Introduction

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is a major international issue affecting the sustainability of fisheries resources, both within national jurisdictions and on the high seas. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) report, this illegal practice undermines sustainable fisheries management by operating outside legal frameworks, leading to the depletion of fish stocks and hindering sustainability efforts. Estimates suggest yearly global losses of between 11 million and 26 million tons of catch, valued at USD 10–23.5 billion, while the broader economic ramifications, including income losses and tax revenue declines, can range from USD 34 billion to USD 67 billion . Southeast Asian countries face increasing pressure on their fisheries resources due to IUU fishing, the consequences of illegal fishing practices threaten the economic stability and sustainability of the region. Addressing combating IUU fishing in the ASEAN Region requires multifaceted approaches, including strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. By working together, ASEAN member states can protect their marine resources, safeguard economic interests, and ensure a sustainable future for their fisheries and coastal communities.

Since 2015, ASEAN, through the technical support of SEAFDEC, adopted the ASEAN Guidelines for preventing the entry of IUU fish and fisheries products into the supply chain. The Regional Fishing Vessels Record for 24 meters in length and over (RFVR-24m) database was developed and established through a series of Regional Expert Meetings and Regional Technical Consultations. The Regional Fishing Vessels Record (RFVR) as a Management Tool toward Combating IUU Fishing in ASEAN for monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) and facilitates the efficient sharing of critical information regarding vessel registration, fishing licenses, and related activities among AMSs. By providing a standardized template/format for uploading KDEs using CSV/Excel files, the database ensures that all member states have access to consistent and accurate data. This updated information exchange fosters greater transparency and enables coordinated efforts to identify and mitigate IUU fishing activities across the region.

Objectives

Expected Outputs