Description
The objective of the IPOA is to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing by providing all States with comprehensive, effective and transparent measures by which to act, including through appropriate regional fisheries management organisations established in accordance with international law.
The IPOA is voluntary, and has been elaborated within the framework of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
Approaches
- Participation and coordination: The IPOA should be implemented by all States either directly, in cooperation with other States, or indirectly through relevant regional fisheries management organisations or through FAO and other international organisations. An important element in successful implementation will be close and effective coordination and consultation, and the sharing of information to reduce the incidence of IUU fishing, among States and relevant regional and global organisations.
- Phased implementation: Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing should be based on the earliest possible phased implementation of national plans of action, and regional and global action in accordance with the IPOA.
- Comprehensive and integrated approach: Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing should address factors affecting all capture fisheries. States should embrace measures building on the primary responsibility of the flag State and using all available jurisdiction in accordance with international law, including port State measures, coastal State measures, market-related measures and measures to ensure that nationals do not support or engage in IUU fishing.
- Conservation: Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing should be consistent with the conservation and long-term sustainable use of fish stocks and the protection of the environment.
- Transparency: The IPOA should be implemented in a transparent manner in accordance with Article 6.13 of the Code of Conduct.
- Non-discrimination: The IPOA should be developed and applied without discrimination in form or in fact against any State or its fishing vessels.
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