10th International Forum on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing at Chatham House

10th International Forum on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing at Chatham House

March 2017 – Per Erik Bergh (Managing Director), Sandy Davies (Technical Director), Mark Ssemakula (Project Officer) and Sally Frankcom (Communications Officer) were in London for the 10th International Forum on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing at Chatham House. 

A launch for the new FISH-i Africa publication ‘Illegal Fishing? Evidence and Analysis’ was held at Chatham House on the eve of the forum, with contributions by Sandy Davies, Per Erik Bergh and Mark Ssemakula who showcased the work being done by FISH-i members to stop illegal fishing. The event also featured Deputy Minister Said Jama of Somalia and Elsa Patria, Chair of Stop Illegal Fishing.

Mr Bergh also addressed the Forum on the implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement, and particularly considered the real challenges facing developing countries. Commenting on the need for greater coordination between port, flag, coastal and market States Mr Bergh stated that “port States cannot act in isolation, the need for inter-agency, regional and international cooperation is now being recognised. This recognition brings hope that new information sharing mechanisms may be put in place to enable faster and more effective communication between the actors involved.

Ms Davies commented “it is great to come to a Chatham House Forum and see the joined up thinking that is now in place. Historically, different regions tackled problems in different ways, but now all regions and all viewpoints are recognising common solutions. The need to cooperate and the need to share and cross check information is key to our success in stopping illegal fishing.”