2023 IUU Fishing Risk Index: Global Score Hits 2.28

Understanding the Global Issue of Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing, also known as unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, has escalated into a significant global challenge. The 2023 IUU Fishing Risk Index reveals that the situation has deteriorated since 2021, indicating a troubling trend in the world’s oceans.

The IUU Fishing Risk Index Explained

The IUU Fishing Risk Index is a vital tool for evaluating the state of illegal fishing across different nations. It scores countries on a scale from 0 to 5, where a score of 5 indicates the worst possible performance in terms of managing fishing practices. In the latest report for 2023, the global average score for IUU fishing risk stands at 2.28, a slight increase from 2.24 in 2021. This marginal change underscores the persistent nature of illegal fishing activities and reflects a stagnation in progress toward resolving this complex issue.

The Worst Offender: China

According to the report, China has maintained its status as the worst-performing country regarding illegal fishing, scoring 3.69. Despite being the highest scorer, it’s noted that China has made slight improvements from 3.86 in 2021. This highlights a complicated picture; while minor progress has been made, the scale of illegal fishing practices remains alarming in one of the world’s largest fishing nations.

Trends Over Time: Performance of Countries

Between the reports of 2021 and 2023, a nuanced view of change in global fishing practices is revealed. A total of 54 countries demonstrated improved scores, indicating a better approach to managing their maritime resources. Notable improvements were seen in countries like Argentina, Seychelles, and Trinidad and Tobago. These nations are setting positive examples in the global fight against illegal fishing.

On the flip side, the situation is particularly concerning for 93 countries that saw their scores decline. Countries like Peru, Sri Lanka, and Papua New Guinea experienced the most significant drops in rankings, drawing attention to the urgent need for improved governance and regulation in those regions.

Countries Struggling with Illegal Fishing

In the context of the worst-performing countries for the year 2023, the list includes China, Russia, Taiwan, South Korea, Ukraine, and Yemen. Newly joining this list of underperformers are India, Iran, Indonesia, and Comoros. This development signals a geographic spread of challenges related to IUU fishing, affecting a diverse range of nations across continents.

The Indicators Behind the Score

The IUU Fishing Risk Index is comprehensive, analyzing 152 countries with a maritime coastline. It utilizes a set of 40 indicators grouped into three main categories to gauge performance:

Coastal Responsibilities

Countries are evaluated based on their management of exclusive economic zones (EEZs). This includes how effectively they safeguard their waters from illegal fishing activities.

Flag Responsibilities

This category examines how nations manage their fishing fleets. It assesses the regulations in place to ensure that vessels flying a nation’s flag adhere to sustainable fishing practices.

Port Responsibilities

Port responsibilities focus on the measures implemented to check catches and ensure that landings comply with legal and sustainable fishing regulations. The effectiveness of port inspections can significantly deter IUU fishing practices.

The Global Impact of Illegal Fishing

The ramifications of illegal fishing extend beyond economic loss. It threatens marine biodiversity, disrupts local fishing communities, and can lead to geopolitical tensions. The sustained increase in IUU activities poses risks to food security, particularly in regions reliant on fisheries for sustenance.

The data brings to light critical insights into the current state of illegal fishing worldwide, serving as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in fisheries management. As nations confront the challenges associated with IUU fishing, there is a pressing need for collaboration and commitment to sustainable fishing practices to protect marine resources for future generations.