Some remarks of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Turkish part of the Black Sea

Year 2013, Volume: 19 Issue: 2, 256 - 267, 01.08.2013

Bayram Öztürk

Abstract

Abstract Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is one of the serious threat for the sustainable fishing in the Black Sea. Due to IUU fishing, ghost fishing, by˗catch, destruction of the benthic ecosystem has been reported. From 1992 to 2012, a total of 65 Illegal fishing cases have been reported in various Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in the Black Sea. Among these cases, 5 fishermen lost their lives and 2 were wounded in the EEZ. This excessive use of force should be stopped for fishermen and peaceful pursuit should be followed in case of confrontation or in case of arrest.Main illegal target fish is turbot and enforcement of the existing fisheries regulations and laws is necessary for Turkey to halt IUU fishing. Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) system should be developed to reduce illegal fishing practices all Turkish part of the Black Sea.Illegal clam and Rapana dredging is also threat for benthic ecosystem. Anchovy is the largest stocks of small pelagic fish in the Black Sea and contribute the major part of fisheries production in the region, especially Turkey. Its unreported fishing, thus, should be taken into special consideration.Even though IUU fishing in the Turkish part of the Black Sea shows decreasing trend in recent years, concerted actions and international cooperation are essential. Zero tolerance should be the main concept against IUU fishing in the Turkish part of the Black Sea.

Keywords

Key words: Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing, Black Sea, turbot

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