The European Commission (EC) has lifted the so-called “yellow card” warning given to Tuvalu, with Karmenu Vella, European commissioner for environment, maritime affairs and fisheries, acknowledging the important progress that the South Pacific nation had made to address shortcomings in its fisheries governance.
“The economy of Tuvalu, a small island developing state, relies heavily on fishing. It is therefore imperative that their resources are managed in a way that ensures the prosperity and future for its fishing community. Therefore, I want to congratulate Tuvalu for the progress made and I am pleased that we have now become real partners in the fight against illegal fishing (IUU). This positive development demonstrates that the EU approach is working,” said Vella.
Tuvalu was warned by the EC of the risk of being considered as a “non-cooperating country” in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in December 2014. Fisheries products caught by vessels from these countries cannot be imported into the EU.
Through the dialogue that started with the yellow card, the EU has been able to help Tuvalu combat illegal fishing, said the EC.
At the same time, the country has amended its fisheries legal framework in line with international law of the sea instruments, thus reinforcing compliance with flag, port, coastal and market state obligations. It has also included clear definitions and a deterrent regime of sanctions.
Tuvalu has also updated its system for management of fishing resources following the best scientific advice and precautionary approach practices and has complied with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission conservation and management measures.
Furthermore, it has reinforced its monitoring, control and surveillance systems including the reinforcement of patrol capacity and inspections at port, strengthened staff capacity for control, inspection and observation, and accepted cooperation with countries whose vessels operate in Tuvalu' waters by granting access to Vessels Day Scheme information.
With the newly adopted measures, Tuvalu authorities have all the necessary policy means to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.
The EC estimates the global value of IUU fishing at EUR 10 billion (USD 11.7 billion) per year, involving between 11 and 26 million metric tons (MT) of illegally caught fish or at least 15 percent of world catches.
Tackling IUU fishing is one of the cornerstones of the EU's ocean governance strategy and the EU common fisheries policy. The IUU Regulation ensures that only fisheries products that have been certified as legal can access the EU market. As the world's biggest importer of fisheries products, the EU has significant leverage to drive global change.
