In response to the Obama Administration’s proposed regulations to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statement from Michele Kuruc, vice president of oceans policy:
“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is a huge issue both in the United States and internationally. Today’s proposed rule is a major step in the right direction and once implemented, will help keep illegal products out of U.S. markets.
“The United States is one of the largest seafood markets in the world, importing over five billion pounds of seafood per year, yet current laws do not ensure these imports come from legal sources. Illegal fishing causes up to $23.5 billion in global losses each year, is a driver of overfishing, threatens marine ecosystems and food security and is linked to human rights violations. Illegal fishing is an epidemic and comprehensive solutions are needed to curb it so we can maintain the long-term viability of global fisheries.
“As this proposed rule is considered further, it will benefit from clarification of definitions, additional information requirements, definitive timing for application and expansion to include all species, and a robust verification process.
“It’s critical that this proposal is seen as a next step toward ending illegal fishing, not the final one. We still have a way to go to ensure that all seafood products imported into the U.S are traceable and legal.”