A New Handbook for Combatting Illegal Fishing: The Fisheries Import Control Scheme Handbook

A comprehensive new handbook has been released to assist countries in establishing effective Import Control Schemes (ICS) aimed at combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. This resource is particularly crucial as IUU fishing poses significant threats to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on sustainable fishing.

The Fisheries Import Control Scheme Handbook (FICSH), co-authored by several prominent organizations including the US IUU Fishing and Labor Rights Coalition, the European Union IUU Fishing Coalition, the IUU Forum Japan, and the NGO Fishwise, serves as a guide for policymakers worldwide.

Objectives of the Handbook

The primary goal of the FICSH is to provide countries with the tools necessary to design systems that accommodate their unique capabilities. Whether they aim for a comprehensive ICS or prefer to adopt incremental measures, this handbook offers actionable insights to aid their efforts.

Tracking and Tracing IUU Seafood

One of the key features of the handbook is its guidance on tracking and tracing potential IUU seafood. It outlines methods that countries can implement to prevent illegal seafood from infiltrating their markets. The recommendations focus on a standardized set of key data elements (KDEs) that can enhance import monitoring.

Key Data Elements (KDEs)

The handbook identifies 17 essential KDEs that countries should collect from seafood importers. These elements include:

• Vessel name
• Unique vessel identifier (IMO number)
• Vessel flag
• International radio call sign
• Exporter/re-exporter information
• Identity of the import company
• Product type
• Species name
• Estimated live weight
• Processed weight
• Transshipment declaration
• Event date
• Catch area
• Authorization to fish
• Port of landing
• Processing location
• Fishing gear type or catch method

The Situation in the U.S.

While the majority of seafood consumed in the United States is imported, the current regulations require only 12 out of the 17 recommended KDEs through the U.S. Seafood Import Monitoring Program, which encompasses only about 40% of all seafood imported into the country by volume.

Expert Insight

According to Penelope Kyritsis, coordinator of the US IUU Fishing and Labor Rights Coalition, “When seafood imports are traceable and held to consistent standards, perpetrators of illegal fishing and labor abuse lose the loopholes that allow them to exploit people and the planet.” The FICSH handbook provides governments with a clear, practical roadmap to close their markets to seafood linked to illegal fishing and forced labor.

In conclusion, the Fisheries Import Control Scheme Handbook is a vital resource for countries striving to enhance their seafood import controls and, ultimately, to protect marine resources and ensure fair labor practices within the fishing industry.

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