Reinforcing the ASEAN member states to combat IUU fishing in Southeast Asia through monitoring, control, and surveillance

Abstract

The rapid development of fisheries in the Southeast Asian region from the 1970s to the early 1990s was driven by increased access to global markets and export liberalization policies. The region’s vast bodies of water including the Bay of Bengal, South China Sea, Western Central Pacific, and Indian Ocean host diverse marine species and fishery resources. While fishing mainly occurs within exclusive economic zones (EEZs), some fleets operate under bilateral agreements in neighboring EEZs. However, the region is confronted with significant challenges from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which undermines conservation and management efforts, threatens fish stocks and economic opportunities, and could create a negative impact on food security. The persistence of IUU fishing, exacerbated by insufficient monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) management, necessitates a shift towards preventive measures for sustainable fisheries. This includes regulating fishing vessel numbers, implementing rights-based fisheries systems, and improving fishers’ compliance through community-based management, awareness programs, and voluntary groups. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the implementation and challenges of MCS in combating IUU fishing in Southeast Asia, emphasizes the necessity of robust MCS systems for sustainable fisheries management, and outlines various regional and national efforts, including capacity-building initiatives, technology-based surveillance, and collaborative frameworks. Additionally, the article addresses the need for preventive measures, effective enforcement, community-based management, and regional cooperation to enhance MCS capabilities to combat IUU fishing, including the roles of international and regional organizations in supporting MCS activities and promoting sustainable fisheries management in Southeast Asia.