Enhancing responsible fishing practices in South East Asia to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing

摘要

The Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing Practices (RPOA) is a voluntary arrangement agreed in 2007 by fisheries ministers from 11 South East Asian countries. Its primary objective is to combat illegal fishing. It is estimated that approximately four million tonnes of fish are caught illegally in RPOA waters each year. The RPOA has achieved greater cohesiveness amongst countries and a heightened focus on addressing the causes of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, not simply the symptoms. Continuing high level commitment and leadership by participating governments is essential. Success in putting barriers before IUU vessels seeking to use the ports of RPOA countries is a significant benchmark on which to build further successes.