The Republic of Korea is advocating for the recognition of at-sea transshipment as a valid practice during the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) meeting. Rather than calling for an outright ban, Korea urges the implementation of stringent regulatory measures to ensure oversight within this sector. The Korean delegation expressed concerns that prohibiting at-sea transshipment could have detrimental effects on longline fleets and sustainable tuna fishing practices.
Delegates stressed the necessity of distinguishing between properly monitored at-sea transshipment activities and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Korea emphasized that the focus should be on improving control measures and data accountability, instead of restricting logistical operations vital for the fishing industry. Given the extensive nature of longline operations, which often entail prolonged fishing trips, the reliance on at-sea transshipment is critical for the sustainability of these fleets, which are already grappling with financial hardships.
Korea’s proposal is in alignment with existing WCPFC standards and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Voluntary Guidelines. The initiative consists of four essential safeguards aimed at enhancing monitoring and compliance: continuous Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) tracking on carrier vessels, obtaining prior flag-State authorization for each high-seas transshipment, establishing a national Fisheries Monitoring Centre that operates 24/7 for vessels unloading at sea, and ensuring that transshipment data is readily accessible to High Seas Boarding Inspectors (HSBIs). Additionally, the timeframe for submitting transshipment declarations would be reduced from 15 days to 10 days to permit more timely validation.
The delegation also highlighted Korea’s robust monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) practices, noting that its national Fisheries Monitoring Centre utilizes VMS technology alongside electronic reporting systems. They reaffirmed that both prior authorization and post-reporting of transshipment activities are mandatory, which enhances visibility and traceability in fishing operations.
Moreover, Korea reassured that the proposed measures will not impede development opportunities or access for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Participating Territories (PTs). The aim of this initiative is to bridge existing verification gaps while preserving compliant operations.
Korea’s primary goals at WCPFC22 are to advocate for at-sea transshipment as a legitimate, monitored practice, to implement key safeguards for high-seas oversight, and to endorse a management strategy that emphasizes regulation over prohibition. This commitment not only seeks to bolster compliance but also aims to promote sustainable fishing practices in the Pacific region, reinforcing the collaborative efforts towards marine conservation and responsible fishing.