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Guide to the NEAFC IUU A and B List System

What is the IUU A and B-List System?

IUU means Illegal, Unregulated, Unreported fishing activities. When Non-Contracting Party fishing vessels are sighted or by other means identified as engaging in IUU fishing activities in the Convention Area, they are immediately put on the A-List (provisional list).

 

What happens next?

The Secretary requests explanations and information from the Flag State. If these are not satisfactory, the vessel will be put on the confirmed B-List. The Flag State of the vessel must justify the action of the vessel in the Regulatory Area. The Secretary submits this information during the meeting of the Permanent Committee of Control and Enforcement (PECCOE), which generally takes place twice a year in April and in October. The PECCOE meeting decides whether the justification is acceptable or not. The Secretary publishes both lists on the NEAFC website

What happens if my vessel is on the A-List?

A vessel on the A-List entering a port will not be authorised to land or tranship and will be thoroughly inspected.The vessel will not have access to services such as supplies of any provisions or fuel. Assistance from CP vessels (fishing vessels, refuelling vessels) is prohibited, as is transhipment and joint fishing operation.

What happens if my vessel is on the B-List?

A vessel on the B-List will not be authorised:

  • To enter into port
  • To fish in waters under the jurisdiction of CPs.

CPs will not grant their flag to such vessels and they will encourage importers or transporters not to contract with those vessels.

CPs will collaborate and exchange information in order to avoid falsification. 

How can a vessel be removed from the B List?

Vessels are removed from the B-List by the Commission on a case by case basis with attention given to the following criteria:

  • Effective action against IUU activities (prosecutions, sanctions)
  • Measures to ensure that the granting of its flag will not result in IUU activities.
  • New ownership of the vessel, without any interest by the previous owner.
  • No IUU activity
  • Fishing of unregulated resources but the fishing must have been reported, otherwise it is still IUU.
  • Fishing under a cooperation quota.

Conditions of Advice

This advice has been written to sum up a part of the NEAFC
"Scheme of Control and Enforcement". It must not be used as the basis
for any decision. The "Scheme of Control and Enforcement" must be
consulted. Commercial operators are required to deal directly with the
Flag-state of their vessel in relation to these matters and seek any
confirmation or advice from these officials. NEAFC cannot be
responsible for any misunderstanding of this advice