Program Priority 2024-2025 RPOA-IUU
The Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing Practices (RPOA-IUU) is a voluntary initiative agreed upon in 2007 in Bali by fisheries ministers from 11 countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This initiative aims to promote responsible fishing and combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The RPOA-IUU emphasizes cooperation among participating countries, supported by advisory bodies such as FAO-APFIC, World Fish, SEAFDEC, and INFOFISH.
Core Elements of RPOA-IUU
- Current Resource and Management Situation: This element evaluates the status and management of fisheries resources in the region.
- Implementation of International and Regional Instruments: It ensures the adoption of relevant legal frameworks and agreements.
- Role of Regional and Multilateral Organizations: It highlights the contributions of organizations like FAO and SEAFDEC.
- Implementing Coastal and Flag State Measures: This element enforces regulations for coastal states and flags of convenience to ensure compliance with fishing standards.
- Developing Port State Measures: It implements controls at ports to prevent illegal fish from entering markets.
- Regional Market Measures and Capacity Building: This element enhances regional capabilities and market regulations to prevent IUU fishing.
- Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS): It strengthens MCS to track and prevent illegal activities.
- Controlling Transshipment at Sea: This element regulates the transfer of catch between vessels to prevent illegal catch from entering supply chains.
- Implementation: It focuses on practical steps for executing the plan.
Program Priorities
- Data Sharing Mechanism: Launched in October 2023 in Dili, the data-sharing mechanism aims to enhance coordination and commitment among RPOA-IUU countries. All countries have submitted focal points for the mechanism, and a second focus group discussion (FGD) is planned with potential support from USAID.
- Fisheries Intelligence: The RPOA-IUU has undertaken training and discussions on fisheries intelligence to predict and counter illegal fishing activities. The goal is to establish a regional fisheries intelligence network to improve MCS efforts.
- Decent Work on Fishing Vessels and Seafood Industry: Recognizing the link between IUU fishing and human trafficking, the RPOA-IUU emphasizes improving labor conditions on fishing vessels. Key findings from a USAID study highlight the need for corporate policies that exceed international labor laws, incorporate worker voices, and collaborate with unions to enhance labor conditions.
- Regional Capacity Building: The RPOA-IUU plans several activities for 2024, including exchanges, market measures discussions, and advanced training courses. Collaborative efforts involve USAID SuFia TS, the Government of Australia, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, focusing on various aspects such as MCS training, women in fisheries workshops, and regional surveillance networks.
Other Activities
- The development of a Knowledge Management Platform (KMP) is nearing completion.
- The enhancement of publicity materials includes the release of the second edition of the RPOA-IUU newsletter.
- The establishment of a data-sharing mechanism working group, with details of focal points submitted by all participating countries.
Conclusion
The RPOA-IUU remains a critical framework for promoting responsible fishing practices and combating IUU fishing in the region. With a comprehensive plan that includes evaluating current resources, implementing legal frameworks, and enhancing regional cooperation and capabilities, the initiative strives to create a sustainable fishing environment. The ongoing and planned activities for 2024-2025 reflect a robust commitment to these goals, with significant focus on data sharing, fisheries intelligence, labor conditions, and capacity building. Through collective efforts and continuous improvements, the RPOA-IUU aims to secure the future of fisheries resources for generations to come.
