Financial Transparency Coalition

HOBART: An international request that Malaysia and Singapore take action to ensure their ports are closed to blacklisted fishing vessels which are illegally poaching in Antarctic waters has been applauded by WWF.

FREETOWN – Sierra Leone is closing its international shipping registry to foreign-owned fishing vessels in a move intended to reduce illegal catches in its seas and around the world, the fisheries minister said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON, DC -- A new federal rule will allow NOAA’s assistant administrator for fisheries to deny a vessel entry into a U.S. port or access to port services if that vessel has been listed for engaging in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by one of the world’s international fishery management organizations. The rule takes effect on Oct. 27, 2010.

Some estimates suggest that illegal fishing causes an­nual financial losses of up to USD 23.5 billion. Much of this activity is carried out by large industrial fishing ves­sels which operate internationally. It results in a major loss of revenue and the effects on coastal states and the poorest countries, in particular, can be seen throughout the world. Illegal fishing (or illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, often referred to as IUU fishing) ignores nation­al jurisdictions and international agreements to manage marine resources. The effects on coastal states and their communities can be seen throughout the world. Developing countries are especially hurt,...