The International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IPOA-IUU) is a critical part of the high seas governance framework. It calls on all states to take effective measures globally, regionally and nationally to combat IUU fishing. Australia considers the effective implementation of the IPOA-IUU by all countries through national plans of action as an important step towards eliminating IUU fishing.
Australia has implemented the IPOA-IUU domestically through its National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing (NPOA-IUU) presented to the FAO on 12 March 2005. The NPOA-IUU closely follows the structure and measures of the IPOA-IUU. It was developed through significant consultation with stakeholders in the fishing industry, relevant non-government organisations, state and territory fisheries agencies and national government departments and agencies. In 2014, Australia presented to the FAO its Second NPOA-IUU, which builds on our successes in implementing our first NPOA-IUU.
Australia’s national plan outlines the domestic and international measures we have taken and will implement in the future to combat IUU fishing, covering domestic and foreign fishing in all Australian jurisdictions. We have developed a national plan that is intentionally ambitious, reflecting Australia’s determination to address this serious problem with all available means. We will continually improve our response in a bid to stay ahead of illegal fishers.