Covid-19 increases risk of illegal fishing: Agency

THE Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased risk of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Pacific, due to the limitations on the use of human observers and port inspections.
Fisheries ministers from member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have expressed serious concern about the unprecedented impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on their domestic economies.
They called for strengthened cooperation.
FFA chairman and secretary for foreign affairs of the Federated State of Micronesia (FSM) Kandhi Eleisiar said: “Tuna is our only natural resource and the breadwinner of our national economies, therefore, understanding its impact and how we may adapt and minimise the impact of the Covid-19 may have on us is important.”
Ministers highlighted the increased importance of FFA’s integrated monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) framework during these times, including the satellite vessel monitoring system, vessel of interest information and the overall regional surveillance picture, as well as the aerial surveillance programme managed by FFA on behalf of members.
Commending Pacific leaders for swift action to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 in the region, ministers expressed strengthened commitments to regional solidarity and collaboration as central to confronting the impacts of the pandemic in the Pacific.
They also emphasised the importance of protecting the fisheries sector, given its important economic and food security benefits.
FFA director-general Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen said cooperation was needed among members in this unprecedented time. The ministers called for strengthened cooperation in areas such as processing, value-adding, cross-border investment, increased regional trade, improved transportation links, and improved labour mobility.
They commended work on the Covid-19 safety protocols for crew members, observers and others interacting with fishing vessels.
“I appreciate continued support and trust that members place in the secretariat as we continue to facilitate stronger regional cooperation, adaptability, caution and resilience in fisheries,” Dr Tupou-Roosen said.