On Wednesday, 30 October, the European Commission decided to give Ecuador a yellow card because the country is not doing enough to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The Commission has identified shortcomings in Ecuador's ability, as a flag, port and market state, to comply with agreed standards under international law of the sea.
Ecuador is being encouraged to step up its actions to ensure that fish entering its market do not stem from IUU fishing. In particular, according to the Commission, “it should develop an enforcement and sanctioning system to address IUU fishing activities”.
Moreover, an adequate control of the activity of processing plants – especially those exporting to the EU – is paramount.
The Commission has also identified limitations in the fisheries legal framework. The Commission hopes that the problems can be solved through dialogue and partnership.
However, if the country does not take any corrective action, the Commission may give it a red card, accompanied by trade sanctions (a ban on imports of fisheries products from Ecuador).
Of the 25 procedures initiated since 2012, six have resulted in a red card (see EUROPE 12284/15). Three countries are still subject to sanctions: Cambodia, Comoros and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. For an overview of procedures, go to: http://bit.ly/32ZeMfN (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)