Illegal Fishing Lesson 2 (Primary)

• Science
• Geography
• +4
• 4-6 Grade
• 6th,7th Grade

Introductie

Overfishing is emptying the ocean, with 90% of fisheries already overfished. Illegal fishing is increasing this. In this lesson we will look at some of the practices being used to protect the ocean and marine wildlife, and how IUU activity is being detected.

ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED & UNREGULATED (IUU) FISHING

Lesson 2

Protecting the ocean and detecting illegal fishing.

By 2050 the ocean will be empty

IUU Fishing

30% of the global commercial fishing catch taken illegally.

How do we stop this.

Regulations to protect eco-systems.

International law of the sea.

CITES

Convention for International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES)
is an agreement by those that are party to the convention to prohibit and monitor the trade in endangered species, to try and safe guard the future of endangered species.

EEZ & MARINE SANCTUARIES

Each country that borders the ocean has territorial waters, referred to as an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

Within the EEZ countries can establish marine sanctuaries providing protection in ecologically vital areas,

RFMO

Regional fisheries management organisations (RFMO) are international bodies that help to regulate fishing. 

Cooperation between different countries on the management of some highly migratory species is important.

Licensing fishing catches and limits.

Detecting illegal fishing.

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS)

Locating a vessel can be done by monitoring AIS on a ships radar. 

Shipping vessels are required by law to have on board an Automatic Identification System (AIS).

SATELLITE MONITORING

Satellites allow fishing vessels to be monitored all over the world.

Which allows vessels to be tracked, even without their AIS switched on. 

Image: Global Fishing Watch

REGIONAL COOPERATION

 IUU issues span whole regions.

Countries are starting to work together to form taskforces that coordinate responses against illegal activities, including fishing.

In south east Africa eight countries have formed FISH- I Africa to tackle these issues, this includes Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia and Tanzania.

Why do you think
international cooperation
on fishing is important?

WHICH COUNTRY IS RESPONSIBLE?

Poachers operate without respect for borders. International cooperation is important.  

These vessels can be owned in one country, be registered and flagged in another country or have false papers and have crew that are sourced from a number of countries.

INTERPOL

Interpol is an international police force involved in operations to monitor and coordinate the evidence required to arrest illegal operators, no matter where they are in the world. 

Name two methods that are in place to protect marine life?

Name three ways in which IUU activity can be detected?

By-catch and destructive fishing methods.

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