North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission

The North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission at its Annual Meeting on 20th November 1998 adopted, in accordance with Article 8 of the Convention, a recommendation on a "Scheme of Control and Enforcement in respect of fishing vessels fishing in areas beyond the limits of national fisheries jurisdiction in the Convention Area" and a recommendation on a "Scheme to promote compliance by non-Contracting Party vessels with Recommendations established by NEAFC". Both Schemes entered into force on 1 July 1999.

IUU is fishing activity which is illegal, unregulated and unreported. Vessels are observed and inspected by NEAFC inspectors and those without the correct licences are added to NEAFC's A list. This is compiled annually in accordance with Article 9 of the NEAFC Non-Contracting Party Scheme of Control and Enforcement.

Enquiries are made into the reasons why these vessels were fishing without permission and, if there is no suitable explanation, the vessel is transferred permanently to NEAFC's B list, which is discussed at regular meetings of NEAFC's Permanent Committee of Control and Enforcement. Vessels can only be removed from the B list by decision of the Commission at its Annual Meeting.

Letters drawing attention to these sightings are also sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under whose flag the vessel is registered. This list is also circulated to other Regional Fisheries Management Organisations.