WWF: More than 85 percent of world’s fish in IUU danger

A new report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is alleging a significant portion of the world’s fish stocks are vulnerable to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The report indicates more than 85 percent of fish stocks worldwide are at risk, and in some areas, all fish species are at risk.

“The US imports more than 100 different wild-caught species of fish, and the vast majority are plagued by serious problems of illegality,” said Michele Kuruc, WWF VP for oceans policy. “Such extensive illegality requires a comprehensive solution that protects all species, not just a few. The long-term viability of our planet’s fisheries and ocean ecosystems requires it.”

The report indicates hundreds of species are at high or moderate risk for IUU fishing, and WWF called for governments to do more to stop the problem. While WWF acknowledged the U.S. government has taken steps in recent years, it criticized the National Ocean Council (NOC)’s current IUU proposal as being too narrow.

“The list of species proposed by NOC would address only about 20 percent of the IUU import problem in America. While this would certainly be a very important step forward, it doesn’t get us where we ultimately need to be,” Kuruc said. “If we are serious about addressing this issue as a country, and I believe that we are, we have to require essential information on the legal origin of catches and traceability for all species that enter the U.S. market.”

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