5. Monitoring, Control And Surveillance Tools To Detect IUU Fishing And Related Activities

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) activities are widespread, occurring in all regions, and plague fisheries large and small-scale, both on the high seas and in national zones. The scope of IUU activities are understood in a broad context: not confined to the act of fishing but includes all phases of 'operations'. Among the international normative instruments addressed in this chapters to follow are the 1993 FAO Compliance Agreement, and the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. These instruments mention specific tools needed for competent monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) systems and as tools for combating IUU activities. Some of the most powerful operational tools for detection are relatively new to the arsenal and are products of advancing technology. Detection of IUU activities is a dynamic field where ever-increasing flexibility and adaptive methods are needed to keep up with those who defy the rules. Keywords: illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; international normative instrument; monitoring control and surveillance (MCS) tools; plague fisheries