The Secretariat of the Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing Practices including Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (RPOA-IUU), in collaboration with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), convened the 2026 RPOA-IUU Partners Coordination Meeting on 7 October 2026 virtually through Zoom.
Partners shared a range of initiatives supporting fisheries enforcement, MCS, PSMA implementation, traceability, fisheries crime, information sharing, capacity building, gender inclusivity, and decent work. DFO Canada highlighted fisheries enforcement and surveillance initiatives in the Indo-Pacific, including Operation North Pacific Guard and the Dark Vessel Detection platform, while CCAMLR highlighted cooperation on IUU fishing and catch documentation. Australia presented its ongoing support for MCS capacity, regional cooperation, and the development of the Women in Fisheries Network. GIZ also shared the Blue Fair Fish Project, which supports ASEAN-level and transboundary efforts to combat IUU fishing.
The International MCS Network (IMCSN) highlighted its continued support to RPOA-IUU through website development, financial assistance, and future training activities, including the upcoming Global Fisheries Enforcement Training Workshop Compliance and Enforcement Community (GFETW) in Bali in March 2027. Meanwhile, the ASEAN Network for Combating IUU Fishing (AN-IUU) highlighted its role in facilitating regional information sharing, including IUU vessel lists and case-related information, as well as strengthening communication and coordination among ASEAN Member States.
The ILO also shared opportunities to promote decent work in the fisheries and seafood sector, including mainstreaming decent work components into the RPOA-IUU framework and strengthening regional capacity and coordination mechanisms.
Participating countries also identified their respective priorities for technical assistance and cooperation, covering areas such as risk-based enforcement, fish identification, high-seas boarding and inspection, fisheries crime, MCS data interoperability, PSMA implementation, and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
The meeting reaffirmed that strong regional partnerships and coordinated action are essential to addressing the complex and transnational nature of IUU fishing. Moving forward, the RPOA-IUU Secretariat will continue coordinating with existing and potential partners, while participating countries are encouraged to follow up on identified opportunities for technical assistance, capacity building, and other forms of cooperation.
