Frequently Asked Questions for IUU
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a global problem that affects the ocean. It damages marine ecosystems, undermines the livelihoods of law‑abiding fishers, and threatens the food security of communities that rely on fish. It also adds pressure to fish populations already at risk of overexploitation and weakens efforts to manage and protect the ocean sustainably.
Far from being a minor issue, illegal fishing is estimated to account for one in every five wild‑caught fish worldwide and to cause up to $23 billion in losses each year. This means billions in revenue are lost from governments, legitimate businesses, and coastal communities.
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has wide‑ranging environmental, economic, and social impacts. It damages marine ecosystems and habitats, puts additional pressure on fish populations already at risk of overexploitation, and undermines efforts to sustainably manage and protect the ocean. It thrives in the shadows by exploiting weak regulation, limited enforcement, and a lack of transparency. As a result, illegal operators can act outside government control, often using hidden ownership structures and complex corporate arrangements to conceal their activities. IUU fishing is also associated with organised criminal networks and illicit activities such as money laundering, forced labour, and human and drug trafficking.
In many parts of the world, IUU fishing threatens food security and undermines livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions.
EU citizens and companies are not allowed to engage in or support illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing anywhere in the world, regardless of where their vessels are operating or which flag they fly. European legislation, such as the EU fisheries control system, requires Member States to investigate and sanction any involvement in illegal fishing, including cases where EU nationals benefit financially from such activities.
In the EU, illegal fishing can result in heavy fines, seizure of catch or equipment, suspension of fishing licenses, and criminal charges for serious offences. However, penalties may vary between EU countries and depending on the seriousness of the violation.
No, IUU fishing can happen both in distant waters and in coastal, local, and inland waters. It includes activities such as fishing without licence, exceeding quotas, using prohibited gear, or failing to report catches – whether close to shore, in rivers or lakes, or on the high seas. However, IUU fishing is often associated with distant waters because monitoring and enforcement are generally more difficult far from national authorities, with environmental and economic impacts affecting multiple countries and fish stocks.
Oceana in Europe works to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by increasing transparency, strengthening regulations, and exposing illegal activities at sea. We advocate for stronger EU and national legislation, including greater transparency on the ownership structures behind fishing vessels, action against the use of flags of convenience, and full traceability of all seafood products from net to plate, so that fishing activities can be effectively monitored and verified.
We also work to ensure better implementation and enforcement of existing rules, calling for stronger controls, sanctions, and accountability across the EU and beyond. By using advanced monitoring tools and data analysis, Oceana helps identify suspicious behaviour at sea and supports authorities in tackling illegal practices.
