Download the Newsletter

Sierra Leone arrest pirate vessel using donated Isle of Man patrol boat

Dec 21, 2012

EJF

“Sierra Leone’s Minister of Fisheries has announced the arrest of a pirate fishing vessel. The vessel was arrested using a patrol craft donated by the Government of the Isle of Man and is the latest in a string of arrests designed to rid Sierra Leonean waters of illegal operators.”

400 Species in Lake Victoria Disappear due to Illegal Fishing

Jan 6, 2013

Daily News

“Illegal fishing together with destruction of the environment has resulted into depletion of at least 400 fish species in Lake Victoria in the last four decades.”

Man who illegally imported caviar sentenced after 23 years

Jan 9, 2013

FIS

“A food distributor charged with illegally importing Russian and Iranian caviar and dodging taxes has been released from jail and will be deported back to Italy within days.”

Tough Call: The Scale Of Illegal Fishing Problem

Jan 9, 2013

Tribune242.com

“Both the PLP and the FNM pledged to upgrade the Defence Force with more marines, ships and aircraft to address poaching. But fiscal realities have forced the government to cancel these proposed investments.”

Understanding agreement on fisheries control signed with Norway

Jan 10,2013

FIS

“The head of the Secretariat General of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Magrama), Carlos Dominguez, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Norwegian fisheries authorities in connection with monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries.”

Use of illegal fishing gear declines

Jan 11, 2013

The Daily News, Tanzania

“The Mwanza regional fisheries department has revealed that the use of illegal fishing gear such as gillnets, in Lake Victoria, has decreased to 39.31 per cent due to regular patrols in the lake.”

Improving International Fisheries Management

January 2013

NOAA

“Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 403(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006”

Ghana: U.S. Partners With 10 Nations to Combat Illegal Fishing

Jan 15, 2013

AllAfrica

“The United States is working with officials in 10 nations to address illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing in 2011 or 2012, or that had ineffective measures to prevent the unintended catch of protected species in 2012.”

China to fund acquisition of patrol ship by Cape Verde

Dec 17, 2012

Macauhub.com

“Cape Verde’s acquisition of another ship to patrol the archipelago’s territorial waters will receive financing of US$5 million from the Chinese government, Pan-African news agency Panapress reported.”

European Commission Asks Italy to Control Illegal Driftnets

Dec 18, 2012

The Fish Site

“ITALY – As discussed with the Italian authorities, the European Commission has made the first step towards the establishment of an Action Plan on fisheries control and monitoring, formally asking the Italian Government to launch an administrative enquiry.”

Seychelles hosts the kick-off meeting of the FISH-i Africa Project

Dec 19, 2012

Travel Related

“A major regional partnership has been announced to help combat illegal fishing in the western Indian Ocean, which is causing serious economic losses as well as social and environmental problems for coastal states.”

Australia’s SBT stock strong

Dec 20, 2012

Worldfishing.net

“AFMA reports that at the start of the commercial Southern Bluefin Tuna fishing season on 1 December the most recent scientific assessment showed that the species is rebuilding well.”

Successful Southern Ocean Patrol

Dec 21, 2012

Scoop.co.nz

“The Royal New Zealand Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS OTAGO has successfully completed its first patrol of the season in the Southern Ocean – one of the world’s most challenging environments.”

FAO measures approved to combat illegal fishing

Dec 21, 2012

FIS.com

“The Uruguayan Parliament has ratified the Measures on Port State control Agreement to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).”

Sierra Leone: Illegal Fishing Hits Fish Stocks, Livelihoods in Sierra Leone

Dec 6, 2012

AllAfrica.com

“Freetown — Fishing communities in Sierra Leone have been hit hard by illegal and unregulated fishing off the West African coast. Unsustainable local fishing practices and the activities of foreign trawlers engaged in so-called “pirate fishing” have led to a significant decline in fish stocks in Sierra Leone, environmental groups and local officials say.”

Coco Island Costa Rica still Threatened by Poachers

Dec 9, 2012

The Costa Rica News

“Cocos Island Costa Rica is a renowned National Park and is a World Heritage Site and is one of the country’s richest in terms of biodiversity, but every year the region is threatened by illegal fishing.”

Satellite technology explored to help defend Rapa Nui from illegal fishing

Dec 10, 2012

Radio New Zealand

“An ocean conservation group is investigating whether satellite technology could help Rapa Nui protect its waters from illegal fishing.”

Illegal fishing deterrents could save tuna industry USD 1 billion

Dec 11, 2012

FIS

“A recent operation to detect illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the Pacific has confirmed how data collection is needed to deter and eliminate fish plundering from the world’s largest tuna fishery. The findings of the surveillance operation confirmed the USD 1 billion savings this kind of prevention could bring.”

Illegal wildlife trade worth €15bn

Dec 12, 2012

Irish Times

“Across the world, illegal trade in wildlife including timber and unregulated and unreported fishing has become a lucrative business for criminal syndicates, with profits that can be used to finance civil conflicts and terrorism, a report for WWF found.”

Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA Administrator, Announces She Will Step Down

Dec 12, 2012

Huffington Post

“The administrator of NOAA, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, announced that she will step down from her position at the end of February 2013.”

The Law of the Sea’s next wave

Dec 13, 2012

Business Day Online

“But the weaknesses of the current governance regime, epitomized by rampant illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, threaten to undermine the global security and sustainability to which well managed oceans can contribute.”

Illegal fishing causes enormous losses, says conservation expert

Nov 11, 2012

Saudi Gazette

“ Illegal fishing causes countries enormous losses, said Dr. Zaid Abo Ghararah, secretary general of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA).”

EU Commissioner Discusses Driftnets, International Fisheries, GFCM Reform

Nov 12, 2012

The Fish site

“ITALY – EU Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki was in Rome, on 8 November 2012, for a series of meetings with high-level personalities and organisations on key fisheries issues.”

Another Abalone Bust

Nov 14, 2012

Milton Ulladulla Times

“A WESTERN Sydney man will is to face court on serious charges after being apprehended by Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries officers on the South Coast near Bawley Point, allegedly in possession of a large quantity of abalone.”

EC shows IUU fishing a yellow card

Nov 15, 2012

World Fishing and Aquaculture

“The European Commission has adopted a ‘decision’ indicating to eight third countries that their track record in tackling illegal fishing is insufficient.”

AST + DEFRA… No More “Fishing” Necessary For Fishing Fleet Vessels (SATCOM) 

Nov 19, 2012

SatNews.com

“The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have awarded the contract for the supply, installation and maintenance of a new UK Vessel Monitoring System (VMS+) satellite/GPRS position reporting and communications device to AST Marine Sciences Ltd (MSL) for the over 12m UK fishing fleet, including Isle of Man vessels.”

Mozambique: Huge Losses From Illegal Fishing

Nov 19, 2012

All Africa

“The Mozambican state is suffering annual loses of revenue of over a billion meticais (over 30 million US dollars) due to illegal fishing, according to the National Director of Fisheries Inspection, Manuel Castiano, cited in Monday’s issue of the independent daily “O Pais”.”

EU shows yellow card to eight countries over illegal fishing

Nov 22, 2012

FishUpdate.com

“THE EU Commission is warning a number of third world countries that they need to do more to stamp out illegal fishing within their borders. They have been given what amounts to a “yellow card” as part of the EU’s wider plans to reform the Common Fisheries Policy with a long term possibility that unless they take corrective action their seafood products could be outlawed by Europe.”

Parliament moves to protect Baltic salmon

Nov 23, 2012

FIS

“MEPs this week pushed legal measures to protect Baltic salmon populations – but postponed a vote on technical conservation measures until the Council unblocks long-term plans for fisheries management. Parliament also called to eliminate illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing across the globe.”

Convictions for Halibut Fishery Violations Net Substantial Penalties

Nov 26, 2012

The Fish Site

“CANADA – Two Nova Scotia men face stiff penalties after they were convicted of illegal activity in the halibut fishery in Bridgewater court. The October 22 sentencing brings to a conclusion a series of convictions involving the same fishing vessel which together yielded fines totaling $101,000.00 and forfeitures of $12,308.00 in catch and gear.”

Heated debate expected at Pacific fisheries meeting

Nov 28, 2012

Radio Australia

“The WCPFC meeting will bring together delegations from 25 countries from December the second to the sixth, to debate the conservation and management of tuna, whales and sharks, and measures to tackle illegal fishing.”

Ocean-grabbing ‘threatens world’s fisheries’: UN

Oct 30, 2012

France 24

“In exceptionally sharp words, the United Nations’ special rapporteur on food, Olivier de Schutter, said the interests of smaller fishermen, local communities and sustainable fishing were threatened by long-distance, industrial-scale trawling.”

Somalia: EU Naval Force Meets Somali Fishing Representatives and Elders On Its San Giusto

Oct 31, 2012

AllAfrica.com

“On Monday, 29 October 2012, the Force Commander of the EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR), Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino, met with local Somali fishing representatives, clan elders of coastal communities and local authorities on board the EU NAVFOR flagship, ITS San Giusto, off the northern coast of Somalia, near Bossaso.”

Uncle Sam declares war on IUU

Nov 5, 2012

FishNewsEU.com

“THE US government has announced that combatting the global problem of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is one of the NOAA’s top priorities, as it deprives the planet’s legal fishermen and coastal communities of an estimated $10-23 billion of seafood products annually.”

DNA tests help nab illegal Qld crabber

Nov 5, 2012

The Australian

“DNA technology has been used to prove a haul of female mud crabs seized in Sydney were illegally taken from Queensland.”

Ban on IUU Fishing from Next Year

Nov 7, 2012

Sri Lanka Daily News

“Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne announced that the Fisheries Ministry is to impose strict rules and regulations to ban Illegal,Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing from January 01,2013 .”

Tanzania: Govt Intensifies Security in Tanzanian Waters

Nov 7, 2012

AllAfrica.com

“THE government through the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) has intensified security in Tanzanian waters to curb illegal fishing by foreigners and locals, the House heard .”

Report: curb illegal fishing and revive SA abalone stocks

Nov 7, 2012

BizCommunity.com

“According to Allafrica.com, a report tabled by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) at a Parliament’s Portfolio Committee meeting sounded a grim warning that South Africa’s depleted abalone stocks will not recover unless illegal fishing is reduced dramatically.”

Commissioner’s road leads to Rome

Nov 8, 2012

FishNewsEU.com

“MARIA Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, travels to Rome today for a series of meetings on key fisheries issues – such as IUU, aquaculture and management plans for the Mediterranean and Black Sea.”

U.S. Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking and Promote Conservation

Nov 8, 2012

Imperial Valley News (USA)

“Washington, DC – The United States is working with the international community to combat the illegal trade in wildlife and promote conservation through a four pillar strategy, which includes diplomatic outreach, public diplomacy, training, and partnerships.”

EC sets out priorities for Atlantic Tuna commission meeting

Nov 9, 2012

FishUpdate.com

“In this annual meeting the European Commission, which represents the EU, is hoping to build on the success of last year’s negotiations which included decisions on multi-annual management measures for Mediterranean Swordfish and Tropical Tuna along with protection measures for silky shark and seabirds based on best available science.”

Canada gets tough on IUU

Nov 9. 2012

FishNewsEU.com

“CANADA’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has announced that the government is taking the next steps in its efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by amending the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act.”

Patrol Boat Undergoes Testing for Marine Protection for Illegal Fishing campaign

Nov 9, 2012

TheFishSite

“PHILIPPINES – To promote conservation and protection of the province’s marine resources, a composite team have been trained on the maintenance and operation of La Union patrol boat for two days along the seashore of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station in Poro.”

Africa Loses One Million Tonnes of Fish Yearly Due to Illegal Fishing

Oct 25

Allafrica.com

“Africa loses one million tonnes of fish per year due to overfishing and bad governance in the fisheries sector. The continent’s losses account for one-tenth of annual global losses, said Sumaila Rashid, Director of the Fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia in Canada.”

African Union sets deadline for continent-wide maritime strategy

Oct 26

The Guardian

“Without a comprehensive strategy to police, patrol and promote the maritime economy and resources along its 42,000km coastline, Africa loses billions of dollars in revenue annually and leaves itself vulnerable to myriad criminal activities.”

Earth observation satellites hold benefits for South Africa

Oct 26

Engineering News

“Satellite earth observation helps South Africa to understand the state of natural resources, study the environment, manage natural disasters and provide warnings for regional droughts, floods and other disasters. Satellite earth observation information and data are also used to monitor illegal fishing and piracy in South Africa’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around its coast, two earth observation scientists say.”

DR and Bahamas to hold bilateral talks

Oct 28

Dominican Today

“Officials from the Dominican Republic and The Bahamas will meet in Santo Domingo from October 29 to November 1st to hold bilateral talks regarding illegal fishing by Dominican nationals in Bahamian waters.”

New illegal fishing threat for Southern Ocean

Oct 29

ABC News

“Illegal fishing boats have moved their focus in the Southern Ocean to stocks of Antarctic Toothfish.”

Workshop to monitor ACP fisheries project in the Caribbean

Oct 29

AntiguaObserver.com

“The Third Regional ACP Fish Programme Monitoring Workshop and Training in Monitoring and Evaluation will also provide training in monitoring and evaluation systems as prescribed by the European Commission; and expose participants to selected fishery realities in Suriname.”

Tanzania: Dar es Salaam Seeks to Monitor Commercial Fishing

Oct 29

AllAfrica.com

“THE government is planning to build three fishing harbours that will, among other issues, monitor commercial fishing in the country.”

S. Korea prods China to crack down harder on illegal fishing near Yellow Sea border

Oct 31

Yonhap News Agency

“A number of Chinese fishing boats allegedly entered South Korean waters near the sea border and stole or damaged fishing gear and nets installed by South Korean fishermen this month, causing property damages worth 362 million won (US$331,957), according to maritime police.”

WWF uncovers unreported trade of Atlantic bluefin tuna

Oct 31

Gozo News.com

“A new study commissioned by WWF uncovers that between 2000 and 2010, the equivalent of 18,704 tonnes of live bluefin tuna were traded via Panama without being reported to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) – the international body managing the fishery.”

U.S. Coast Guard, Canada partner to curb illegal fishing in the Pacific Ocean

Oct 17

SitNews (United States)

“Coast Guard cutters and Canadian aircraft patrolled the international waters off Japan in an effort to locate vessels engaged in large-scale high seas drift net fishing.”

S.Korea urges solution for illegal fishing following death of Chinese fisherman

Oct 18

Global Times

“South Korea on Thursday called for a “fundamental solution” for illegal fishing in its territorial waters after the death of a Chinese fisherman earlier this week prompted Chinese protests.”

Bantay Dagat nets 5 illegal fishing boats anew

Oct 18

Sun Star Iloilo (Philippines)

“THE Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) continues with its quest to eradicate, if not totally eliminate, illegal fishing activities particularly in Northern Iloilo.”

Kilili: Improved Enforcement Needed After Recent Report Highlights Failure to Police Pacific Monuments

Oct 19

Pacific News Center

“Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan called today for Congress and Federal agencies to dedicate more attention and resources to curtailing illegal activity in U.S. Pacific waters.”

Fish stocks down to shocking levels

Oct 19

The Guardian

“Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) has warned of a serious decline in fish in the country’s water bodies caused by excessive and illegal exploitation of the resource.”

`Fight illegal fishing and coral reef destruction`

Oct 19

The Guardian

“The Zanzibar minister for Livestock and Fisheries Abdillahi Hassan Jihad has called for measures to protect sea environment and its endowments by fighting illegal fishing practices that destruct fish coral reef breeding sites.”

Turks and Caicos: Illegal Fishing Vessel Intercepted

Oct 22

Turks & Caicos Sun

“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Marine Branch working in conjunction with the Police Airwing intercepted an illegal fishing Vessel name “Aguila Blanco” (White Eagle) of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in Grand Turk, on Saturday 13 October 13th 2012.”

Illegal Russian Fishing May Distort Crab Market

Oct 22

Kucb.org

“Illegal fishing in Russian waters could negatively impact crab prices this year.”

Uganda: Fish Strategy Pays Off

Oct 23

AllAfrica.com

“Kampala — Efforts by government and the Private sector under the Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association (UFPEA) to curb immature and illegal fishing here have started to pay off.”