Campaign: Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
Enhancing vessel identification in GFCM
Since 2013, when fishing vessels became eligible to apply for International Maritime Organisation (IMO) numbers, these seven-digit identifiers have gained global recognition as an invaluable tool for vessel identification. Unlike call signs, names, flags, or other registration numbers, IMO numbers remain consistent and permanent throughout a vessel’s lifecycle, from construction to dismantling. They need to … Read more
The need for more transparency on ultimate ownership for the GFCM fishing fleet
In this briefing, we present an analysis of the available information on the ultimate ownership of vessels fishing in the GFCM Convention area. We highlight best practices from other RFMOs that disclose beneficial ownership information within their authorized vessel lists. Based on those assessments, we offer recommendations to improve transparency in the GFCM and facilitate … Read more
Call for the Compliance Committee of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean to increase transparency and effectively tackle non-compliance cases and IUU fishing
Ahead of the 17th session of the Compliance Committee (CoC) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) in Rome, Italy, ClientEarth, Environmental Justice Foundation, Oceana, The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Nature Conservancy and WWF, who work together to protect the Mediterranean Sea against the impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, are … Read more
Who is profiting from illegal fishing? Unveiling ownership of fishing vessels is critical to save the ocean
Illegal fishing is depleting the ocean, and it takes place because it is a profitable business. To effectively address this problem, it is not enough to sanction a fishing vessel or putting a fine on its captain, we must target the economic incentives that fuel such activities. These are businesses that ultimately profit from illegal … Read more
Oceana scientist awarded Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to improve transparency of fish feed
Marine Cusa, Ph.D., an expert in genetic identification of seafood products, is a policy advisor on illegal fishing and transparency at Oceana in Europe Marine Cusa, Ph.D., a policy advisor with Oceana, was selected by The Pew Charitable Trusts as a recipient of the 2024 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. As one of six international … Read more
Spain Sanctions 25 Fishing Vessels for Disabling Public Tracking Devices
The Government of Spain sanctioned 25 Spanish-flagged fishing vessels for repeatedly disabling their automatic identification system (AIS). The sanctions, with fines of up to €60,000 (US$65,000), are a direct result of Oceana’s analysis and close collaboration with the Spanish administration. Oceana found the sanctioned vessels appeared to be fishing near Argentinian waters between 2018 and … Read more
European Parliament votes to increase transparency regarding fishing activities, but also to weaken marine conservation ambition
MEPs vote for more transparency to prevent the entry of illegal seafood on the EU market, but also endorse destructive fishing within protected areas and compromise the fight against overfishing in European waters Oceana deplores key votes at the European Parliament on the Common Fisheries Policy and the Marine Action plan, which reveal a worrying … Read more
