European fishing association Europêche has joined the war of words with China over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing off the coast of Africa, speaking out in support of ongoing sustainable fishing partnership agreements (SFPAs) for EU vessels.
“There have been disturbing reports about IUU fishing off the coast of Africa in recent weeks, which is something our organization and members stand against,” said Kathryn Stack, managing director at Europêche. “SFPAs are important in raising our standards in terms of fishing and thereby helping promote higher standards for all fishing off the coast of Africa, thereby protecting both the environment and African fishermen.”
The exchange began with environmental activist group Greenpeace, which issued a report on 21 May alleging it had witnessed “at least 74 vessels” engaged in 82 separate cases of IUU fishing,
The group specifically called out China as a culprit. In one 26-day period in Guinean waters, the group claimed it witnessed 12 vessels owned by Chinese companies or flying the Chinese flag engaged in IUU fishing activities.
Shortly afterward, an article appeared in China in the state-run
Europêche’s statement, released yesterday, did not mention the
Europêche also said SFPAs include provisions preventing EU fishermen from interfering with local artisanal fishing. The EU also provides financial assistance to African countries to assist local fishing sectors in exchange for the fishing rights.
“Europêche members have good relationships with our partners in Africa. By entering into SFPAs we can ensure that both partner countries and their citizens get a fair deal as part of our fishing in Africa,” Stack said.