The European Commission announced on Thursday 27 June that it was lifting the yellow card given in October 2015 to Taiwan, acknowledging the progress the country has made and the major upgrade of its fisheries legal and administrative systems to fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The decision cancels the first step in a process that could have led to a total ban (red card) on imports of Thai fisheries products into the European Union. In January 2019, the Commission lifted the yellow card given to Thailand in 2015 for the same reasons (see EUROPE 12167/6).
Measures taken by Taiwan after consultations with the European Commission include: - a comprehensive review of the distant-water fisheries legal framework, in order to align it with the International Law of the Sea - including through the establishment of a deterrent sanctions scheme; - the strengthening of the distant-water fleet monitoring and control tools, including a reinforced Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), the obligation to be equipped with electronic logbook, observer coverage in line with RFMOs requirements and the development of an inspection scheme for both domestic and foreign ports; - the implementation of the FAO Port States Measures Agreement to foreign-flagged vessels calling in Taiwanese port; - an enhanced traceability system covering the whole supply chain; - the enforcement of the revised legislation and of the new sanctions regime; - a significant reinforcement of the financial and human resources dedicated to the fight against IUU fishing.
To keep building on these achievements, the Commission will propose the establishment of a dedicated IUU Working Group. This forum will allow both sides to maintain a close cooperation on matters relating to the fight against IUU fishing.
In addition, the Union and Taiwan are committed to addressing labour conditions in the fishing sector in the framework of their human rights consultations.
Three non-Member States still sanctioned. Of the 25 procedures launched since 2012, six have resulted in a red card. Only three countries have yet to take the necessary measures: Cambodia, Comoros and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
An overview of the procedures is available at: https://bit.ly/2E4fWhP (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)