The Government of Canada continues to innovate in the fight against illegal fishing on the high seas
OTTAWA (ON), June 5, 2022 /CNW/ – June 5e is the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
Globally, IUU fishing is a major contributor to the decline of fish stocks and the destruction of the marine habitat ecosystem. IUU fishing is estimated to account for around 30% of all fishing activity worldwide, accounting for up to 26 million tonnes of fish caught each year.
This is hurting the livelihoods of law-abiding fishers around the world, costing the global economy up to $23 billion a year. It impacts food security, human rights and economic stability in vulnerable coastal communities where fisheries resources are threatened by IUU fishing, affecting millions of people. Combating IUU fishing is a key objective of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Life Below Water.
That is why Canada continues to work with our national and international partners on the latest technological advances, law enforcement operations and policies to combat the harms of IUU fishing.
Last year, we partnered with OceanMind, a UK-based nonprofit, on a project to assess the use of drones in fisheries monitoring. Work with partners in Costa Rica and Senegalthis project has seen over 40 successful test flights and has provided us with a roadmap to help developing countries in their fight against IUU fishing.
In partnership with Ecuadorwe deployed our state-of-the-art darkship detection program to help protect the recently expanded Galapagos Islands Marine Reserve, an area considered one of the most unique and biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world planet, against the threats posed by small-scale foreign fishing fleets.
We fight against IUU fishing internationally by developing strict rules and comprehensive guidance within Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). ). These efforts push from Canada extensive ongoing law enforcement work and joint operations with United States and other partners as part of Operation North Pacific Guard. As part of this mission, our Fishery Officers conduct international offshore fisheries enforcement operations.
We must learn from each other to innovate and collaborate in the fight against IUU fishing. By using the latest technologies and taking an innovative approach to protecting the world’s oceans, we can help solve the critical issues facing fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
The Honorable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
For further information: Claire Teichman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 604-679-5462; [email protected]Media Relations: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]