Halifax, 4 August 2023
A MODEL OF SUCCESS AROUND THE WORLD
The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) has been awarded a prize by the International Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Network (IMCS) for its significant impact in the fight against illegal fishing worldwide. The award was presented at the 7th Global Fisheries Enforcement Training Workshop (GFETW) in Halifax, Canada.
The IMCS Network has awarded the “Meritorious Achievements” prize to the IOC for its outstanding efforts in implementing the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Plan (RFMP) over a 15-year period in the southwest Indian Ocean region. “We are proud of this new international recognition. This distinction confirms the usefulness and relevance of our regional system, which works thanks to the commitment of the 9 participating states, who pool their resources and intelligence, and also thanks to our partnership with the European Union.
Our success is due to the trust created between the parties involved, which underpins the spirit of cooperation, resulting in a real dissuasive effect in addition to effective control and repression actions over an immense maritime area one and a half times the size of the 27-member European Union! This scheme is destined to become a permanent fixture, given its contribution to the maritime safety architecture that we are also supporting,” commented Vêlayoudom Marimoutou, Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission.
The PRSP, financed by the European Union (EU) through various programs including ECOFISH, as well as by Région Réunion through FEDER/INTERREG funds, has had a significant impact in reducing the number of fishing infractions in the south-west Indian Ocean region. “The PRSP is part of the active fight by IOC member states, as well as certain coastal states in the south-west Indian Ocean, to reduce the number of fishing offences.
This considerable progress is the result of collaboration between several countries, including Comoros, Kenya, France/La Réunion, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia and Tanzania. Joint action sends a clear message to potential offenders that the region is much more effective in its fight against illegal fishing.
The importance of this fight was highlighted at the 2005 Summit of Heads of State to support regional economic development. Illegal activities represent a considerable loss, particularly for countries like the Seychelles where the fishing sector accounts for over 20% of GDP.
The PRSP also plays a key role in protecting the world’s fishery resources. The south-west Indian Ocean region alone provides 20% of the world’s tuna catch.
The awards ceremony at the 7th GFETW brought together some 180 technicians, experts and key decision-makers representing 52 countries, all involved in fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance. This unique global event provides an opportunity to discuss the sector’s current challenges and learn from its successes. The IOC took the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to playing a major role in the protection of fisheries resources.
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