Greenpeace International yesterday launched an online database of fishing vessels involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The "IUU blacklist" was posted as the West and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meets in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, to discuss increased regulation of tuna fishing in the Pacific.
The blacklist is the first one-stop record of fishing vessels and companies involved in pirate fishing, according to the activist group. Information from Greenpeace, other NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and government agencies will be used to compile and update the blacklist.
"Official lists are currently very limited in the information they contain and do not include the names of the companies behind the pirate fishing vessels," says Greenpeace oceans campaigner Sari Tolvanen. "It's time for greater transparency - for fish purchasers, retailers and the public to see who is involved in pirate fishing and for ship owners to start taking responsibility for their role."
Greenpeace is urging retailers and seafood dealers to ensure they do not purchase product from fishing vessels or companies involved in IUU fishing.
