A European Commission red card implemented on Guinea in 2013, which prohibited fisheries imports from that country into the European Union, was removed on Wednesday, 13 July.
The commission made the decision to rescind its red card after Guinea made “significant” improvements to its national fisheries governance to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, it said in a press release.
“This is an important decision for the Commission and for the Republic of Guinea, and good news for sustainable fisheries around the globe,” European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella said. “After a long dialogue process Guinea has shown real commitment to fighting illegal fishing. We encourage them to join us in our ongoing work to promote improved ocean governance, including legal and sustainable fisheries worldwide.”
Guinea received a yellow card from the commission in November 2012, warning it was considered a non-cooperating country in the fight against IUU fishing. After failing to significant address IUU issues, Guinea was given a red card in November 2013.
Since that time, Guinea has revised its legal framework to combat IUU fishing, strengthened its sanctioning system, improved monitoring and control of its fleet and waters, and is now complying with international law, the commission said. Guinea also ratified the Port State Measures Agreement, which helps prevent illegal fish from being landed in the country's ports.
As a result of the decision, Guinea has regained access to the European seafood import market, the commission said.
