On Monday 25 September, the European Commission decided to send Trinidad and Tobago a red card for failing to take the necessary measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The decision is based on the EU regulation which provides a framework for cooperation with countries to combat IUU fishing (see EUROPE 13125/30).
The Commission regrets the lack of progress since 2016 - and the sending of a yellow card - on the part of Trinidad and Tobago. The country has not adopted an adequate legal framework governing the activities of the national fishing fleet in and beyond waters under national jurisdiction, nor the activities of third-country fishing vessels in national ports. Other persistent shortcomings concern the lack of adequate control of the fishing fleet and the absence of measures to put an end to IUU fishing activities.
The Commission is willing to help Trinidad and Tobago remedy the shortcomings identified. In the meantime, imports of fishery products from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will be refused, even if accompanied by catch certificates validated by the national authorities.
The Commission is proposing that the Council of the EU include Trinidad and Tobago on the list of non-cooperating countries in the fight against IUU fishing.
Link to the proposal: https://aeur.eu/f/8qh
Overview of procedures: https://aeur.eu/f/8qi (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)