Conservation: Illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing
Between $4billion and $9billion worth of fish are caught illegally worldwide every year.
So what’s this got to do with Defra? We believe strongly that the world’s oceans should be managed sustainably, not ruthlessly and unsustainably exploited, often at the expense of local fishermen.
UK Fisheries minister, Ben Bradshaw led the international ministerial High Seas Task Force (HSTF) on Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing. Other members included Ministers from Australia, Canada, Chile, Namibia and New Zealand as well as international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like World Wildlife Federation International (WWF), the Earth Institute, IUCN-World Conservation Union and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This resulted in a report Closing the Net, which was published in March 2006. The report contained nine recommendations, which when implemented will help uncover and discourage IUU fishing and improve enforcement action against the culprits.
An International Coordination Unit, a joint initiative between DFID (Department for International Development) and Defra, was set up in Defra’s Marine and Fisheries Directorate to facilitate this process and to build a global network of countries to implement the Task Force recommendations. 
Funds for the Unit and UK funding of HSTF projects have come mainly from the World Summit on Sustainable Development Implementation Fund (WIF). The aim is to work together with other partners to improve international monitoring, control and vessel data and to assist developing countries take action against illegal fishing. EU Commissioner Borg highlighted the work of the HSTF at the Northern Fisheries Ministers conference in Norway in June 2006 .
If you are wondering whether IUU fishing directly affects the UK - it does at every level. We have European and international obligations to ensure that our waters are properly managed. Illegal fishing anywhere undermines markets and prices for fishermen operating legally. Major retailers and their customers are increasingly concerned to ensure that fish are sourced sustainably. IUU fishing is unacceptable and damages the reputation of the industry as a whole.
We worked with UK and international stakeholders to develop an Action Plan to implement the Task Force proposals, which was published in May 2006. We also recently produced the HSTF newsletter to keep others updated on how the activities which follow the Task Force report have progressed and on work that has started on a number of initiatives.
Where to find more information
All relevant documents on High Seas Task Force and IUU fishing can be found at the Task Force website. You can find more information about what Defra and DFID are doing to combat IUU fishing by going to the links below or by visiting the Task Force website at www.high-seas.org
EC initiative on IUU Fishing
The European Commission is proposing to establish a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
On 24 June 2008, Ministers at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council reached political agreement on a draft Regulation [PDF] (24 KB) to establish a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This was strongly welcomed by Jonathan Shaw. The Regulation strikes the right balance between checking the legitimacy of fish and fishery products entering the Community, penalties for non-compliance and minimising administrative burdens for trustworthy importers who can demonstrate independently audited food chain security. Defra will work closely with stakeholders in implementing the Regulation.
You can also visit www.illegal-fishing.info
Page last modified: 04 July 2008
Page published: 14 December 2007