Implementation of strengthened and coordinated Monitoring, Control and Surveillance scheme to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.
(
Government
)
#OceanAction41549
Description
sustainable management of tuna fisheries in the Maldives. It predominantly occurrs in the form of poaching at EEZ
boundary line where IUU vessels speciously operating at proximate high sea. Given the highly migratory and
straddling nature of tuna and tuna like fish stocks in the Indian Ocean, the need for a of coordinated effort at the
global and regional level aiming at effective combat against IUU fishing is well recognized.
Being on the receiving end of the social and economic loss caused by IUU fishing, Maldives sought to be an
exemplary state in taking measures put forward through global and regional norms for the fight to eliminate IUU
fishing. A holistic approach comprising of key compliance tools supported by sound legislative provisions and
institutional arrangements will be focused for an effective implementation.
Legal framework: The new fisheries Act which is in the process of formulation will offer a robust legislative framework to tackle
challenges faced in managing and monitoring fishing activities. It will also support the development of
management plans for the main types of fisheries practiced in nearshore and offshore waters. Regulatory
measures and compliance tools ascribe with this will enhance the fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance
scheme that is essential for the development sustainable fisheries.
Monitoring Control and Surveillance - MCS tools: Maldives has a local fishing fleet of more than 800 vessels, which consists of pole-and-line, hand line and longline
fishing vessels. Fishing communities are largely distributed on outer islands, geographically scattered throughout
from north to south. Consequently, MCS measures integrated with modern technology are indispensable to
increase the compliance coverage of the fisheries. Such measures include monitoring of fishing vessels via a
satellite based vessels monitoring system, inspection of fishing operations through an electronic observer system
and establishment of full-fledged electronic data reporting systems.
Port State Measures: With the ratification of the FAO Port State Measure Agreement (PSMA) in March 2017, Maldives is determined to
fulfill the measures of this Agreement. Being closely linked to MCS, PSMA will further improve the coverage of
monitoring and inspection for foreign fishing vessels calling into the ports and will also help to cut short IUU fishing
operations of foreign fishing vessels at high sea. Operationally, a wider system of port controls extending
collaboration coordination to areas such as health, safety, and security will also be integrated.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.4 | By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics |
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Hussain Sinan, Permanent Secretary