Fight against illegal fishing: Commission identifies Cameroon as a non-cooperating country

Summary:

The European Commission announced on 5 January 2023 its decision to identify Cameroon as a non-cooperating country in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, by issuing it a so-called red card.

Further information:

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is seen by the European Union (EU) as one of the most serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living aquatic resources. It is also deemed a major hazard to the marine environment, the sustainability of fish stocks and marine biodiversity.

The decision was based on Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 - also known as the IUU Regulation. The listing of Cameroon was based on the persistence of shortcomings that were outlined in a notification adopted in February 2021. In particular, it was based on the failure of national authorities to ensure adequate control over the national fishing fleet and to take necessary corrective measures for the cessation and prevention of IUU fishing activities. Cameroon continued registering fishing vessels that operate outside its waters, including an IUU fishing vessel, while lacking the monitoring of their activities.

The red card means that going forward EU Member States shall refuse the importation of fishery products from Cameroon even when accompanied by catch certificates validated by the national authorities.

Official

European Commission: DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: Illegal fishing https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/fisheries/rules/illegal-fishing_en

European Commission: Questions and Answers on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in general and in Cameroon (5 January 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_22_7891

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