Cooperation is key in the fight against IUU fishing, as it allows for information on alleged breaches in management measures to be exchanged between port states and flag states, and for corrective actions to be swiftly identified with the support of relevant RFMOs. In this context, the GFCM launched a mutual assistance mechanism which facilitates the exchange of information on any case of presumed IUU fishing activity. 

The mechanism allows Contracting Parties and Cooperating non-Contracting Parties to seek the support of the GFCM Secretariat in bringing to the attention of the relevant flag state any conduct by its fishing vessels that has been found to undermine GFCM management measures. The GFCM Secretariat promotes dialogue with the flag state, which is given an opportunity to respond to allegations presented thanks to the mutual assistance mechanism. All information gathered by this mechanism is brought to the attention of the Compliance Committee, which can take corrective actions as required, such as adding fishing vessels which have engaged in IUU fishing to the GFCM IUU list.