EU action to combat illegal fishing: Control systems in place but weakened by uneven checks and sanctions by Member States

Summary:

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems, undermining efforts to manage fisheries sustainably. We examined the EU framework, action and spending aimed at preventing illegal fishery products from ending up on EU citizens’ plates. Overall, we conclude that the control systems in place to combat illegal fishing are partially effective; although they mitigate the risk, their effectiveness is reduced by the uneven application of checks and sanctions by Member States.

We recommend that the Commission monitor that Member States reinforce their control systems for preventing the import of illegal fishery products, and ensure that Member States apply dissuasive sanctions against illegal fishing.

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source
• Alternative Source

Official

European Court of Auditors (ECA): Special report 20/2022: EU action to combat illegal fishing – Control systems in place but weakened by uneven checks and sanctions by Member States https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/Pages/DocItem.aspx?did=61941

---