Ecuador and Uruguay – In a significant move to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing along the coasts of South America, Ecuador and Uruguay have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement represents a crucial step forward in strengthening their partnership and developing cooperative strategies to address IUU fishing.
The MoU underscores the commitment of both nations to collaborate on matters related to fisheries and aquaculture. It emphasizes the importance of robust ocean governance, including enhanced monitoring and enforcement of fishing activities, as essential tools for preventing IUU fishing and ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources.
The MoU was officially signed by Andres Arens, the Vice Minister of Aquaculture and Fisheries for Ecuador, and Jaime Coronel, the Director of the National Directorate for Aquatic Resources of Uruguay. This agreement is set to remain in effect for a minimum of five years.
Ecuador boasts the largest purse seiner fleet in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and is home to the largest small-scale, artisanal fishing fleet in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, providing employment for approximately 58,000 individuals. Uruguay is home to the bustling Montevideo port, recognized as one of the world’s busiest fishing ports.
Under the terms of the MoU, Ecuador and Uruguay commit to sharing critical information regarding the previous activities of fishing vessels entering their respective waters. They will also raise red flags concerning vessels attempting to illegally unload their catch in ports.
Of notable significance, the two governments will collaborate as a united front at international forums, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Committee on Fisheries. They will address pressing issues related to climate change, fisheries management, and IUU fishing. This joint effort aims to highlight the broader regional and global implications of these challenges, extending beyond the borders of Ecuador and Uruguay and impacting fisheries worldwide.
While cooperation among countries to combat IUU fishing is not a novel concept, this joint agreement between Ecuador and Uruguay holds great significance due to its potential to enhance fisheries management across the continent. The collaboration extends its reach to encompass both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, emphasizing the crucial role of collective action in preserving marine ecosystems and resources.
