JUNE 2023 l VOL 72 ISSUE 6
worldfishing.net
Viewpoint 3 | New Horizons 14 | Analysis 16 | Fishing Technology 22
NEW GLOBAL PUSH TO TACKLE IUU FISHING
Japan tackles illegal seafood issues page 12 Photo Credit: NOAA
Parties to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) have agreed to strengthen efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by extending vessel inspections, exchanging global information and improving the capacity of developing states. The Fourth Meeting of the Parties, hosted by the Indonesian Government in Bali on 8-12 May 2023, endorsed a strategy to increase adherence to the PSMA. The parties also agreed to take the Global Information Exchange System (GIES), a digital system developed by FAO at the request of the parties, from its current pilot phase to a fullyoperational system by the end of this year. “FAO is working with countries and regional fisheries management organisations to combat IUU fishing, by reviewing national legislation, identifying ways to strengthen their institutional capacity, and helping them enhance their monitoring and surveillance systems, so they can effectively implement the PSMA and other international instruments to promote sustainable fisheries,” FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Director Manuel Barange said. According to the FAO, the PSMA has the highest rate of adherence of all international fisheries
NEWBUILDS
n The losses attributable to IUU fishing are estimated to be in the region €10 billion annually instruments. It is the first binding international agreement designed to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing by stopping foreign vessels engaging in it, from using ports, landing their catches, even denying them entry. It also seeks to block fish products derived from IUU fishing from entering international markets. So far 75 parties, including the European Union as one party on behalf of its member states, have adhered to the PSMA. This represents 59% of port states globally.
FAROES GREEN LIGHTS INCREASED SALMON TAX A new revenue tax for the Faroe Islands’ salmon farming industry proposed by the recentlyelected government has been passed by parliament. Effective 1 August 2023, a total of nine different tax rates – ranging from 0.5% to 20% – can be applied, dependent on the difference between the monthly FishPool Index prices and the average production cost for the Faroese salmon industry. Average production costs will be assessed twice a year. The new tax doubles the 10% limit proposed by the previous (now opposition) government. The 20% rate will apply when the FishPool Index prices exceed the industry production cost by DKK 40 per kg. 2021’s average production cost of DKK 39.15 per kg was proposed as the baseline.
INSIGHT
Versatile Gollenes joins Norwegian fleet page 20
PROCESSING
Russia maintains bold expansion plans page 28
AQUACULTURE
Industry faces consumer challenge page 32