marking the start of the pilot phase was held on the 28th and 29th April, 2015 in Accra, Ghana with the cooperation of the representatives of FCWC's six member States, theFCWC Secretariat and representatives of technical partners (TMT, SIF, NFDS).
Oman has barred three international fishing vessels from entering the Salalah port. The boats were suspected to have been involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Somalia. The vessels, claiming to have a Somali flag, had turned off the mandatory technology that allows remote tracking and continued to operate in Somalia and used Salalah to land their fish. The vessels were earlier Korean flagged but exited the Korean registry after the country introduced precautionary measures. Oman took the decisive step of closing its ports to the vessels that were headed towards Salalah to offload their catch after Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), an international non-profit organisation working to combat pirate fishing in West Africa, informed authorities in Somalia and the sultanate of the illegal practice.
THE African Union declared 2015-2025 as the "Decade of African Seas and Oceans". And not a moment too soon. West Africa is one of the most diverse, and economically important, fishing zones in the world; but it is also the area which has shown the highest levels of illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the world. West African waters, traditionally a fishermen's paradise within the rich Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem, which extends from northwest Africa to Guinea Bissau, are under threat with over 50% of resources labelled as "overfished". One estimate from the OECD puts losses from the illegal catch alone at just under $1 billion annually. According to the Africa Progress Panel however, factoring in under-reporting and unregulated activity would increase the figure and West Africa alone could be losing as much as $1.3 billion annually. These figures understate the real social, economic and environmental costs of overfishing. Fisheries are crucial in West Africa in terms of livelihood and food security.
"Satellites cannot observe fish directly but can contribute to sustainable fishing by providing continued and global monitoring of the marine environment" said Mr. Prendut Koonjoo, Minister of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries, Shipping and Outer Islands of the Republic of Mauritius. Space-based and in situ Earth Observation data, coupled with other related data, provide information on ocean conditions and fish distribution dynamics in marine and coastal areas. Through the MESA Project, fishermen benefit from this type of technology to get information on the locations of potential fishing spots in five African Indian Ocean nations in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and fourteen West African countries in the ECOWAS region. Fish represents 60% of total animal protein consumed in Ghana. More than 200 million Africans eat fish regularly. Fresh, but more often smoked, dried, or even as powder, fish is a source of dietary protein and micronutrients for many communities in Africa. Fish is also an accessible and affordable source of animal protein for many households in Africa. Nutritionally, fish is an important direct source of protein and micronutrients for millions of people in Africa. The Monitoring for Environment and Security in Africa (MESA) Project, through its regional implementing centres for marine thematic actions, Mauritius Oceanography Institute and University of Ghana, is providing improved Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) charts, to Ministries of Fisheries in the IOC and the ECOWAS regions.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ruled in April that countries have responsibility for the actions of the fishing vessels they license, even when those boats operate abroad. The tribunal held that "flag states" have to take "due diligence" measures to ensure that the boats they license obey regulations in other countries. If not, the flag state can be taken to court by the country where its boats are fishing through illegal, underreported, or unregulated (IUU) means.
This means that the Gambia, for example, could take the European Union to court if a boat flying the German flag nets more than its allowed catch and the EU cannot demonstrate that it took measures to prevent such misconduct.
The tribunal made its ruling in the form of an advisory opinion responding to a request filed by the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) in 2013. The commission manages fisheries and inter-state cooperation between the West African countries of Mauritania, Senegal, Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
The Gambia encounters a gross loss of $10,000, approximately D500, 000 from prohibited and illegal fishing within the country's marine waters every year. Hon. Lamin Nyabally, the secretary general, head of the Civil Service and minister of Presidential Affairs, explained that this is mainly caused by the use of prohibited fishing net sizes. He added that it is quite unfortunate that The Gambia, with all her abundant marine resources and its potential to bring robust development in the country, very few Gambians are exploiting those natural resources. SG Nyabally was speaking on day-four of President Jammeh's nationwide agricultural tour at a meeting held in Medina Lamin Kanteh in the Central River Region (CRR) north. The 'Dialogue with the people tour' promotes the Vision 2016 set out by the Jameh government to make the Gambia a food self-sufficient nation by 2016.
The "Fisheries intelligence and MCS support in West Africa" initiative was presented at the last FCWC 7th ministerial conference held in December 2014. Funded by the Norwegian Development Agency Norad, the project is being implemented within the FCWC members States (Togo, Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria) and aims to contribute to more effective governance of regional fisheries resources in West Africa through a reduction of illegal fishing.
The project aims to operationalize the FCWC recent Convention on Information Sharing and build on FCWC existing initiatives in the region. This new project will support regional collaboration; improve access to and use of fisheries intelligence, and strengthened MCS planning and operations.
African heads of state, experts, and policymakers – gathered for the International Conference on Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora in Africa from April 27-30 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo – made progress on advancing an Africa-wide draft strategy and related action plan to reduce and eliminate the illegal trade in wild animal and plant species. The draft strategy would target trafficking of the continent's iconic mega-fauna such as rhinos and elephants, as well as clamp down on illegal fishing and timber trade.
The move comes off the back of increased international efforts to address the complex illegal wildlife trade challenge. Several ministerial level conferences have been held over the past two years in an attempt to better co-ordinate a global response in this area. (See BioRes, 17 February 2014) According to UN data, environmental crime could be worth up to US$213 billion a year, involving illicit trade in many of Africa's natural resources. For example, the number of elephants killed for their ivory in Africa annually is in the range of 20,000 to 25,000, out of an estimated population of 420,000 to 650,000. Over 1000 rhinos were poached from South Africa last year to fuel an illegal trade in the species' horn worth between US$63 to US$192 million. Unregulated charcoal trade is estimated to lead to annual losses of US$1.9 billion in African countries. Illegal fishing in Senegal alone resulted in losses of US$300 million in 2012 or two percent of the country's GDP.
Eszter Hidas, EU Policy Officer for WWF Smart Fishing Initiative's Illegal Fishing project says that the EU has a great responsibility to demonstrate legal and sustainable seafood supply chains to its consumers. The EU should also ensure that its access to abundant seafood – 25% of the world's seafood, almost 70% of which is imported into the EU means that the EU is the world's largest seafood market – does not rob more vulnerable communities, of their own. IUU fish products currently cost between €9-21 billion annually, representing 11 to 26 million tonnes, or approximately 15 %, of world catches. Since EU illegal fishing regulation (IUU) entered into force in January 2010, the EU has been at the forefront of global efforts to address IUU fishing.
On 2nd April 2015, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea today delivered its Advisory Opinion on the Request submitted to the Tribunal by the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) under article 138 of the Rules of the Tribunal. This is the first time in the history of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea that an advisory opinion is being rendered by the full Tribunal.
Not only has overuse of unlawful fishing methods caused a decline in Ghana's fish stock but this Ghana loses $100 million each year. Ghana's fishing sector provides livelihood to about 10% of Ghanaians – approximately 4 million fishermen and their dependents – and provides a total revenue of about $1 billion for the government. Although fisheries is a key sector for poverty reduction in Ghana – employment and income, especially for youth, and also as a key provision of nutrients (some 60% of proteins come from fish sources) – the continued practice of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing has important economic and social costs for Ghana. Some stakeholders align the current status quo to a reluctance of political will to tackle the issue, beyond the mere voluntary compliance and deterrence mechanisms that already exist. Without stronger long and short term measures that require enforcement, many fear the sector may even collapse.
The African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of countries has tabled a series of elements that it says should define a potential WTO work programme on the Doha Round talks, according to a communication circulated by Barbados on the Group's behalf earlier this month. Among other things, the ACP Group flags tackling fisheries subsides that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, as important to include in an agenda to conclude the global trade body's long-running talks. Further disciplines on subsidies in the fisheries sector, the ACP Group says, should include enhanced transparency and notification requirements on fisheries subsidies, along with limiting and progressively phasing out this type of support. Regarding the latter, the communication lists, for instance, those subsidies provided to vessels undertaking fishing practices that significantly harm vulnerable marine ecosystems and habitats; subsidies provided to vessels engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; as well as subsidies provided to any fishing vessel or fishing activity affecting overfished stocks. The ACP Group also says that it remains committed "to explor[ing] broader disciplines" on fisheries subsidies provided that these incorporate "appropriate and effective" special and differential treatment (S&DT) provisions.
Owning one of the richest fishing stocks on the African continent, Madagascar is nowadays endangered by illegal, foreign fishing which threatens the livelihood of approximately 100.000 people across the country. Large Chinese, Thai and South Korean vessels steal fish in the Indian Ocean surrounding Madagascar. These foreign ships usually operate at night and they can hardly be tracked since they switch off their radio identification signals in order to sneak away from police patrols. The Madagascar Fisheries and Wildlife Commission declared that the fall in fish stocks represents a real issue for such a poor island and most fisherman are discouraged by this illegal, foreign fish exploitation. Madagascar has one of the world's most precious marine species, which is now at risk. Furthermore, marine tourism is imperiled. Unfortunately, the government of Madagascar is too politically unstable to take the necessary measures and therefore unable to stop the foreign plunder. Therefore, many local fish workers end up joining the illegal fish trade.
Sparrow operation, the fish inspection services of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA) is inspecting the headquarters of several companies for alleged links with vessels involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. In addition, many of these companies are already included on the list of illegal fishing in the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The examination involves investigation into numerous physical and electronic documentation.
An operation of this extent is unprecedented in the European Union (EU); placing Spain at the forefront of the fight against illegal fishing at international level. In addition to this, Spain leads the implementation of the Council Regulation 1005/2008 the European Union (EU) to prevent and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which prohibits national community members their link with vessels listed for illegal fishing. It is expected that new sanction procedures will come out of the current investigation , and fines could amount to €600,000, as well as loss of permits if convicted of IUU fishing.
The Leleuvia Resort, on an island south of Levuka, has repeatedly reported activities of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing to the Tourism Polica and fisheries authorities. In this radio interview, Resort manager, Colin Philp explains why he think his claim is falling on deaf ears, despite photo evidence of the activities, including names of boats involved. Philip explains that during the full moon, divers come to take the Beche-de-mer – creole for sea cucumber – disturbing the reef and his business.
An international organization claims to have detected illegal fishing activities in a nephrops fishery, which was certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Environmental groups have welcomed a new Spanish law which will fight pirate fishing through imposing stronger penalties on Spanish citizens involved in pirate fishing anywhere in the world. The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Oceana, The Pew Charitable Trusts and WWF applaud Spain's new fisheries law and call on the rest of Member States to approve similar laws in order to effectively fight illegal fishing globally. The new Spanish fisheries law 33/2014 is the translation into Spanish legislation of the EU's illegal, unreported and unregulated(IUU) fishing regulation, which requires all EU member States to take action against citizens and companies found to be involved in any IUU fishing activities anywhere in the world.
Illegally caught fish comprise a significant portion of both the global catch and of seafood imports, including to the world's leading fish-consuming markets. To counter this, the EU enacted strong fisheries laws and in 2012 began issuing warnings to – and imposing sanctions on – states which are accused of failing to comply with those regulations. The European Commission issued warnings to four states – St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu – for alleged shortcomings in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The warnings, or yellow cards, give the states six months to address EU criticisms of governance of their fishing fleets and their waters. Failure to do so could result in sanctions, including a full ban on importing seafood to the EU. "We applaud the Commissioner's commitment to preventing illegally caught fish from entering the EU," said Tony Long, director of Pew's ending illegal fishing project. "However, small island developing states often have limited resources and so expertise and capacity-building is vital to ensuring their full compliance with the law." He added.
The Spanish Secretaria General de Pesca, the Organización de Productores Asociados de Grandes Atuneros Congeladores (OPAGAC) and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement a new joint pilot project allowing the Spanish Government to monitor fishing vessels operating in West Africa more effectively. The ground-breaking pilot project, which began in November 2014, will equip Spanish-flagged and Spanish-owned fishing vessels with observation systems that will make it possible to monitor the fleet for unidentified or suspicious fishing activity. Information will be transmitted in real-time to the Spanish Government's Fisheries Monitoring Centre in Secretaria General de Pesca, Madrid, where it will be analysed by fisheries inspectors with additional support from EJF representatives who specialise in the surveillance of fishing vessels. The aim of this new project is to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) or 'pirate' fishing in West Africa. The pilot project is aligned with the Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 to establish a community system to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing, supporting the recognised role of masters in the sightings of possible IUU activities, which can eventually lead to banning imports of fishing products from illegal origins. The identities of the boats involved will not be made public in order to guarantee confidentiality and ensure that any legal processes arising from evidence gathered are not jeopardised.
The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), comprised of Ministers responsible for Agriculture from across the Caribbean Community, has confirmed the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy as a final policy document for the Community. The Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP) is aimed at fostering greater harmonisation across the Caribbean in the sustainable management and development of the region's fisheries and aquaculture resources, with special emphasis on promoting the most efficient use of shared resources while aiming to improve food security and reduce poverty in the region. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has said that CARICOM policies, once authorized by COTED, are binding on the countries. At its meeting held in Suriname last Friday, 10 October 2014, COTED gave its stamp of approval to the CCCFP and said that the newly authorized policy should be applied by Member States as far as possible. The formal signing of the CCCFP by member countries is expected to commence in the months ahead. The recommendation to COTED came out of the 5th Special Meeting of the CRFM's Ministerial Council, held on Thursday, 9 October 2014, in Paramaribo, Suriname, coinciding with Caribbean Week of Agriculture. On that occasion, the CRFM's Executive Director, Milton Haughton, presented a paper on First CARICOM Strategic Plan (2015 – 2019). The CARICOM Secretariat and all other CARICOM Institutions along with the CARICOM countries will all be following a single plan for the first time following its approval by the Heads of Government in July 2014.


SHIGA (TR) – Shiga Prefectural Police have arrested a 31-year-old female nurse for allegedly dumping the severed body of her mother along a riverbed in Moriyama City earlier this year, reports NHK (June 5).
According to the Moriyama Police Station, the results of a DNA analysis revealed that a torso found in the riverbed on March 10 is that of 58-year-old Shinobu Kiryu, who lived about 250 meters from where the remains were found.
Police subsequently arrested her daughter, Nozomi Kiryu, a resident of Kusatsu City, on suspicion of abandoning a corpse. The suspect denies the allegations, according to police. "I didn't do it," she said.
At the time of the incident, the suspect lived with her mother at the residence in Moriyama, according to police.
Upon the discovery of the remains in March, police initially thought they were from an animal. However, the results of an autopsy conducted four days after the discovery showed that the torso was that of a human. In April, Shiga police sought the help of the public in identifying the body.
Shinobu's limbs and head have still not been found. Equipment that may have been used in the crime has also not been located, police said.
Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Shinobu.


text:
Corruption [Part II]
At one point, I wondered why the United States has less overt "corruption" and bribery than most other nations, but that was before I analyzed what corruption is and the different forms that it takes. Although recent usage of the verb "to corrupt" tends to emphasize terms like "to pervert" or "to destroy morality" or "to debase or ruin," the original meaning of the Latin roots means "to break thoroughly or completely."
Governments are the institutional means by which societies accomplish common social goals and keep the peace. In the original sense of the word, a government that cannot do either or both is thoroughly broken, i.e., corrupt. What lies behind a society's ability to function, as well as a government's effectiveness, is the simple matter of trust. If a government official cannot be trusted to do his or her job without a bribe, or in the worst cases, even after a bribe is paid, then that official is corrupt. There's an old definition about an "honest politician" – he's the one who stays bribed, and there's an element of truth to that, because that sort of "honest politician" can be trusted to carry out whatever the bribe was for.
In the United States, in this context, how much is "broken" by corruption and in what fashion is it broken? Commentators, particularly on the left, claim that the political system has been "corrupted" by the power of special and moneyed interests, and that the recent Supreme Court decision affirming the right of corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money in "public interest" campaign spending symbolizes that corruption. Yet… is that corruption, when it is accomplished through the workings of the system society has set up? It may not be "good," according to those who oppose the unchecked power of money, but is it corrupt? On the other hand, by any definition, politicians who take cash, either under or over the table, are corrupt… but what about those whose votes are determined by whose legal campaign contributions are the largest and most faithful? Yet, compared to most countries, the U.S. has a comparatively low percentage of politicians who take bribes or illegal cash. Does the "legal" granting of favors amount to corruption?
I'd have to say it does not, because, under the terms of that argument, answering to voters becomes a form of corruption, since the politician is taking the favor of votes in return for providing various goods to his constituents. In essence, any legal trade-off could be called corruption. In fact, the system works. We may not like the results, but we have the right, and the power, to change it. In a truly corrupt nation or municipality, the people, by majority vote or act, do not have such a choice.
Why has it worked out this way in the USA? I wouldn't claim to have all the answers to this, but I suspect it's because our terribly convoluted and complex system offers many avenues for people to influence the outcomes of governmental decisions and because the government has historically been generally trustworthy. I would note that "trustworthy" does not necessarily mean "excellent"; it means that the government and its officials keep their word and carry out policies and rules generally as they're laid out. You and I may not like those laws and policies, but they carry them out.
That issue, in another sense, is what lies behind the Arizona immigration law and furor. The people of Arizona don't believe that the U.S. federal government can be trusted to carry out what they believe are federal responsibilities. The problem there is that the government believes it is carrying out its responsibilities under the law. Technically, I doubt there's much question about that, but there is an implied contract involved, which, although unwritten in more than general terms of "enemies foreign and domestic," implies that government needs to protect people against "invasion" and loss, and the people of Arizona believe that contract is being broken.
But… is it? And if it is, who is breaking that contract? The government… or all those who hire illegal aliens and all those who buy the illegal drugs of the illegals's gangs? Is it the government that is broken. i.e., corrupt? Or is the government taking the brunt of the blame for not addressing the "corruption" of others in the way that large segments of the population would like?
—: August 10th, 2010
3 thoughts on "Corruption [Part II]"
Thanks for this fascinating and insightful series of blog entries. I'm looking forward to your forthcoming writing, both here and in your novels.
Zelazny says:
I'll stake out my position right from the start. The political party I most empathise with is the libertarians (although I've heard odd stories about the ones you have over there – I'm in the UK, and referreding to LPUK).
Regarding the Arizona immigration, I think a key question to ask is why? Why are people coming in and taking jobs/supplying illegal drugs?
Generally speaking, people coming in and working is a good thing. They'll do the work for less, which frees up the people who would have been doing the work to do more productive things with their time. The workers should be paying taxes, and thus contributing to society, and they'll be paying rent, buying food and clothes, etc and thus contributing to the local economy. People who want to come in and work are (in my opinion) a goodness, and not something to be complained about (as long as they are paying taxes, etc – and the responsibility for that lies with their employer).
People that come in to supply illegal drugs is a more tricky one. As a near-Libertarian, I think we'd be better off if we legalised drugs, imposed restrictions on quality and taxed the externalities associated with them – society would be much better off, and the general effect in places that have done similar things is that usage goes down after legalisation, rather than up as most on the left fear (see for example http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1893946,00.html ).
That said, they'd not come in if there wasn't demand (which could be considered another reason to legalise). If the people want the drug dealers to stop coming in, then they need to decrease the local demand for drugs. I'm really not sure how this can be considered the government's responsibility (but then, I don't think there's a lot that the government should do for us that we can't do for ourselves).
In the UK at the moment we have a fairly vocal anti-immigration crowd. Papers like the daily mail really don't help matters, with stories of immigrant families coming in and getting 7 bedroom mansions provided to house their ever growing families, all paid for by the taxpayer. My opinion is simple – if someone wants to come here and work (and thus contribute to the economy), that's fine. If they want to come here and live off benefits, then I'd oppose their entry.
We have had one related knock-on effect. With the EU free movement laws, we can't cap or oppose the moving here of people from elsewhere in the EU. This has led to a large number of people coming in from places like Poland and working hard to earn a living and send money back home. All good, but it has led to more and more British folks sitting on their backsides unable or unwilling to go and get a job. The benefits system provides enough to live on, and they're comfy not working, so why should they? This needs to change, in my opinion. Welfare should be a safety net, not a comfy hammock.
p.s. I very much enjoy your books. I'm a few behind at the moment, the last I read was Imager 2, but they're not all that easy to get over here. I'll be ordering more soon 🙂
Speaker says:
I have always been skeptical of utopian philosophies such as Objectivism and its twice-removed offspring Libertarianism, or Authoritarianism, or Communism because they depend on people to all act in predictable ways and to all have the same degree of ego-centrism. The societal circumstances described in the Imager's Intrigue illustrate what happens when philosophies clash and point out that life is change (dead systems are the only ones that don't change). This is one reason that I read works like the Imager's Portfolio series: to ponder the thought experiment put forth in the stories.
« Corruption [Part I]
August Questions »

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Information and self-help guides for sexual health and contraception.


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Leicester City Council
Map of Leicester reveals which places have highest teenage pregnancy rates
The teenage pregnancy rate in the city is above the national average
Dan MartinPolitics Reporter
A map has shown the areas in Leicester which have higher rates of teenage pregnancy.
Leicester City Council, which is responsible for managing teen pregnancy, has illustrated the number of cases across the city's 22 wards.
The city has a rate of conception for teenage girls higher than the national average but rates vary across the city.
The map uses data from 2012 to 2014 for conceptions in under-18s per 1,000 females.
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During that period, the teenage pregnancy rate in Leicester was 29.3 per 1,000 females compared with an average across England of 25.
Liz Rodrigo, the council's public health lead commissioner, said the level was higher in the predominantly white, working class areas of the city with greater deprivation.
Pregnant woman has backache and touching her torso
These include Eyres Monsell, Braunstone, New Parks and Beaumont Leys, as well as the city centre Castle ward.
These wards had a significantly higher than average rates of teen pregnancy.
She said the east of the city, which has a higher proportion of Asian families, as well as white, largely working class areas, had average rates.
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More affluent areas such as Knighton and parts of Stoneygate had below-average rates of teenage pregnancy.
Latest figures show there were 153 conceptions among 15 to 17 year-old girls in the city in 2015 with a rate of 26.2 per cent per 1,000.
Mrs Rodrigo said: "We have seen a reduction in the number of teenage pregnancies in recent years as a result of educational work we have done but we remain above the national average because we are a large city with a young population."
The council has produced a teen pregnancy map
The city council works with schools to help teachers deliver appropriate lessons about relationships to both primary and secondary pupils. At secondary level, there is a greater focus on sexual health, relationships and consent, as well as some work on preventing child sexual exploitation, which is provided by both the NHS and the city council.
For more information on sexual health services for young people in the city, call 0300 124 0102 or visit this website.
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Mikel Arteta's three-word response to whether Florian Balogun will play for Arsenal in Carabao Cup
Mikel Arteta has admitted Folarin Balogun could feature for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out injured
Matthew CooperCricket Writer
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not be fit their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester City and admitted that teenage forward Folarin Balogun could replace him.
Aubameyang missed the Gunners' 2-1 defeat to Everton on Saturday with a calf problem and Arteta has confirmed he will not feature against City.
"Auba is not fit tomorrow, that's for sure", Arteta said at his pre-match press conference on Monday. "[He] is feeling much better and he was more positive yesterday than in the previous two days.
"He will have another scan in the next few days and we will see how quickly we can get him back in the team.
Mikel Arteta has admitted Folarin Balogun could feature for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out injured (Image: Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
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"But we know how important he is for us and he feels that responsibility and he is trying his best to be back fit as quickly as possible."
With Arsenal in such a poor run of form in the Premier League and a crunch game against Chelsea on the horizon just four days later, Arteta could give opportunities to a number of youngsters when they face City.
Asked whether Balogun and Reiss Nelson were likely to feature, Arteta simply replied: "They're a possibility."
Gabriel Martinelli could also feature after returning from a long-term knee injury against Everton (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Gabriel Martinelli could also play, with the Brazilian making his first appearance since March against Everton after recovering from a knee injury.
"We cannot put that pressure [of being the club's 'saviour] on his shoulders," Arteta said of Martinelli. "It's not fair for him. He brings that enthusiasm that the fans can see because he's got something special, a special energy every time he steps on that field.
"But remember that Gabi, what he's done in the Premier League the time that he's been with us is very limited. Let him develop, like we are doing with many other young kids that we have here.
"Yes [there is pressure on him] but it's the same with many other young players that are probably taking more responsibility than perhaps they should do in this moment.
"It's the squad that we have at the moment and what we have to manage. They have to try to do their best but I don't think it's fair to put all the pressure on them now as well."


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Historic Hotels in Portugal That You Can't Miss
If you're a true fan of luxury and comfort, there are lots of Historic Hotels in Portugal for you to enjoy. From North to South, the wealth of these luxury hotels will take you into a whole new level of accommodation, with an amazing hospitality design and lots of comfort. Get on a trip through this amazing country and enjoy the best Historic Hotels.
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Historic Hotels in the North
Ria's Historic Hotel
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Pousada da Ria
Aveiro, also known as the Portuguese Venice, is a place of tranquillity and seduction. Ria historic hotel is located in Torreira and allows you to experience exceptional moments by the sea on the remarkable beaches of Aveiro. We recommend you to visit Costa Nova, which is famous for its colourful and original residences. If you're looking for a quiet environment, the hotel has a private beach where you can sunbathe in peace.
Caniçada-Gerês Historic Hotel
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Pousada da Caniçada-Gerês
Brilliantly located in the utmost charming mountain chalet, the Pousada da Caniçada Historic Hotel is just minutes away from the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Being the only piece of territory considered as such, the Gerês National Park has an incredible diversity of fauna and flora, hardly found elsewhere in Europe. As such, the Pousada da Caniçada offers the ultimate naturalist experience in Portugal. Its location over the Caniçada dam offers the most unbelievable views over the valley.
Mosteiro de Amares Historic Hotel
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Mosteiro de Amares
Between Braga and the mountains of Gerês, the Mosteiro de Amares is a space mostly dedicated to leisure, history and culture. This historic hotel is the result of the renovation of a 12th-Century Cistercian Monastery by the esteemed architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. An outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a fabulous restaurant are amongst the main reasons why you should not miss this amazing opportunity to discover the North.
Viana do Castelo Historic Hotel
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Viana do Castelo
High up in the Monte de Santa Luzia (St. Lucy's Mount), in Viana do Castelo lies one of Portugal's most beautiful historic hotels. The Pousada de Viana (Viana Historic Hotel) has simply one of the most dreadfully dazzling views in the country. Officially open to business ever since 1921, the historical hotel morphed from the old Santa Luzia's Hotel. However, that didn't mean that the historical hotel couldn't keep the old hotel's most famous features, such as the tall granite walls and the wide arches. A truly unique architectural journey.
Historic Hotels in the Centre
Historic Hotel of Condeixa-Coimbra
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Condeixa-Coimbra
Coimbra, known to be an academic city, has always been of tremendous importance for the Portuguese culture. The historic hotel of Condeixa-Coimbra is like an excellent music to our ears and a divine movie to the eyes. Here, a synaesthesia of pleasurable sensations is sensed where good wines, gastronomy and a welcome environment awaits its quests. The landscape framing of the hotel is one of the highlights and the rooms are decorated in a classic style that is merged with a contemporary touch.
♦ See Also: Visit Portugal and Discover Its Most Charming Historical Places ♦
Lisboa Historic Hotel
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Lisboa
Located in the epicentre of Lisbon's downtown, the Lisboa Historic Hotel provides you with the perfect location to discover everything Lisbon has to offer. It was once the house of the kings, then turned to a house of parliament, and now one of the best luxury hotels in Portugal. Completely renewed both on inside and out, the historic hotel takes pride on maintaining the building's original features, never losing its everlasting charm.
Alcácer do Sal Historic Hotel
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Alcácer do Sal
The Alcácer do Sal Historic Hotel is located in the heart of Medieval Castle in the village of Alcácer do Sal, just 1 hour away from Lisbon. The historic hotel is comfortably situated on a hill overlooking the tranquil and mesmerizing waters of the River Sado. Less than 30 km away is one of the best-kept secrets of the stunning Portuguese coast: the beaches of Comporta, Carvalhal and Pego.
Historic Hotels in the South
Palácio de Estoi Historic Hotel
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Palácio de Estoi
The Palácio de Estoi Historic Hotel is a Small Luxury Hotel in Estoi, housed in a palace that was born from the restoration of an ancient Palace of the eighteenth century, which still has several original elements. The Pousada Palácio de Estoi features several lush gardens with a classic design, in which you can soak in the outdoor pool and relax on the deck.
Castelo Alvito's Historic Hotel
Historic Hotels in Portugal: Castelo Alvito
Alvito's village is full of picturesque elements. The hotel provides a luxurious and exquisite environment. Known as a House of a long dynasty of barons favoured by the king, Castelo Alvito is the most welcoming and comfortable fortified castle in the country. Baixo-Alentejo has is the quintessential region to wander through the fields and plains. In the hotel, we highlight the gardens, the architecture, the restaurant and the courtyard.
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♦ Historic Hotels in Portugal and Other Secrets from Portugal You Can't Miss ♦
Alcácer do Sal Historic Hotel Caniçada-Gerês Historic Hotel Castelo Alvito's Historic Hotel editor Historic Hotel of Condeixa-Coimbra Historic Hotels historic hotels in portugal hospitality design Lisboa Historic Hotel luxury hotels Mosteiro de Amares Historic Hotel Palácio de Estoi Historic Hotel Ria Historic Hotel Viana do Castelo Historic Hotel
Culture, History And Tradition: Discover The Best Historic Hotels In Portugal
Culture, History And Tradition: Discover The Best Historic Hotels In Portugal ♦ From Serra da Estrela to Gerês, from Marvão to Viana do Castelo as well as from Belmonte to Angra do Heroísmo. These historic hotels from Portugal offer a diverse range of possibilities. The purpose lies in getting to know Portugal from a different perspective. Created in […]
Visit Portugal and discover its most charming historical places
Port Wine: Your Complete Guide To Taste It Like A Professional


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Information Systems (IS) are fundamental for the support of operational, tactical, and strategic activities, as well as Competitiveness, Sustainability and Organisational Development, and therefore top-management should not ignore or underestimate the impacts of IS in these areas, neither in the objectives of for-profit and non-profit organisations.
It should be added that organisations nowadays (increasingly IBOs) face a wide range of external threats via their IS (which are increasingly protected by sophisticated Information and Communication Technologies), which include fraud, cybercrime, errors and omissions.
In this way, IS have not only become a critical success factor for organizations' day-to-day operations, but are also a crucial element for the achievement and improvement of their competitive advantages and for the creation of business value.
At the same time, the growing complexity and scope of IS has led to the need for large and repeated investments, which are imperative in order to GOVERN, in the light of the same concerns and technical rigor that are required for the other economic resources used in organisations, namely by making it clear what are the relative aggregate economic and financial costs of equipment and logical solutions, as well as that of IS/IT systems. Equally important are The Total Cost of the Information System, as well as information regarding revenue, benefits obtained, and the performance achieved with the use of modern IS.
If also the increasingly-common operational and systemic risks facing organisations nowadays are added to this factor, this easily explains the inexorable need for an effective and efficient approach to Governing these new environments.
Thus, this top executive course explores and describes some of these key approaches, concepts, methodologies, and best practices, and resorts to real case studies, focussing on those that have most contributed to a demanding, rigorous and deliberate IS GOVERNANCE , by inextricably integrating IS with the strategy process of organisations.
2. Identify and describe the pertinent issues involved and propose the implementation of IS Governance solutions which are aimed at the economic rationalisation of Information Systems resources and their effective and efficient utilization by organisations.
Members of the Board of Directors of well-known companies (medium and large), managing directors of companies and public administration, and also senior managers of large organisations.
The total number of participants cannot be more than 20.
An Individual Assignment will be carried out (ITP - Project), to be submitted up to 3 months after finishing the lecture-based part of the course (Semester); the Final Grade (FG) will be calculated based on the following formula: FG = 0.8 ITP + 0.2 IA, where ITP is the grade assigned to the individual assignment, and IA is the assessment of the individual development of the participant/student; two or more absences from lectures results in the deduction of 1 point from the FG.
An Attendance Certificate and a Final Grade Diploma will be issued.
The 1st Edition of the course took place in 2016. Lectures were held on Wednesdays, from 14.00 to 19.00, preceded by lunch from 12.30 onwards.


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Ruston Kelly Casts a Spell With "Black Magic"
Singer-Songwriter Emerges With Seductive, Cautionary Tale About the Wrong Kind of Love
by Samantha Stephens 7/7/2017
"Love is hell, and nothing more than black magic," Ruston Kelly earnestly cautions in his brand new single, the dark and seductive "Black Magic."
When love is wrong, it definitely casts the wrong kind of spell, the kind Kelly finds himself under in the aptly titled single from his critically acclaimed debut EP Halloween.
"This song is an attempt to understand the devil in the wrong kind of love," Kelly told American Songwriter magazine. "An absorption into weaker parts of yourself that, by some bewitching force, leave you drained and filled by a blackness. The video was meant to show this blackness. Running and walking within the person who suffers from bad love."
Brooding and at times even stormy, Kelly's emotive rasp and lyrical prowess will haunt you — in a good way, of course.
He's currently on the road with Robert Earl Keen and will join Brandi Carlile in Atlanta on July 23.
Embedded from embed.vevo.com.
Black Magic (Official Music Video) by Ruston Kelly on VEVO.
Samantha Stephens
Samantha is a country radio insider with a deep love for the music and its stars. She can often be found on a red carpet or at a late-night guitar pull.