Online Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Market Measure Traceability (CDS_CDT)

RPOA-IUU, in collaboration with the USAID SuFia TS, organized the Focus Group Discussions (FGD) on Market Measures and Traceability on September 9-10, 2024 in virtual format. The discussions were attended by representatives from seven of the eleven RPOA-IUU participating countries: Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam. The discussion was facilitated by representatives from the RPOA-IUU secretariat and a technical expert from USAID SuFia TS. Presentation on the current status of market measures and traceability by major markets were delivered by representatives from the European Union, namely Sara Perucho and representatives from the Fisheries Agency of Japan, namely Maiko Nakasu. Mr. Eko Rudianto, as Vice Executive Director provided recommendation on a way forward and future activities. 

The FGD was designed to facilitate the exchange of experiences on market measure and traceability among countries and to support small-scale fisheries by ensuring their inclusion in the traceability system. The discussion spanned for two consecutive days; the first day featured the presentation from major markets (The European Union and The Fishery Agency of Japan), while, the second day focused on updates from RPOA-IUU participating countries on the current state of implementation of market measures and traceability, including Catch Documentation and Traceability (CDT) and Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS).

Key points from presentation by EU included the EU-CATCH system, which improves data reliability, reduces counterfeit catch certificates, harmonizes procedures, and facilitates control and risk management. The Fisheries Agency of Japan shared that their catch certification system is species-based and governed by regulations on imports through bilateral consultations and flag-state consultations.

Based on countries’ presentation, it was outlined that almost all RPOA-IUU participating countries implemented and promoted Catch Documentation and Traceability (CDT) with varieaty of systems and approaches. It includes the use of paper-based CDS and electronic documentation and the enhancement of government frameworks and regulations. Countries also mentioned that they are looking for the expansion of multilateral cooperation for CDS/CDT as an effort to combat IUU fishing. Lesson-learned obtained from countries’ presentation included strengthening the supply chain of fisheries products, inspecting imported fish and fisheries products through using Port State Measures (PSM) systems, and revising import tariff codes. 

Several recommendations highlighted included developing lesson-learned books outlining countries’ current state of implementation of CDS and CDT, encouraging countries to develop proposal for capacity-building program at the national level submitted to Australia’s SEA IUU fising program, and strengthening traceability systems which cover all fish cathces and fisheries yields.  

From this FGD, we can learn that eradication of IUU fishing requires an integrated approach, encompassing all stages from upstream to downstream and from sea to land, utilizing both advanced and conventional technologies, and enhancing both national and regional cooperation.