On July 1, 2024, the second Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the development of the RPOA-IUU Data Sharing Mechanism (DSM) was held virtually. The discussion went exceptionally well, with nearly all participating companies expressing their agreement on moving forward with the DSM development. The session commenced with a presentation by Mr. Eko, who reiterated the commitments made during the Data Sharing Mechanism meeting on October 25, 2023, in Dili, Timor Leste. He referenced the decision made by the Coordination Committee Meeting (CCM) during the 11th RPOA-IUU Coordination Committee (CC) Meeting on November 13-14, 2019, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, which encouraged RPOA-IUU countries to establish a working group for a Joint Statement and a working group on the DSM to bolster RPOA-IUU’s capacity.
Mr. Farid Maruf, the SuFiA TS delegation lead and a member of the RETT Team, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the benefits and rationale for implementing a regional data-sharing mechanism, specifically targeting the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF). His presentation addressed various questions raised during the previous DSM Meeting in Timor-Leste, which had caused reservations among some members.
Mr. Maruf’s presentation underscored the need to navigate the legal and regulatory frameworks within each country that might impede data-sharing initiatives. His goal was to alleviate concerns and demonstrate how a regional mechanism could function within these constraints.
The discussion emphasized that a robust DSM not only facilitates effective information exchange but also provides a regulatory framework protecting fisheries authorities during data sharing. Such a mechanism is vital for fisheries managers and authorities to combat IUU Fishing effectively. By enabling secure and timely exchange of critical information across borders while adhering to national regulations, the DSM empowers swift, coordinated responses to threats. This significantly enhances regional marine governance and strengthens the collective ability to preserve marine resources.
The RPOA-IUU DSM Working Group needs to set clear priorities for initiating data-sharing efforts. A key decision is whether to begin with developing comprehensive guidance and policy frameworks or move directly towards operationalization. The Working Group also needs to determine the specific types of data to be shared, categorizing them as strategic, tactical, or operational. After thorough discussion, the group reached a consensus to focus initially on operational data, recognizing its immediate impact on combating IUU fishing activities.
Pak Eko’s subsequent presentation, which focused on real-case incidents, provided substantial evidence supporting the conclusions drawn from the discussion. His examples effectively illustrated the practical implications of the findings and reinforced the importance of operational data sharing in addressing IUU fishing challenges.
Following the FGD, Mr. Eko expressed his appreciation to the SuFiA TS team for their support. He conveyed his satisfaction with the discussion outcomes and strongly encouraged SuFiA TS to continue its involvement in assisting the Working Group with the formulation of the DSM.
Conclusion
The Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the RPOA-IUU Data Sharing Mechanism Development was a significant step towards enhancing regional cooperation to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF). The event that was attended by representatives from six countries collectively underscored the importance of a robust data-sharing.
Follow-Up Actions
The first step in the follow-up actions is to establish the Data Sharing Mechanism Working Group. This involves formulating the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the group, appointing focal points and leadership roles, and scheduling regular meetings to advance the data-sharing agenda. Additionally, a detailed roadmap must be drafted and presented. This roadmap should outline the steps for developing and implementing the data-sharing mechanism, including key milestones such as drafting the roadmap, reviewing it with member countries, and presenting the final version for endorsement at the Coordination Committee Meeting (CCM).
