21.03.2017
Forum discusses measures to combat illegal fishing
Experts estimate that more than 20 million tonnes of fish are caught illegally every year. The social, environmental and economic consequences are severe, yet progress in finding solutions is slow.
In mid-March, 150 experts gathered at Chatham House in London to discuss the latest developments at the tenth forum on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).
One of several key drivers of illegal fishing is considered to be the very high potential for profit combined with a low risk of detection and sanctions. Whilst fish product manufacturers often prioritise improving traceability, the IUU Forum therefore also focused on the effectiveness of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), which came into force in 2016. Under this agreement, signatory states commit to meeting minimum requirements for control measures in their ports in order to prevent the landing of illegal catches. Sören Bachmann attended the conference on behalf of the Hamburger Stiftung für Wirtschaftsethik; other key topics covered at the conference included fisheries management on the high seas, small-scale fisheries in developing countries, and the role of (illegal) fishing in the context of geopolitical conflicts.
The Foundation is currently addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges facing the fishing industry as part of its Ethical Risk Assessment (era) programme.