Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) is an issue around the world. Fishing industry observers believe IUU occurs in most fisheries, and accounts for up to 30% of total catches in some important fisheries. [1] Illegal fishing takes place when vessels or harvesters operate in violation of the laws of a fishery.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a broad term that captures a wide variety of fishing activity. IUU fishing is found in all types and dimensions of fisheries; it occurs both on the high seas and in areas within national jurisdiction.

IUU fishing is a global problem threatening ocean ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. Learn more about IUU fishing and NOAA’s role in combating these activities.

The U.S. Coast Guard will enable, support, and inform counter-IUU fishing operations, including through the innovative use of intelligence, technology, data analysis, and information sharing in order to eliminate the shadows where illicit actors thrive.

Feb 10, 2025 · Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens the stability of marine fisheries, decreases food security of coastal communities, and poses increased risk to endangered and protected species.

Unauthorised fishing or activity that breaches regional, national or international laws is known as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Feb 8, 2024 · Illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing is a major risk to maritime security. IUU fishing has been linked to overfishing, coastal destabilization, piracy, food insecurity, environmental degradation, labor violations, drug smuggling, …

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems due to its potent ability to undermine national and regional efforts to manage fisheries sustainably as well as endeavours to conserve marine biodiversity.

Oct 19, 2022 · The strategy details U.S. priorities and plans over the next 5 years to combat IUU fishing and promote maritime security. It includes measures to increase governmental and regional capacity to implement and enforce domestic regulations and international rules and norms to mitigate the effects of IUU fishing.

The FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI), at its twenty-third Session in 1999, considered IUU fishing to be a matter of high priority and recommended the elaboration of an International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IPOA-IUU).