Implementation of IPOA/IUU - International MCS Network

4IPOA-IUU effectively. The FAO Council, at its 120 th Session in June 2001,endorsed the IPOA-IUU. On 28 November 2001, the United Nations GeneralAssembly urged all States, as a matter of priority, to coordinate their activitiesand cooperate directly and, as appropriate, through relevant regional fisheriesmanagement organizations, in the implementation of the IPOA-IUU and todevelop corresponding national plans of action (NPOAs). 91.2 Elements of the IPOA-IUUAddressing the complex problem of IUU fishing in an effective manneris not an easy task. The term “IUU fishing,” as discussed below, covers a broadrange of activity. The vessels that conduct IUU fishing are, by nature, highlymobile platforms that often operate in marine areas far from land and in placeswhere effective monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) are lacking. 10 Thebeneficial owners of the vessels, who typically have nationalities that differ fromthose of their vessels, often succeed in preventing fisheries managers and lawenforcement officials from ascertaining their identities. In addition, the ease withwhich IUU fishers can change the registration of their vessels and the number ofports in which they can off-load their catch make tracking difficult.In light of these manifold challenges, the IPOA-IUU was conceived as akind of comprehensive “toolbox” that includes a full range of tools to prevent,deter and eliminate IUU fishing. Many of these tools are already in use by atleast some States, acting alone or in cooperation with other States, includingthrough regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). Not all toolswork in all situations. However, States should be able to find in the IPOA-IUUan appropriate tool or combination of tools to fit every circumstance and, in sodoing, reduce the incidence of IUU fishing.The following section briefly summarizes the major elements of theIPOA-IUU.Basic terminology. Section II of the IPOA-IUU highlights a number ofkey terms as they are used in the text. Of particular note are the terms “illegal,”“unreported,” and “unregulated” as they relate to fishing activity. They arepresented here verbatim:Illegal fishing refers to fishing activities:9 See UNGA Resolution 56/13, paragraph 15.10 The term “monitoring, control and surveillance” – or MCS – appears to have come intocommon usage following the 1981 FAO Expert Consultation on Monitoring, Control andSurveillance Systems for Fisheries Management.