International Day for the Fight Against IUU Fishing
Highlighting the Impact of the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Plan (PRSP)
On 5 June, the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was observed.
On this occasion, attention is drawn to the significant contributions of the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Plan (PRSP), implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), in addressing IUU fishing in the South-West Indian Ocean — a region recognised for its exceptional marine biodiversity and economic importance.
Since its launch in 2007, the PRSP has evolved from a surveillance initiative into a comprehensive Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) mechanism. With support from the European Union (EU) through the ECOFISH Programme, the PRSP has played a central role in strengthening regional law enforcement, enhancing fisheries governance, and fostering cooperation among coastal states.
With nearly €40 million invested by the EU, the PRSP has:
· Enabled joint regional fisheries patrols
· Facilitated the pooling of national resources
· Strengthened compliance with regional and international regulations
· Contributed to sustainable tuna fisheries and improved food security
On this International Day, the importance of collective action and regional cooperation in the fight against IUU fishing is reaffirmed. The protection of marine ecosystems and the sustainability of ocean resources remain essential priorities for the region and its partners.
