Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country situated in the north of Venezuela. (Map: Stock File)

Brussels declares Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Comoros as non-cooperating countries

EUROPEAN UNION
Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 01:40 (GMT + 9)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Comoros have been identified as non-cooperating third countries under the European Union's regulation to fight and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while Liberia has been pre-identified.

"We are showing our commitment to fight illegal fishing globally. The EU's actions in the past years created an incentive for states to take their responsibilities seriously, and implement reforms to their fisheries sector," commented Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella.

The commissioner also explained that they do not like to impose sanctions on third countries, but recognised that sometimes clear action is needed.

"We invite the Comoros and Saint Vincent and Grenadines to seriously step up their fight against illegal fishing so that we can reverse this decision quickly. Following today's warning to Liberia we hope their authorities choose to act quickly and correct their wrongdoings," Vella added.

The decision to issue a red card to the Comoros is based on the typical use of its flag as flag of convenience, which means registering a ship in a sovereign state different from that of the ship's owners.

Most of the Comorian fleet has no connection to the country and operates in breach of national law, mainly in the waters of West Africa. These vessels have been found to disregard the laws applicable in the national waters they operate in, transhipping fish from one vessel to another, a practice related to the laundering of illegal catches.

EU's representatives pointed out that despite receiving a yellow card in October 2015, and despite considerable effort by the European Commission to support this country in addressing the issue, no progress has been made.

Although the red card implies trade sanctions, in this particular case the decision will not impact on trade as the Comoros do not export fish to the EU. However, EU vessels will no longer be allowed to take licences to fish in their waters.

For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the decision comes due to the lack of control by the authorities of vessels flying their flag. These vessels operate all over the Atlantic and offload their catches in Trinidad and Tobago and elude any control over their activities, which raises the concern that they are involved in illegal practices.

According to the EC, official documents show that two vessels from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are already on the international vessel "black list" compiled by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. Similarly to the Comoros, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines do not export fish to the EU.

As to Liberia, this country has the second biggest shipping registry in the world with over 100 fishing transport vessels registered under this flag. The national fisheries authorities do not have the information or means to control this fleet. This lack of control has been confirmed by the listing of a Liberian vessel on the international "black list" last October.

Liberia has taken reform measures including the revision of its fisheries laws, but no tangible progress has followed. The Commission hopes that the pre-identification will raise political awareness and encourage the country to implement the necessary reforms in fisheries governance.

The EC stresses that Commission's decisions are the result of thorough analyses, following informal and formal discussions with the relevant authorities in each country.

The Commission has proposed to Liberia a tailor-made action plan and estimates the identified issues can be resolved in six months.

Meanwhile, the Comoros and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines received action plans when they were pre-identified. Ongoing dialogue and support will encourage these countries to step up their efforts to fully implement these action plans.

Fighting illegal fishing is part of the EU's commitment to ensure the sustainable use of the sea and its resources under the EU's Common Fisheries Policy, and in the context of promoting better governance of the oceans worldwide.

The Commission attaches great importance to cooperation with third countries. The EU's support helps these countries strengthen their fight against IUU fishing.

It is calculated that the global value of IUU fishing is estimated at approximately EUR 10 billion per year. Between 11 and 26 million tonnes of fish are caught illegally a year, corresponding to at least 15 per cent of world catches. 

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