The Regional Plan of Action to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (RPOA-IUU), adopted by the GFCM in 2017, is a coordinated regional response to a globally recognized threat to sustainable fisheries. Building on the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IPOA-IUU), it adapts global principles to the specific context of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
The RPOA-IUU requires CPCs to incorporate its provisions into their national legal frameworks, thereby reinforcing compliance, cooperation and effective MCS systems.
Combating IUU fishing requires coordinated action by flag, coastal and port states. The RPOA-IUU defines their respective roles, setting out practical actions to strengthen coordination at the national and regional levels. It identifies the following key areas of action:
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All state responsibilities
- Implement applicable GFCM recommendations, resolutions and decisions
- Prevent and deter nationals and operators under their jurisdiction from engaging in or supporting IUU fishing activities
- Apply deterrent sanctions
- Implement effective MCS systems
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Flag state responsibilities
- Ensure that vessels flying their flag comply with GFCM measures
- Ensure that vessels are properly authorized and registered
- Prevent abusive reflagging practices
- Ensure effective control, data reporting, awareness and enforcement systems
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Coastal state responsibilities
- Prevent IUU fishing in waters under national jurisdiction through effective MCS
- Maintain clear national registers of authorized fishing vessels
- Ensure the use of logbooks compliant with GFCM requirements
- Enhance cooperation and information exchange with other CPCs and the GFCM Secretariat
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Port state responsibilities
- Implement GFCM port state measures aligned with the FAO Port State Measures Agreement
- Carry out inspections
- Share inspection results with flag states and the GFCM
- Ensure cooperation and timely follow-up on suspected IUU fishing cases
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Market-related measures
- Apply coordinated market measures to ensure traceability and control of fish products
- Prevent trade in products derived from IUU fishing
- Cooperate at the regional level to develop catch documentation schemes
- Monitor regional markets and trade
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Special requirements applicable to developing states
- Recognize the capacity needs of developing states and support them through the provision of technical assistance, including to strengthen legal frameworks, data submission, compliance and participation
- Strengthen the ability of developing states to combat IUU fishing
Resources
Publications
International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
2001
Available also in Arabic, Russian, Chinese, French and Spanish.
Contacts
Ahmed Siliman
Compliance Officer