The Republic of Korea has urged the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) to recognize at-sea transshipment as a legitimate practice, advocating for strict regulatory oversight instead of a blanket ban. The Korean delegation cautioned that such a prohibition could adversely affect longline fleets and sustainable tuna fishing operations.
They emphasized the importance of differentiating well-monitored at-sea transshipment activities from Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. According to Korea, the focus should be on enhancing controls and data accountability rather than hindering logistical operations. The delegation pointed out that the longline fleets heavily rely on at-sea transshipment due to the nature of their extensive operations and extended fishing trips. A complete ban on this practice would threaten the viability of these fleets, which are already facing financial challenges.
Korea’s proposal aligns with established WCPFC standards and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Voluntary Guidelines. It introduces four key safeguards designed to enhance monitoring and compliance. These include continuous Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) tracking on carrier vessels, prior flag-State authorization for each transshipment on the high seas, the establishment of a national Fisheries Monitoring Centre available 24/7 for vessels unloading at sea, and ensuring that transshipment data is accessible to High Seas Boarding Inspectors (HSBIs). Additionally, the time frame for submitting transshipment declarations would be reduced from 15 days to 10 days to facilitate timely verification.
The Korean delegation highlighted their robust monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) practices, noting that their national Fisheries Monitoring Centre operates around the clock and integrates VMS technology with electronic reporting systems. They stated that both prior authorization and post-reporting are mandatory for transshipment activities, enhancing visibility and traceability in the process.
Furthermore, Korea reassured that their proposals would not hinder the development opportunities or coastal access for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Participating Territories (PTs). The initiative is designed to address existing verification gaps without disrupting compliant operations.
In summary, Korea’s main objectives at the WCPFC22 are to affirm at-sea transshipment as a legitimate and regulated practice, to implement four practical safeguards for high-seas monitoring, and to promote a management strategy that focuses on stronger oversight rather than outright prohibition. This commitment aims to enhance compliance while ensuring sustainable fishing operations in the Pacific.