The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has initiated the process to assist the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in combating Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
IUU fishing is a global problem that threatens ocean ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. It also undermines domestic and international conservation and management efforts, distorts legal markets and unfairly competes with the products of law-abiding Fisher folks and seafood industries globally.
Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing products often come from fisheries lacking the strong and effective conservation and management measures required for international compliance.
Once a nation is identified it is encouraged to take corrective action; failing to comply could result in that nation being issued a negative certification further resulting in imports of fisheries products being prohibited from that nation.
Minister of Agriculture Hon Saboto Caesar gave the assurance that St. Vincent and the Grenadines are in the process of ensuring that we put the requisite structures in place to ensure that we have compliance with our international obligations.
He expressed his gratitude for the intervention of the FAO in assisting St. Vincent and the Grenadines in putting these structures in place.
