In response to recent media reports regarding a boarding and inspection by the New Zealand Navy of a Taiwanese fishing vessel said to be in contravention of international regulations, the Taiwan Fisheries Agency (FA) has stated that Yi Rong No.6, which was inspected, did not fish in the New Zealand EEZ.
‘As a Member of Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO), Taiwan has an obligation to require its fishing vessels to accept high seas boarding and inspection. It is a normal practice for the inspecting member to notify the results of its inspection as per the agreed procedures of the respective RFMOs,’ a Fisheries Agency spokesman said.
The Fisheries Agency has stated that as a member of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), under the WCPFC high seas boarding and inspection scheme, Taiwan currently maintains bilateral arrangements with the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, France and Cook Islands.
‘These arrangements authorise reciprocal boarding and inspections to monitor the compliance of fishing vessels on the high seas. The WCPFC scheme has been ongoing for years, and Taiwanese fishing vessels have been co-operative in complying with relevant regulations as well as other conservation and management measures,’ the agency’s spokesman said.
‘The New Zealand authorities appreciated the co-operation of Yi Rong No.6 and will provide the inspection report to Taiwan and the WCFPC, as required by WCPFC procedures. The initial investigation by New Zealand shows that the vessel did not fish in the EEZ of New Zealand. However, the vessel was alleged to have used only one seabird mitigation measure instead of two as required by the WCPFC.’
The Fisheries Agency has confirmed that further investigation has been commenced and, in compliance with WCPFC measures, the investigation report will be completed and submitted to the WCPFC within two months from the day the inspection report from the inspecting member has been received. If any infringement is confirmed, the vessel will be required to take remedial action or necessary sanction, where appropriate.
