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EU and US Sign Bilateral Statement Committing To Combatting Pirate Fishing

Pirate FishingMike Markovina/Marine Photobank

Pirate fishing, officially known as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, is a serious global threat to fisheries, ocean ecosystems and human livlihoods. The European Union and United States are making a concerted joint effort to fight this devastating practice in order to move foward with improving sustainable fisheries managment for the future.

The European Union and United States signed a landmark bilateral statement highlighting the need for international cooperation to effectively combat IUU fishing. Spearheading the unprecedented effort are Maria Damanaki, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmoshpere and Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

Pirate fishing threatens fisheries and livelihoods on a global scale, costing fishermen and coastal communities up to $23 billion (US) per year in seafood and seafood products. Pirates can gain a competitive advantage by circumventing international laws and regulations by using banned fishing gear, fishing in restricted areas or inside national boundaries without permission, and misreporting of catches. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of fisheries are illegal.  Documented human rights abuses include: incarceration of crew members, withholding of pay, confiscation of documents, violence, confinement on the ship for months or even years, and a lack of safe food and clean water.

Dr. Lubchenco and Mrs. Damanaki spoke of the need for transatlantic cooperation on this critical issue and that their efforts will be strong, and hopefully their results stronger. Improving this issue cannot be achieved without industry involvement and several SeaWeb partners were present for the signing of the agreement in order for their voice to be heard.

View a video on pirate fishing and read what Steve Trent, Founding Director for the Environmental Justice Foundation, has to say about this issue >>