Why global unique vessel identifiers are needed – unveiling cases of EU vessel number changes in breach of EU law

One of the priorities of the European Union (EU)’s reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is to ensure sustainable fisheries both in European waters and on a global scale. The EU has in the past decade introduced new, tighter laws to achieve legal and sustainable world fisheries at a time of mounting threats to marine biodiversity … Read more

Mediterranean Swordfish: The prevalent lack of management in Mediterranean ICCAT fisheries

Oceana calls on the European Commission to close fish labelling loophole in restaurants

The European Parliament points at restaurants as the weak link of fish traceability. Oceana is calling on the European Commission to carry-out a targeted EU-wide study on the mislabelling of fish in restaurants to clarify the magnitude of the problem, identify its origin in the supply chain, identify motives and reasons, and determine the most … Read more

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a problem that affects the ocean worldwide and costs the global economy tens of billions of euros every year. It destroys marine habitats, adds pressure to fish populations that are already at risk of over-exploitation and undermines efforts to responsibly manage and protect the ocean. IUU fishing exploits … Read more

Illegal Fishing

Spain closes the net around pirate fishing

Oceana applauds Spain’s actions in opening a new era in the global fight against IUU fishing 14 countries cooperated with Interpol and Spain’s Guardia Civil to break up the group, whose profits amounted to 10 million euros a year Oceana praises Spain for having broken up a group of internationally renowned fishing pirates that has … Read more

Internationally pursued fishing poachers arrested in Spain

Spain – Yesterday, the Spanish Civil Guard raided the offices of the company Vidal Armadores according to local press. Based on the same source, agents of Interpol and Europol may have participated in the operation which concluded with four arrests, including Antonio Vidal Suarez and his son globally known for their links with illegal fishing … Read more

Where do European Vessels Fish?

European vessels have been fi shing in the world’s oceans ever since the fi rst pioneering English, French, Spanish and Portuguese fi shermen crossed the Atlantic to fi nd cod off the Canadian coast in the early sixteenth century. It is estimated that 28% of the fi sh caught by EU vessels for human consumption … Read more

The EU IUU Regulation

The EU IUU RegulationBuilding on successEU progress in the global fight against illegal fishing IUU fishing is one of the main impediments to the achievement of legal and sustainable world fisheries at a time of mounting threats to marine biodiversity and food security. IUU fishing contributes to overexploitation of fish stocks and undermines the recovery … Read more

Tough EU illegal fishing legislation needs stronger implementation to reach full potential, say NGOs

The European Union’s regulation to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has made an impact, but implementation must be more robust to ensure that no illegal fish enter the European market, according to an analysis published today by the Environmental Justice Foundation, Oceana, The Pew Charitable Trusts and WWF. The analysis … Read more