Spain law to fight IUU fishing draws NGO praise

Spain’s new regulations to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing have drawn praise from the environmental NGO community, which is now calling on other EU member states to adopt similar measures.

Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Oceana, Pew Charitable Trusts and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are working together to secure the harmonized and effective implementation of the EU regulation to end pirate fishing. The new Spanish fisheries law 33/2014 requires all EU member states to take action against citizens and companies found to be involved in any IUU fishing activities anywhere in the world.

“The lack of will by member states to put in place laws that target those getting rich from illegal fishing has been a serious obstacle to the EU’s effectiveness to tackle this problem,” said Maria José Cornax Fisheries Campaign Manager of Oceana. “The fact that Spain, Europe’s biggest fishing country has decided to take action against international and renowned pirates that have so far operated with impunity is an important signal that we ask other EU countries to follow.”

The groups estimate that, prior to the EU IUU regulation coming into force, the value of illegally caught fish imported into the EU was estimated in the region of EUR 1.1 billion (USD 1.27 billion). Spain represents 20 percent of Europe’s fishing capacity and has the highest number of people employed in the fishing sector.

“The introduction of this law reinforces Spain’s commitment to fight illegal fishing and those citizens benefiting from it. All EU member states should follow Spain’s lead and effectively implement this key element of the EU IUU regulation,” added Steve Trent, executive cirector of EJF.