The RPOA-IUU Secretariat was honored to receive an invitation to contribute as a speakers in “A Workshop for Fisheries Enforcement Strategies to Prevent, Combat, and Deter IUU Fishing Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.” which was held in Serpong from 15 to 16 November 2023. This workshop was funded by APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and hosted by the Directorate General of Surveillance for Marine and Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia.
During the workshop, the representative of the RPOA-IUU Secretariat presented on regional fisheries policy gaps and adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was commenced with providing participants with initial information about the roles and functions of regional initiatives. It was highlighted that regional initiative, such as RPOA-IUU, serve as beneficial platforms for coordination among countries in Southeast Asia, along with Australia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea, in eradicating IUU fishing during the pandemic. The representative of the RPOA-IUU secretariat also highlighted key challenges in combating IUU fishing, including unresolved maritime boundaries, limited infrastructure and human resources, varying rules across countries, lack of information-sharing, and new modus operandi of IUU fishing. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges for countries’ efforts to combat IUU fishing, hindering physical operations and surveillance. To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach through effective enforcement and MCS implementation, including bilateral dialogue and intra-regional and inter-agency coordination, is crucial. The diligent efforts made by countries have led to the initiation of the development of a data-sharing mechanism.
In conclusion, Ms. Primaoktasa emphasized that regional information-sharing is a key component of cooperation and should be complemented by bilateral cooperation efforts.
“For the heart of boundless blue, the ocean engraves but nothing can beat togetherness to chase shared dream of better nurturing the mother of pearl – Dita Primaoktasa”
