20/07/2018 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission announced on Friday 20 July that it had lifted the yellow card shown to Tuvalu in 2014 after the country took the required measures to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Commission acknowledges the important progress made by Tuvalu in addressing the shortcomings in its fisheries governance through reinforcement of its monitoring, control and surveillance system and the introduction of a regime of sanctions that deter illegal activities. Tuvalu has also decided to manage its resources, following the best available scientific advice. “This positive development demonstrates that the EU approach is working”, said European Environment and Fisheries commissioner Karmenu Vella. Between 11 and 26 million tonnes of fish are caught illegally every year – at least 15% of world catches.