Fighting against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing: Commission notifies Cameroon with a yellow card

Summary:

The European Commission announced on 17 February 2021 the issuing a warning - a so-called yellow card - to Cameroon indicating the need to step up its action against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

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 identified shortcomings in Cameroon's ability to comply with agreed standards under international law of the sea as flag, port and market state. The country is urged to develop a robust registration policy for fishing vessels entitled to operate under its flag, and to ensure an efficient and adequate control over fishing activities carried out by vessels flying its flag.

The yellow card is a warning and offers Cameroon the possibility to react and take measures to rectify the situation within a reasonable time. However, in cases of prolonged and continued non-compliance, countries can ultimately face a procedure of identification - a so-called red card - which entails sanctions.

Official

European Commission: Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in general and in Cameroon (17 February 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_21_646

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