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Introduction: Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a significant threat to marine resource management globally. Environmental criminology plays a vital role in understanding and mitigating IUU activities by focusing on the contextual elements surrounding these crimes. This study examines the dynamics of poaching within areas managed through Territorial User Rights for Fisheries (TURFs), with a specific emphasis on the loco (Concholepas concholepas) fishery in Chile. Methods: Employing Crime Script Analysis (CSA) as the primary methodological lens, this research meticulously deconstructs the criminal process involved in TURFs poaching operations. CSA is used to identify key elements, providing a comprehensive understanding of poachers modus operandi. Additionally, by integrating CSA with Situational Precipitators of Crime (SPC), the study identifies critical factors such as environmental conditions, socio-economic disparities, and enforcement weaknesses that shape poaching opportunities within TURFs. Results: The analysis reveals a complex interplay between SPC factors, underscoring their role in shaping poaching dynamics. Key findings highlight the importance of specific environmental conditions, socio-economic disparities, and enforcement weaknesses in facilitating poaching activities. The study identifies various tactics and strategies employed by poachers and the roles of different actors involved in the poaching process. Discussion: Building upon these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) framework aimed at effectively combating TURFs poaching. The framework emphasizes the importance of striking a careful balance between restrictive and inclusive measures to mitigate potential negative consequences. The study contributes valuable insights into understanding and addressing IUU fishing, particularly within TURFs in Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Laot Customary Law Institution, led by a Panglima Laot, is a traditional institution that regulates the use and management of coastal and marine resources. This institution is responsible for implementing and supervising customary rules in the maritime sector which have been established and decided through customary deliberations of the sea handlers living in the area. The Aceh Sea area has many natural marine resources, both biological and non-natural, which makes it prone to illegal fishing. In addition, the Panglima Laot regulations state that fishermen are prohibited from bombing, poisoning, anesthetizing, electrifying, harvesting coral reefs, and other actions that could damage habitats and other biota. This research aims to analyze and study in depth the supervision of Panglima Laot Lhok in preventing illegal fishing. Primary and secondary data are the data sources used in the descriptive qualitative method. The research uses data obtained through interviews, observation, and documentation. Based on the results of research and findings in the field, the conclusion is that Panglima Laot Lhok always carries out supervision in preventing illegal fishing, either directly by Panglima Laot Lhok or by coordinating with fishermen who are at sea, however, the very large sea factor means that supervision does not occur properly and thoroughly, and sometimes illegal fishing occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the impact of illegal fishing on sustainable fisheries, and its implications for youth unemployment, in Uganda. The qualitative study drew on the knowledge, attitudes, practices and experiences of young fishers regarding their role as active citizens in sustainable fishing. It also explored youth entrepreneurship through lifelong learning as a potential solution to the challenges involved. Data were collected using participatory action research. Interviews were conducted with thirteen young fishers (aged 22–35) from Kigungu fishing ground on Lake Victoria, four of their spouses (some of whom were fish smokers), and two fishers from Gaba fishing ground (as a comparison). A focus group discussion was also held with five local leaders of Kigungu fishing ground. The authors used a social constructivist theoretical framework to help them understand the perspectives of young fishers and consider potential solutions and opportunities for lifelong learning. Their findings highlight manipulative employment terms and expensive legal fishing methods as significant barriers to sustainable fishing. Furthermore, fishers expressed uncertainty about starting their alternative enterprises, compounded by a sense of hopelessness and a lack of social capital, as victims of a worldwide problem they are being punished for but cannot solve on their own. There is a need to engage young fishers in discussions surrounding alternative livelihoods and collective solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background. There are still unanswered questions regarding illegal fishing practices in Indonesia that pose a significant threat to biodiversity and contribute to the overexploitation of fisheries resources. Purpose. Not only grappling with the imbalance between abundant fishing potential, this practice essentially includes a range of other offenses beyond the act of stealing fish. Method. To address these pressing challenges, Indonesia has taken steps to optimize its national marine and fisheries resources. As a member of RPOA-IUU in 2007, it was immediately brought to the attention of this archipelagic nation of more than 17,000 islands in Southeast Asia to develop a National Action Plan (NAP) as a means to combat illegal fishing practices in Indonesian waters. Results. After being implemented for almost a decade, illegal fishing practices continue to occur. This socio-legal research questions the effectiveness of Indonesia's National Action Plan in combating illegal fishing. Through a combination of statutory and conceptual approaches, this research analyzes how this national instrument aligns with the Fisheries Legislation Model to address illegal fishing at the national level. Conclusion. It finds that this phenomenon is supported by the lack of essentials in fishing activities such as engine fuel, fishing gear, boat engines, supplies, and logistics that are still difficult for fishers to access. Similarly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite regulations aimed at curbing shark finning and bycatch, shark fishing mortality rates continue to escalate, partly due to unintended consequences of these policies which, along with illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and ghost fishing, undermine conservation efforts. The ineffectiveness of current regulations to curb shark mortality highlights the pressing need for reevaluating shark conservation strategies, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. In this context, the debate on enforcing longlining bans in multiple-use marine protected areas, including shark sanctuaries, is intensifying. Some argue for total bans to minimize incidental shark mortalities, while others highlight the socioeconomic importance of longlining, advocating for alternative conservation measures. In 2000, longline fishing was banned in the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) as a precautionary measure to prevent illegal fishing of sharks and bycatch of endangered, threatened, and protected species. After 24 years of enforcement, official and anecdotal evidence indicate that illegal small-scale tuna longlining and ghost fishing are increasing threats across the reserve. This paper provides an overview of the longline fishing controversy within the GMR, incorporating scientific evidence, legal and socioeconomic considerations, and perceptions from the Galapagos small-scale fishing community. We offer novel insights and recommendations for the development of the Galapagos smallscale tuna fishery within an ecosystem approach to fisheries. This approach aims to reconcile conservation goals with the needs of local communities, while also proposing innovative solutions to address the longstanding debate surrounding longlining in the GMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International Organizations urge the protection of our oceans and their ecosystems due to their immeasurable importance to humankind. Since illegal fishing activities, commonly known as IUU fishing, cause irreparable damage to these ecosystems, concerned organisms are pushing to detect and combat IUU fishing practices. The automatic identification system allows to locate the position and trajectory of fishing vessels. In this study we address the task of detecting vessels’ fishing gears based on the trajectory behavior defined by GPS position data, a useful task to prevent the proliferation of IUU fishing practices. We present a new database including trajectories that span 7 different fishing gears and analyze these as in a time sequence analysis problem. We leverage from feature extraction techniques from the online signature verification domain to model vessel trajectories, and extract relevant information in the form of both local and global feature sets. We show how, based on these sets of features, the kinematics of vessels according to different fishing gears can be effectively classified using common supervised learning algorithms with accuracies up to 90 % . Furthermore, motivated by the concerns raised by several organizations on the adverse impact of bottom trawling on marine biodiversity, we present a binary classification experiment in which we were able to distinguish this kind of fishing gear with an accuracy of 99 % . We also illustrate in an ablation study the relevance of factors such as data availability and the sampling period to perform fishing gear classification. Compared to existing works, we highlight these factors, especially the importance of using sampling periods in the order of minutes instead of hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indonesia's vast marine resources have high potential in the fisheries sector, which can provide economic value and become a supporting factor in increasing state revenue and improving the welfare of coastal and island communities, especially fishermen. To utilize these resources to increase state revenues and achieve community well-being, effective monitoring of illegal fishing activities is needed. Objective: This study aims to examine government supervision in the eradication of illegal fishing activities in the waters of the Riau Islands in 2021-2022.Method: The research method used is a qualitative approach. The research method that the author refers to is a qualitative interview method that is conducted by asking closed questions to the research subject with the nature of an informal, semi-structured interview, so that it can produce a lot of data that can then be sorted by the author for the completion of research on the supervision of marine resources and fisheries by the Riau Islands Provincial Government in eradication of illegal fishing activities Results: The results of the study show that the government has carried out various surveillance efforts, such as increasing patrols, coordination between related agencies, and imposing strict sanctions on illegal fishing perpetrators. However, the implementation of supervision still faces various challenges, such as the vastness of the sea area, limited facilities and infrastructure, and the persistence of illegal fishing practices. Conclusion: The government needs to continue to strengthen supervision and law enforcement efforts to eradicate illegal fishing activities in the waters of the Riau Islands by increasing coordination between relevant agencies, increasing the capacity of supervisory personnel, and providing adequate facilities and infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fisheries sector, exemplified here by Malawi's Karonga District, illustrates the global consequences of insufficient ethical considerations, leading to the depletion of fisheries resources. Using data spanning from 2012 to 2021, including frame surveys and catch assessment surveys, this study employs ethical theories and the ethical matrix to identify and analyse ethical issues. The observed concerns include illegal fishing, heightened investment in a limited resource fishery, consumption of the critically endangered Chambo species, the environmental impact of trawl surveys, technological overreliance, and inadequate resource support from local politicians. Recommendations encompass ending open-access fisheries, revising biomass assessment methods, promoting mindset change, implementing poverty alleviation programmes, promoting aquaculture development, and enhancing the establishment of freshwater protected areas as sites for biodiversity conservation. Ending open-access to fisheries as stipulated in the international frameworks Diversified strategies to reduce poverty incidence, especially for the lakeshore communities Promotion of aquaculture development Environmental DNA to replace trawl surveys in biomass surveys Mindset change to embrace ethical fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent encounters with sicklefin (Mobula tarapacana) and bentfin (Mobula thurstoni) devil rays in the Chagos Archipelago provide the first confirmed observations of live specimens of these species in this region. Examination of illegal fishing photo archives collected during enforcement revealed these endangered species, and spinetail devil rays (Mobula mobular), are being caught within the archipelago's vast no‐take marine protected area. Future cooperation between authorities and mobulid ray experts is crucial to improve the availability and accuracy of enforcement data and improve management of illegal fishing and mobulid ray conservation activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal fishing has been a significant threat to sustainable capture fishing all around the world with no exception to fish stocks in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS). Although the ATS countries have different law enforcement abilities and capacities, they share a common goal to combat illegal fishing, especially illegal fishing crimes. In adopting strategic and effective policy to combat illegal fishing the countries need a solid information base to evaluate previous data to develop evidence-based policies. This research developed an updated formula to estimate the avoided volume and value losses from illegal fishing in the ATS countries from 2016 to 2019 to support effective policy development. The data shows how each country has different rates and types of illegal fishing. Thus, with the derived formulas, the ATS countries have been able to adopt evidence-based policy in combatting illegal fishing in accordance with the need of the countries' current situation. The ATS countries can now evaluate and adjust their policy from time to time to ensure sustainable fishing in ATS with the intention that the improved policies can lead to more effective enforcement of the fishing laws to combat and reduce illegal fishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionIllegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a significant threat to marine resource management globally. Environmental criminology plays a vital role in understanding and mitigating IUU activities by focusing on the contextual elements surrounding these crimes. This study examines the dynamics of poaching within areas managed through Territorial User Rights for Fisheries (TURFs), with a specific emphasis on the loco (Concholepas concholepas) fishery in Chile.MethodsEmploying Crime Script Analysis (CSA) as the primary methodological lens, this research meticulously deconstructs the criminal process involved in TURFs poaching operations. CSA is used to identify key elements, providing a comprehensive understanding of poachers modus operandi. Additionally, by integrating CSA with Situational Precipitators of Crime (SPC), the study identifies critical factors such as environmental conditions, socio-economic disparities, and enforcement weaknesses that shape poaching opportunities within TURFs. ResultsThe analysis reveals a complex interplay between SPC factors, underscoring their role in shaping poaching dynamics. Key findings highlight the importance of specific environmental conditions, socio-economic disparities, and enforcement weaknesses in facilitating poaching activities. The study identifies various tactics and strategies employed by poachers and the roles of different actors involved in the poaching process. DiscussionBuilding upon these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) framework aimed at effectively combating TURFs poaching. The framework emphasizes the importance of striking a careful balance between restrictive and inclusive measures to mitigate potential negative consequences. The study contributes valuable insights into understanding and addressing IUU fishing, particularly within TURFs in Chile.

The prohibition of fishing in the Yangtze River Basin is for the overall purpose and for the benefit of the descendants. However, there are problems of illegal fishing, especially in the estuary of the Yangtze River where fishery resources are relatively rich, which hinders the realization of the policy objectives. Based on the contradictions in reality, this paper selected 24 national and 30 local policy texts on "combating illegal fishing" in the estuary of the Yangtze River to quantitatively analyze and evaluate the coordination of the policy system. The results showed that the policy system of combating illegal fishing in the estuary of the Yangtze River was well coordinated vertically, but there were some problems of discoordination horizontally. This paper innovatively proposed a coordinated and integrated framework of the policy system, which provided an optimization direction for the management of illegal fishing in the estuary of the Yangtze River from the perspective of public policy.

The paper presents the main causes that can contribute to the decrease of fish stocks with economic value in the Danube River, based on an analysis of both the recorded fishing catches and the quantities of fish retained following the control actions carried out by the authorities with the right of inspection and control with the aim of combating fish poaching, as well as the normative regulatory acts in the field of fishing. A broader perspective involves analysing the environmental factors and their role in the decline of economically valuable fish species in the Danube. From the analysed data, it was found that following the specific actions organized and carried out by the competent authorities, significant quantities of fish with economic value, originating from illegal fishing, were confiscated, thus resulting in the fact that both the regulations that sanction acts of poaching and the capacity of the responsible authorities are insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite regulations aimed at curbing shark finning and bycatch, shark fishing mortality rates continue to escalate, partly due to unintended consequences of these policies which, along with illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and ghost fishing, undermine conservation efforts. The ineffectiveness of current regulations to curb shark mortality highlights the pressing need for reevaluating shark conservation strategies, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. In this context, the debate on enforcing longlining bans in multiple-use marine protected areas, including shark sanctuaries, is intensifying. Some argue for total bans to minimize incidental shark mortalities, while others highlight the socioeconomic importance of longlining, advocating for alternative conservation measures. In 2000, longline fishing was banned in the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) as a precautionary measure to prevent illegal fishing of sharks and bycatch of endangered, threatened, and protected species. After 24 years of enforcement, official and anecdotal evidence indicate that illegal small-scale tuna longlining and ghost fishing are increasing threats across the reserve. This paper provides an overview of the longline fishing controversy within the GMR, incorporating scientific evidence, legal and socioeconomic considerations, and perceptions from the Galapagos small-scale fishing community. We offer novel insights and recommendations for the development of the Galapagos small-scale tuna fishery within an ecosystem approach to fisheries. This approach aims to reconcile conservation goals with the needs of local communities, while also proposing innovative solutions to address the longstanding debate surrounding longlining in the GMR.

This study analyses a highly damaging and prevalent fishing practice of trawl infringements, which is one of the crucial components of IUU fishing in Turkish waters. The raw data gathered from the Turkish Coast Guard Command (TURCG), covered 2012 – 2014 period. Data covered a total of 1040 trawl infringements, with considerable differences in trawling violations among the seas surrounding Türkiye; the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Aegean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. With respect to trawling infringements, the Sea of Marmara (37%) and Istanbul Strait (15%) were the hot points. The most common infringement type was trawling in a closed area (43%) and when combined with the rate of infringements on trawling during the closed season (10%), these violations accounted for 53% of spatio-temporal infringements. Regarding illegal trawling by vessel type, trawl vessels had a 44% share and non-trawlers had a share of 56%, of which included infringements by other type of fishing vessels (46%) and non-fishing vessels (10%). It was also found that infringement by vessels smaller than 12 meters in length had a share of 46%. These vessels (known as "şebeke" in Turkish), trawl illegally using small types of nets and gears in coastal waters without giving any obvious indication of fishing activity. The results of this study will be useful to policy-makers, practitioners and scientists to successfully combat trawling infringements by providing information on distribution, intensity and methods of trawl violations.

Small no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) in urban settings can fail to adequately protect biodiversity due to the combined effects of illegal fishing and species emigrating outside the protected area boundaries. Further assessment of the effectiveness of these areas is needed to provide insights into how they can best be managed to generate conservation benefits. The Fly Point no-take MPA in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, was used as a case study, with the objective of examining whether a small urban no-take MPA can produce conservation benefits, despite the handicaps imposed by its size and location. Diver-based underwater visual census data, recording fish species and abundances, was obtained from 434 surveys conducted in Port Stephens (2009–2022) at three sites within the Fly Point no-take MPA and at three surrounding sites open to fishing. These data were analysed using permutational multivariate analysis of variance to determine whether no-take protection significantly benefited fish species richness and diversity. We found significantly higher species richness for sites in the no-take MPA than in surrounding areas and significant differences in assemblages between no-take and fished areas, driven in part by greater abundances of two fishery-targeted species in the no-take MPA (Acanthopagrus australis and Scorpis lineolata). Generally, fish diversity was also significantly higher for sites within the no-take MPA, although diversity was also high in fished sites adjacent to the no-take MPA. Study results demonstrate that small urban no-take MPAs can provide conservation benefits, especially when these areas have been protected for more than a decade and where high visibility and local stewardship enable adequate enforcement of no-take restrictions. Consequently, planning for MPAs in urban areas should endeavour to ensure high levels of public support and, ideally, should situate MPAs in highly visible locations, in order to maximise their conservation outcomes.

Small no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) in urban settings can fail to adequately protect biodiversity due to the combined effects of illegal fishing and species emigrating outside the protected area boundaries. Further assessment of the effectiveness of these areas is needed to provide insights into how they can best be managed to generate conservation benefits. The Fly Point no-take MPA in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, was used as a case study, with the objective of examining whether a small urban no-take MPA can produce conservation benefits, despite the handicaps imposed by its size and location. Diver-based underwater visual census data, recording fish species and abundances, was obtained from 434 surveys conducted in Port Stephens (2009–2022) at three sites within the Fly Point no-take MPA and at three surrounding sites open to fishing. These data were analysed using permutational multivariate analysis of variance to determine whether no-take protection significantly benefited fish species richness and diversity. We found significantly higher species richness for sites in the no-take MPA than in surrounding areas and significant differences in assemblages between no-take and fished areas, driven in part by greater abundances of two fishery-targeted species in the no-take MPA (Acanthopagrus australis and Scorpis lineolata). Generally, fish diversity was also significantly higher for sites within the no-take MPA, although diversity was also high in fished sites adjacent to the no-take MPA. Study results demonstrate that small urban no-take MPAs can provide conservation benefits, especially when these areas have been protected for more than a decade and where high visibility and local stewardship enable adequate enforcement of no-take restrictions. Consequently, planning for MPAs in urban areas should endeavour to ensure high levels of public support and, ideally, should situate MPAs in highly visible locations, in order to maximise their conservation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, to explain illegal fishing, Agnew's Criminology of Climate Change Theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study was conducted using a survey methodology, and a questionnaire was used for collecting the data. The population of the study consisted of the villagers of Fereydonkenar, an Iranian city in Mazandaran province, from whom 400 people were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. The results of the study showed that about 53% (212) of the respondents had been fishing using illegal methods. The results of the structural equation modeling revealed that climate change perception and general strain had the greatest influence on illegal fishing. Also, climate change perception was found to influence illegal fishing by positively influencing the general strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangkau Village is one of the villages in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency. The problem faced in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency in the field of fisheries is the low level of community participation in efforts to preserve fish resources. This study aims to analyze the optimization of community participation in the supervision of Illegal Fishing and the impact of Illegal Fishing on fishermen's catch production during 2014-2022. This research was conducted in the waters of Lake Bangkau, Kandangan District, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency. The data analysis technique in answering the objective, namely descriptive analysis of the percentage, was carried out by measuring research variables by means of a Likert scale. As well as analysis of quantitative descriptive data, namely comparing the production level of fishing catches for 2014-2022. Community participation in dealing with the problem of illegal fishing in Lake Bangkau, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, namely 25.90% of the people thought it was very good, 23.81% thought it was good, 24.95% thought it was sufficient, 11.24% thought it was not good and 14.10% the community thinks it is not good. The impact of illegal fishing supervision on the catch production of fishermen in Lake Bangkau, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency (2014-2022) has been proven by the production of fishermen's catches in Lake Bangkau increasing every year.

The correction notice in the journal "Frontiers in Marine Science" addresses errors in Figures 1 and 4 of an article on poaching within Territorial Use Rights Fisheries (TURFs) in Chile. The errors in the figures have been rectified, and the authors assure that these corrections do not impact the scientific conclusions of the study. The article, authored by Tomás Vallejos, Laura Nahuelhual, Stefan Gelcich, and Rodrigo Oyanedel, provides insights into illegal fishing practices in small-scale fisheries and the crime process within TURFs management areas. [Extracted from the article]

Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are being increasingly used in proof-of-concept studies to detect shark species, many populations of which are experiencing severe declines. These methods are widely seen as the future of biodiversity monitoring, but they have yet to become established as routine monitoring techniques for elasmobranch species. Here, we developed species-specific quantitative PCR assays for the detection of grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus). We assessed whether species-specific eDNA methods could infer the distribution of the two species around the atolls of the Chagos Archipelago, which, despite being surrounded by a large marine protected area, experience contrasting levels of illegal fishing leading to heterogeneity in shark population densities. We found that eDNA detections were significantly reduced and sporadic around the northern atolls, which are under high pressure from illegal fishing. By contrast eDNA detections of both species were ubiquitous and consistent around the highly protected atoll Diego Garcia. We postulate that current levels of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is having a significant impact on the shark community in the northern atolls and suppressing local reef shark populations. In the northern atolls we also employed visual and acoustic telemetry techniques to reveal the distribution of reef sharks. We found that despite eDNA samples being taken directly after visual surveys, detection results did not correlate, suggesting a need for further optimisation of eDNA methods for detecting sharks. However, both species were detected by eDNA in sites where they were not observed, highlighting that the scale of the sampling environment must be considered when inferring eDNA results and showing that eDNA methods can be used to fill gaps in data from more established monitoring techniques. We conclude that eDNA methods should be used in combination with other techniques to provide a complete picture of shark distribution so that threatened species can be better protected.

Species diversity underpins all ecosystem services that support life. Despite this recognition and the great advances in detecting biodiversity, exactly how many and which species co-occur and interact, directly or indirectly in any ecosystem is unknown. Biodiversity accounts are incomplete; taxonomically, size, habitat, mobility or rarity biased. In the ocean, the provisioning of fish, invertebrates and algae is a fundamental ecosystem service. This extracted biomass depends on a myriad of microscopic and macroscopic organisms that make up the fabric of nature and which are affected by management actions. Monitoring them all and attributing changes to management policies is daunting. Here we propose that dynamic quantitative models of species interactions can be used to link management policy and compliance with complex ecological networks. This allows managers to qualitatively identify 'interaction-indicator' species, which are highly impacted by management policies through propagation of complex ecological interactions. We ground the approach in intertidal kelp harvesting in Chile and fishers' compliance with policies. Results allow us to identify sets of species that respond to management policy and/or compliance, but which are often not included in standardized monitoring. The proposed approach aids in the design of biodiversity programmes that attempt to connect management with biodiversity change. This article is part of the theme issue 'Detecting and attributing the causes of biodiversity change: needs, gaps and solutions'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advocates, practitioners and policy‐makers continue to use and advocate for marine protected areas (MPAs) to meet global ocean protection targets. Yet many of the worlds MPAs, and especially no‐take MPAs, are plagued by poaching and ineffective governance. Using a global dataset on coral reefs as an example, we quantify the potential ecological gains of governing MPAs to increase compliance, which we call the 'compliance gap'. Using ecological simulations based on model posteriors of joint Bayesian hierarchical models, we demonstrate how increased compliance in no‐take MPAs could nearly double target fish biomass (91% increases in median fish biomass), and result in a 292% higher likelihood of encountering top predators. Achieving these gains and closing the compliance gap necessitates a substantial shift in approach and practice to go beyond optimizing enforcement, and towards governing for compliance. This will require engaging and integrating a broad suite of actors, principles, and practices across three key domains: (i)) harnessing social influence, (ii) integrating equity principles, and (iii) aligning incentives through market‐based instruments. Empowering and shaping communication between actor groups (e.g., between fishers, practitioners, and policy‐makers) using theoretically underpinned approaches from the behavioural sciences is one of the most essential, but often underserved aspects of governing MPAs. We therefore close by highlighting how this cross‐cutting tool could be further integrated in governance to bolster high levels of compliance in MPAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal fishing remains a contentious issue globally, often leading to diplomatic tensions and strained relations between neighboring countries. This paper explores the application of national passive principles in the context of illegal fishing disputes involving Indonesian citizens in Australian waters. By examining relevant international laws, bilateral agreements, and case studies, this paper aims to elucidate the legal frameworks and practical implications of national passive principles in resolving such disputes. The analysis highlights the challenges faced by both Indonesia and Australia in enforcing maritime laws, particularly concerning illegal fishing activities. Moreover, it investigates the role of national passive principles, which prioritize the rights and responsibilities of states over their citizens engaged in illegal activities abroad. Through a comparative study of legal approaches and diplomatic strategies employed by both countries, this paper seeks to offer insights into the effectiveness of national passive principles in deterring illegal fishing and promoting cooperation between nations. Furthermore, this paper discusses the socio-economic factors driving illegal fishing activities among Indonesian citizens, including poverty, lack of alternative livelihoods, and inadequate enforcement measures. It also examines the environmental impact of illegal fishing on marine ecosystems and the need for collaborative efforts to combat this transnational issue. In conclusion, this paper underscores the importance of international cooperation, legal compliance, and sustainable resource management in addressing illegal fishing disputes. It advocates for the continued implementation of national passive principles alongside strengthened enforcement mechanisms and community-based initiatives to achieve long-term solutions to illegal fishing in Australian waters.

Illegal fishing poses a significant threat to Indonesia's marine resources, and addressing this issue is crucial for the country. To combat illegal fishing, the Indonesian government has implemented several policies, one of the most controversial being the sinking of vessels found to be involved in such activities. This article examines the government's strategies against illegal fishing, particularly focusing on the policy of sinking ships as a method to eradicate illegal fishing in Indonesian waters. The research conducted is normative legal research, utilizing a statutory approach. Data were collected by reviewing relevant national and international legal documents and analyzed descriptively. The findings reveal that the government's policies to counter illegal fishing include the establishment of Task Force 115, the Indonesian Marine Policy, a Transshipment Policy, and a Ship Sinking Policy. The effectiveness of these measures largely depends on the legal discretion of the minister in office. The Ship Sinking Policy, is viewed as a decisive and concrete action, significantly more impactful than other interventions. Furthermore, the policy of sinking ships is implemented based on sufficient preliminary evidence, which is essential to minimize conflicts with other countries. This approach underscores Indonesia's commitment to enforcing its maritime laws while maintaining diplomatic relations.

Illegal fishing on foreign vessels has a very bad impact on all traditional fishermen. And this will make coastal fishermen feel the impact of illegal fishing by foreign vessels. Apart from that, this will also have an impact on consumers who like to consume fish because fishermen are not found to be able to feel the results produced by the country where fishermen were born and grew up. If viewed from a macro perspective, this will make the prices obtained from Indonesian marine products higher. It is clear that currently, the international community is starting to pay attention to Indonesia's fishery area. In law enforcement in the field of fisheries, a criminal justice system is established that includes a more structured process and problem-handling system. However, criminal acts of illegal fishing by foreign fishing vessels still occur, both by Indonesian citizens and by foreign nationals. This type of research is normative research. The approach used is a statutory approach (statute approach) and a conceptual approach (conceptual approach). The source of data used is secondary data. Data analysis was carried out in a qualitative descriptive manner. Concluding is carried out using the deductive method, namely concluding from general to specific, especially those related to the research topic, namely law enforcement against Illegal Fishing. This research resulted in findings Illegal fishing will have a very bad impact on all traditional fishermen. And this will make coastal fishermen feel the impact of illegal fishing by foreign vessels. In addition, this will also have an impact on consumers who like to consume fish because they are not caught in experiencing the results produced by the country where they were born and grew up. If viewed from a macro perspective, this will make the prices obtained from Indonesian marine products higher. Saving fish in a country is considered a national obligation that must be cultivated by the country. This is why a law was issued dealing with illegal fishing. If the permit is misused, the permit will also be revoked and violators will be given prison terms and large fines. This is expected to deter violators and perpetrators of illegal fishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longlining represents a cost-effective fishing modality for catching tuna, but its use is contentious due to the unintended catch of endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species. In 2000, longlining was banned in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, Ecuador. Since then, local small-scale fishers have contested this decision. In contrast, longlining ban supporters argue that this regulation is fundamental for conserving ETP species, despite scientific and anecdotal evidence indicating that its effective implementation is unfeasible. We conducted an online survey to investigate Galapagos residents’ perceptions concerning longlining, its ecological impact, and diverse potential management strategies. Our findings revealed misconceptions about longline fishing, which highlight the need for improved public awareness and education regarding longline fishing practices, their impact on ETP species, and possible solutions to this complex social-ecological problem. Our study also highlights Galapagos residents’ openness to find a solution that addresses both fishers’ livelihoods and the conservation of ETP species. Galapagos residents are receptive to implementing evidence-based solutions, including testing new bycatch mitigation methods and more selective fishing gears, enhancing monitoring and enforcement, and creating market-based incentives that encourage progressive and adaptive improvements in fishing practices. To solve the Galapagos longline controversy, we recommend a holistic, adaptive, and evidence-based approach that encourages stakeholders to engage in open dialogue, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and promotes research, communication, and educational initiatives. By raising awareness through comprehensive, rigorous, and unbiased scientific information, this ecosystem-based management approach aims to ensure the sustainable development of the small-scale tuna fishery, while conserving the Galapagos’ invaluable and unique marine biodiversity.

Concern is increasing over declining fisheries and safeguarding global ocean resources. Protecting fisheries requires numerous conservation and management approaches. At the same time, fishing vessels are able to maximize harvest because fleets of cargo-sized refrigerated vessels ‘transship’ at sea. Transshipment occurs when a fishing vessel transports its catch on to a refrigerated transshipment vessel at sea. During transshipment, illegally caught fish can be ‘laundered’ with legal fish before entering the port. Transshipment can allow fishing vessels to stay at sea for years at a time and has been linked to transnational crime and human rights violations. This paper uses collision avoidance transceivers, Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), that transmit the vessel’s information to inform the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA). PSMA is a binding international treaty of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. PSMA addresses illegal fishing by denying port entry, and consequently markets, to foreign vessels suspected of illegal fishing activity. Employing novel methods, AIS data can be used to gather information and support decision-makers from the perspective of the State, an individual port, a specific vessel, or a State’s fleet of vessels. This paper used AIS data from 784 individual refrigerated transshipment vessels from 2015-2018. These transshipment vessels made 67,308 port visits from voyages greater than 24 hours in duration; of these, 67.5% were from foreign refrigerated transshipment vessels. PSMA participation is growing and AIS data on refrigerated transshipment vessels can strengthen PSMA leverage and address the key conditions requisite in illegal fishing and human rights violations in seafood. The methodology and application of AIS outlined here offers reliable and accessible information regarding transshipment port visits that has previously been difficult to obtain.

National and global priorities are increasingly focused on the concurrent marine fisheries challenges of food security, illegal fishing, and declining fisheries resources. Molecular genetics and electronic monitoring technologies can advance solutions to these challenges, particularly in fisheries surveillance and seafood traceability, and a growing number of studies continues to validate the utility of these tools. What is needed next is guidance to support their wider, more conventional adoption and implementation, either complementary to or in the absence of government policies. Here, we synthesize discussion held during the Borchard Foundation Colloquium held in July 2022 in Missillac, France on modernizing global fisheries with emerging technologies. Our aim is to provide perspectives to scientists, resource managers, and policy makers of emerging monitoring technologies, summarize the utility of these technologies in fisheries, and conclude with how the objective to modernize global marine fisheries is a prime opportunity to engage fresh talent in a new era of fisheries innovation.

Illegal fishing in small-scale fisheries is a contentious issue and resists a straightforward interpretation. Particularly, there is little knowledge regarding cooperative interactions between legal and illegal fishers and the potential effects on fisheries arising from these interactions. Taking the Chilean king crab (Lithodes santolla; common name centolla) fishery as a case study, our goal is twofold: (i) to model the effect of illegal-legal fishers’ interactions on the fishery and (ii) analyze how management and social behavior affect fishery’s outcomes. We framed the analysis of this problem within game theory combined with network theory to represent the architecture of competitive interactions. The fishers’ system was set to include registered (legal) fishers and unregistered (illegal) fishers. In the presence of unregistered fishers, legal fishers may decide to cooperate (ignoring the presence of illegal fishers) or defect, which involves becoming a ‘‘super fisher’’ and whitewashing the captures of illegal fishers for a gain. The utility of both players, standard fisher and super fisher depend on the strategy chosen by each of them, as well as on the presence of illegal fishers. The nodes of the network represent the legal fishers (both standard and super fishers) and the links between nodes indicate that these fishers compete for the resource, assumed to be finite and evenly distributed across space. The decision to change (or not) the adopted strategy is modeled considering that fishers are subjected to variable levels of temptation to whitewash the illegal capture and to social pressure to stop doing so. To represent the vital dynamics of the king crab, we propose a model that includes the Allee effect and a term accounting for the crab extraction. We found that the super fisher strategy leads to the decrease of the king crab population under a critical threshold as postulated in the tragedy of the commons hypothesis when there are: (i) high net extraction rates of the network composed of non-competing standard fishers, (ii) high values of the extent of the fishing season, and (iii) high density of illegal fishers. The results suggest that even in the presence of super fishers and illegal fishers, the choice of properly distributed fishing/closure cycles or setting an extraction limit per vessel can prevent the king crab population from falling below a critical threshold. This finding, although controversial, reflects the reality ofthis fishery that, for decades, has operated under a dynamic in which whitewashing and super fishers have become well established within the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnamese illegal fishing in foreign waters is a prominent issue that has led to a yellow card warning from the European Commission (EC) on 23 October 2017. Although Vietnam has made considerable efforts to halt illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and clear this yellow card, the results were insufficient to remove the yellow card as of the beginning of 2022. The present study analyses why addressing this issue has been so challenging. Specifically, the following questions are addressed: i) how do local fisheries authorities implement central regulation policies against IUU fishing and ii) what are the bottlenecks in legal enforcement for both fisheries agencies and fishers? The secondary data analysis and the findings from interviews with government officials and fishers are presented. The authorities have implemented various approaches to prevent illegal fishing in foreign waters. These include an improved policy framework, law enforcement, fishing vessel management and supervision with vessel monitoring system (VMS), and increased responsibilities attached to the local fisheries authorities. Despite the several measures taken, illegal fishing in foreign waters continues. There are several reasons for the failure to control illegal fishing, including exhausted local marine resources, too many fishing boats operating in the same areas, unclear responsibilities of stakeholders, and lack of coordination among implementing authorities. Several recommendations are suggested for addressing the problem of IUU fishing of Vietnamese vessels in foreign waters to meet the criteria set by the EC to remove the yellow card and ensure that the results are long-lasting and substantive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the spirit of conserving the balance between the interests of the coastal State and other States in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Article 73(3) of the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes that coastal State penalties for violations of fisheries laws and regulations may not include imprisonment or corporal punishment unless otherwise agreed by the States concerned. As one of the countries suffering from illegal fishing, Indonesia has seen a number of domestic cases challenging the practical application of Article 73(3) due to the failure of several offenders to pay monetary penalties for violating fisheries laws and regulations in Indonesia's EEZ. Article 73(3) appears to be the only UNCLOS provision that Indonesian courts have directly applied and interpreted into domestic cases. The debate revolves around whether courts can impose default confinement for fisheries offences in the EEZ. This article examines how Indonesian courts interpret the meaning and scope of the term 'imprisonment' within the ambit of Article 73(3) of UNCLOS, particularly in the context of confinement for fine defaults, and whether international courts or tribunals provide any guidance in this interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal fishing is a transnational crime that needs special attention in its eradication to safeguard national sovereignty. Illegal fishing law enforcement and the protection of marine assets in Indonesia are based on the Shipping Law, Fisheries Law, Ministerial Regulations and UNCLOS. Must be protected by any actions related to opportunities for crime to occur. There is no legal protection for potential geographical indications as a communal right of the people in Indonesia. This paper adopted the normative method with data sources drawn from primary and secondary legal materials. In addition, control practices are important in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. From here, the sinking of the ship became one of the control programmes. The current perspective on the problem of sinking or destroying fishing vessels is not from a legal aspect but from a standard or guideline for implementing procedures that have not been regulated, even though the Indonesian government is the subject of comparison with applicable laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency is a very strategic area for fishing activities. Usually people of Hulu Sungai Tengah fishing with various tools used, from traditional to modern tools. Starting from the tools that are allowed to be used to the tools that are prohibited. One of the tools that people are prohibited from using to catch fish is a stun. This tool is prohibited because it can cause damage to aquatic ecosystems. This condition cause’s people to take unlawful actions called Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. This study aims to analyze case studies of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU-F) in Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency. This research was conducted in the fisheries area of Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Case studies of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU-F) in Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency in the last 5 years during 2015-2020 there were 13 cases of IUU-Fishing found. This condition is continuous with the allocation of funds provided by the HST Regency government for PNS patrols, non-PNS patrols, Polairud and Pokmaswas.