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The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in coordination with the Subsecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Chile, concluded an online workshop with Chilean authorities last week, entitled “Understanding and implementing catch documentation schemes (CDS) to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing”, which was held over four half-day sessions, on 1, 4, 8 and 11 March 2021.

The workshop brought together over 60 participants from Chile’s fisheries and customs departments, and aimed to guide the authorities through an analysis of their national systems and procedures, in order to draw concrete conclusions on how to most effectively and efficiently respond to CDS information demands.

CDS compile information and assurances provided by various actors along specific supply chains to certify the legal provenance of the products from fishing grounds to markets, and thus contribute to combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Fishery-based CDS are in use for several species around the world, including Atlantic and Southern Bluefin tuna, and toothfishes. Market-based CDS, which aim to protect domestic markets from the products of IUU fishing, are currently in place in two of the largest seafood markets, the European Union and the United States of America. Countries that export CDS-covered species, or to markets with CDS, must meet specific information and procedural requirements.

The online workshop was made possible with the financial support of the European Union and Chile.