The main objective of the LVFO Regional Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate (IUU) Fishing (RPOA-lUU) is to develop and implement coordinated, harmonized, unified and effective management measures to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing on Lake Victoria and its basin for all fish species as prescribed in the Convention. The RPOA-IUU lays down agreed and adopted management measures to be implemented by the Partner States to ensure sustainable exploitation and utilization of all fish species to which the LVFO Convention applies, and to conserve biodiversity. These management measures include: the implementation of the FAO International Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries; collection of statistics and socio-economics data; restrictions relating to fishing gears, fishing methods, closed areas and closed seasons; minimum landing size; prohibition of the introduction of alien species of both plants and fish without consent of the other Contracting States of LVFO; protection of the environment and critical fish habitats; collaboration between policy makers, researchers, fishers and other stakeholders; promoting co-management to involve all stakeholders in management efforts; promoting fisheries associations, cooperatives and credit schemes; fish quality assurance and promoting international fish trade; adoption of catches certification and trade documentation schemes and other market-related measures to combat IUU fishing on the Lake Victoria; allocating budget for fisheries management, development and research; and providing financial support for Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS), systems, including vessel monitoring system (VMS), for preventing, deterring and eliminating IUU fishing.
2004-05-27