The European Union has lifted its yellow card restriction on Tuvalu following the island state’s reform of its fisheries management. This recognises the important progress of Tuvalu in addressing the shortcomings in its fisheries governance.
‘The economy of Tuvalu, a small island developing state, relies heavily on fishing. It is therefore imperative that their resources are managed in a way that ensures the prosperity and future for its fishing community,’ said European Commissioner for environment, maritime affairs and fisheries Karmenu Vella.
‘Therefore, I want to congratulate Tuvalu for the progress made and I am pleased that we have now become real partners in the fight against IUU fishing. This positive development demonstrates that the EU approach is working.’
The European Commission had warned Tuvalu in December 2014 of the risk of being considered as a “non-cooperating country.”
Fisheries products caught by vessels from such countries cannot be imported into the EU. Through the dialogue that was initiated with the yellow card, the EU has been able to help Tuvalu combat illegal fishing.
Meanwhile, the country has amended its fisheries legal framework in line with international law of the sea instruments, thus reinforcing compliance with flag, port, coastal and market state obligations. It has also included clear definitions and a deterrent regime of sanctions.
Tuvalu has updated its system for management of fishing resources following the best scientific advice and precautionary approach practices and has complied with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission conservation and management measures.
It has also reinforced its monitoring, control and surveillance systems including the reinforcement of patrol capacity and inspections at port, strengthened staff capacity for control, inspection and observation, and accepted cooperation with countries whose vessels operate in Tuvalu’ waters by granting access to Vessels Day Scheme information.
