Southeast Asian Nations Unite Against Illegal Fishing
Eleven Southeast Asian nations have joined forces in a meaningful new initiative to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a persistent threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The collaborative effort, spearheaded by Indonesia, involves a complete data-sharing program and strengthened regional cooperation to protect valuable fishery resources.
The initiative, built upon the framework of the Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing Practices, including Combating IUU Fishing in the Region (RPOA-IUU), brings together Indonesia, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.”RPOA is a regional forum where countries in the region form a joint commitment to prevent and combat IUU fishing and to manage lasting marine and fishery resources,” explained Pung Nugroho Saksono, Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Supervision at the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, in a recent statement.
A key component of this ambitious plan is a newly established data-sharing mechanism. Representatives from all eleven nations recently met to finalize protocols for sharing crucial facts, including data on protected species, regulatory information, management plans, IUU vessels, vessel movements across borders, vessel details and licensing, and IUU fishing incidents. “This data-sharing mechanism is specifically designed to address various challenges in the regional area,” noted Eko Rudianto, vice executive director of the RPOA-IUU Secretariat.
“This data-sharing mechanism is specifically designed to address various challenges in the regional area.”
The shared data will allow participating nations to better track and intercept illegal fishing operations, enhancing enforcement efforts across borders. this collaborative approach is expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of combating IUU fishing and promoting sustainable fisheries management throughout the region.
Indonesia, a key player in this initiative, has already made significant strides in combating IUU fishing domestically. These efforts include the launch of new surveillance vessels, implementation of vessel traffic control systems, and the establishment of a National Fish Traceability and Logistics System. The Indonesian government has also highlighted its success in prosecuting transnational IUU fishing cases, demonstrating a strong commitment to enforcing regulations.
The success of this regional initiative holds significant implications for global efforts to combat IUU fishing. The collaborative model, emphasizing data sharing and cross-border cooperation, offers a potential blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable blue economy that benefits coastal communities and protects the health of the oceans for generations to come.
This initiative is notably relevant to the U.S.as it highlights the global nature of the problem of IUU fishing and the importance of international cooperation in addressing it. The U.S. has its own significant challenges in managing its fisheries and combating illegal fishing activities,and this Southeast Asian initiative provides a valuable case study in effective regional collaboration.
related news:
- RI, Australia act against illegal fishing by Indonesian fishers
- Three Malaysian-flagged boats impounded for poaching fish
