EU and Canada to Cooperate in Fight Against Illegal Fishing
The EU and Canada have signed a Joint Declaration on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, sending a strong message of zero tolerance towards such criminal activities. The declaration was signed by Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, and the Canadian Minister of Fisheries Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Hunter Tootoo.
IUU fishing is a major global problem, worth an estimated 10 billion euros a year. It depletes ocean resources and destroys the livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen who play by the rules. In many parts of the world, it is also often linked to other criminal activities like human trafficking or smuggling.
Canada is, like the EU, one of the world’s most important markets for fisheries. The statement cements and formalises the already fruitful cooperation between the EU and Canada at various levels: bilaterally, in regional fisheries management organisations, and in international fora. In particular, it will allow Canada and the EU to strengthen monitoring and compliance measures, and to exchange information on suspected and proven cases of non-compliance.
