Illegal, Unreported And Unregulated Fishing In Small-Scale Marine And Inland Capture Fisheries

This paper describes the nature and significance of IUU small-scale fisheries and its evolution, from subsistence activities into activities that are capable of generating significant economic exchanges. The majority of small-scale fisheries are located in the poorer, underdeveloped and developing countries. In most small scale fisheries, access to the fish resources is open, unrestricted and in most cases, unregulated. Fishing activities are hardly reported. The local fisheries administrations lack the capability and capacity to manage fisheries on a sustainable basis and monitoring, control and surveillance is virtually non-existent or extremely ineffective. The paper reviews the nature and causes of illegal fishing practices in small scale fishing grounds. According to the paper, both small and large scale fishers are known to be engaged in illegal fishing practices in these fishing grounds. The paper makes reference to ideas and suggestions for the curbing and eventual elimination of IUU in small scale fisheries which may contribute to the sustainable development and management of small scale fisheries for the benefit of present and future generations and to the economies of the countries. The paper concludes that IUU is increasing at an alarming rate with negative biological, economic and environmental consequences. Concerted international effort is required to deal with the problem of IUU in small scale fisheries given the fact the Governments of the poorer, underdeveloped and developing countries do not have the capability and capacity to combat illegal fishing practices in their territorial waters. The paper calls for an International Plan of Action to address the problem of IUU in small scale marine and inland capture fisheries with particular emphasis on programs to raise awareness and devise strategies to curb illegal fishing activities