About the IMCS Network
Ko te tangata tō tātou kaha. People are our strength.
That principle has guided the IMCS Network since five countries signed the Santiago Declaration in 2000, calling for global cooperation to address IUU fishing. From that commitment, the Network was born.
Twenty-five years later, the IMCS Network is the world's only global community dedicated to fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement professionals. We connect and support the people who do the job. That is the most effective way to strengthen compliance and protect the world's oceans.
Who we are
The Network was established in 2001 following the Santiago Declaration, a commitment by five countries to strengthen international cooperation against IUU fishing. Today, we connect 82 national fisheries agencies and regional fisheries organisations, with partners from IGOs, NGOs and academia.
We are member-led and member-focused. Our priorities are driven by the needs of our members and the community we serve. The majority of the team have worked in fisheries compliance at national, regional and international levels. We deliver needs-driven support shaped by those who have done the job.
What we do
We work to protect the world's oceans through effective communication, collaboration, coordination and capacity development — maintained over time and across regions.
Our work is guided by three strategic objectives.
Improved fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement approaches that effectively combat IUU fishing and optimise levels of compliance.
Effective collaboration and cooperation established and maintained between members and across the global fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement community.
Empowered, informed and capable fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement professionals.
Our vision
A globally connected and capable fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement community that works collectively to achieve and maintain optimal levels of compliance that effectively support marine conservation and fisheries management objectives.
Our mission
To strengthen and enhance fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement by promoting and facilitating effective communication, collaboration, coordination and capacity development across our community.
