The document emphasizes the critical need to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Western Central Atlantic region to safeguard sustainable fisheries management and the conservation of fish stocks. It mentions that a significant portion of reported catches in the WECAFC area are estimated to originate from illegal and unreported sources, posing a substantial threat to the region's marine resources. The decline in reported fish capture production over the years, coupled with the heavy exploitation of shared and migratory species, underscores the urgency for enhanced cooperation among WECAFC Members. Furthermore, the text stresses the importance of strengthening national legislation and implementing effective measures to combat IUU fishing. It highlights the risks associated with inadequate regulation of transshipment activities, which can facilitate the entry of illegally sourced fish products into the market. The document also emphasizes the significance of information sharing and cooperation among flag, port, coastal, and market States to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing.
2022-01-01