Industry Charter

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing undermines the legitimate industry, counteracts efforts to ensure fisheries are sustainable, deprives coastal fishing communities of fish, robs the states in whose waters the IUU fishing takes place and causes environmental degradation. Industry has a key role to play to make sure that illegally caught fish do not enter the supply chain.

Consumers want to know that the fish they are eating has been fairly caught, free from slavery and human rights abuses, from well-managed fish stocks and has been handled in a safe and hygienic manner.
Stop illegal Fishing are working with industry and retail players to identify gaps or areas for improvements in the supply chain and fishing practices that will limit the potential for illegally caught fish to be traded.
The Stop Illegal Fishing Industry Charter has been developed in consultation with industry and retailers.

Industry Charter of Commitments to Stop Illegal Fishing

1) We will always act in accordance with Laws and Regulations
2) We will not source fish from blacklisted IUU fishing vessels
3) We will not source fish from vessels owned or operated by persons who also own or operate a blacklisted IUU fishing vessel
4) We will only source fish from fishing vessels using Vessel Monitoring Systems as required by national laws or RFMO regulations
5) We commit to full traceability of fish and fish products
6) We commit to establish a culture of integrity – by making all staff aware of the issues around illegal fishing and the consequences of it
7) We will not source fish from fishing vessels that fly a flag of non-compliance
8) We commit to transparency regarding sourcing practices
9) We commit to identification and protection of threatened or vulnerable species
10) We will communicate any infringements to relevant authorities

By working more closely with industry and retail partners we hope to achieve greater awareness of illegalities in the supply chain and work with industry to find means of stopping them.
By committing to the Stop illegal Fishing Industry Charter companies and organisations are demonstrating their commitment to increasing compliance in the fisheries industry. The commitments will help to drive change to end bad practice and close legal loopholes that enable fish to be caught and traded illegally.