September 2020 — A new report from Stop Illegal Fishing prepared in partnership with NFDS takes a look at the role of transhipment in the Western Indian Ocean.
Transhipment is part of a complex supply chain, much of which takes place away from public oversight. 'Moving Tuna' highlights the current imbalance in oversight between at-sea transhipment, which under the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission regional observer programme is subject to 100% monitoring, and in-port transhipment. Whether for landing or transit, tuna transhipped in port is subject to minimal oversight and costs are borne by the port States.
Sandy Davies, NFDS Technical Director commented, “As global attention is focussed on the role of transhipment we have an opportunity to improve on how things are done: to improve the legality, sustainability and fairness of our fisheries, and to bring more benefits to the African coastal States, to fulfil sustainable development goal obligations and provide blue economic growth.”
Stop Illegal Fishing Chairperson Elsa da Gloria Patria welcomed the publication, “’Moving Tuna has been prepared to support fisheries officers, managers and decision makers in the WIO to engage in the global discussion about the future of transhipment. While the study focuses on transhipment, it also reflects other relevant issues for our region: the value and role of port State measures and inspections; the challenge of at-sea monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS); the role and risks that observers and crew face; how we share and validate information; and ultimately if we are looking after and benefiting to the maximum from our fishery resources.”
The report is available to download here.
