Ecuador, Uruguay form bicoastal partnership to combat IUU

The South American nations of Ecuador and Uruguay have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on fisheries and aquaculture in an attempt to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. 

The new MoU, according to a release from The Pew Charitable Trusts, includes pledges to enhance collaboration to bolster monitoring and enforcement measures against IUU fishing. The two countries have agreed to share data on fishing vessels operating in the respective countries’ waters and information about IUU activity the two countries have detected within their 200-mile exclusive economic zones (EEZs). 

"Tens of thousands of Ecuadorians depend on fisheries for their livelihoods and food, and IUU fishing threatens our economic stability,” Ecuador Vice Minister of Fisheries Andres Arens said in a release. “By sharing information with Uruguay on illegal activities we detect – and with their commitment to do the same – we can make sure that the individuals and companies that don’t follow the rules are stopped. Through stronger monitoring and enforcement, we will be able to better deter illegal operators and keep our waters safe.”

The move by the two countries to collaborate comes as South America faces increased incursions from foreign vessels often accused of engaging in IUU practices. Chinese vessels…

Photo courtesy of the Uruguay Prefectura