Cameroonian Fishery Products Banned in EU – Commission.
On January 5th, 2023, the European Commission officially banned seafood imports from Cameroon. The ban specifically targets seafood caught in Cameroonian waters or by vessels registered under the Cameroonian flag. In addition, the European Commission labeled Cameroon as “non-cooperating” in the ongoing global fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This action reinforces the European Union’s dedication to preserving sustainable fishing practices and limiting illegal activities within the fishing industry worldwide.
Red Card for Cameroon: A Major Step Against Illegal Fishing
To intensify its efforts, the European Commission issued a “red card” to Cameroon. Countries receiving this designation are viewed as failing to adhere to international regulations against IUU fishing. Because of this “red card” status, EU member states are obligated to reject seafood shipments originating from Cameroon, regardless of whether they have been certified by Cameroonian authorities. Cameroon now joins St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Comoros, and Cambodia on the EU’s red card list.
This move reflects the EU’s ongoing commitment to protect marine life and resources from illegal exploitation. It also sends a message to nations that fail to enact adequate fishing regulations and enforcement procedures, demonstrating that such lapses will have economic and political consequences.
Flags of Convenience: How Cameroon Facilitates IUU Fishing
Cameroon has become notorious for offering flags of convenience, a practice where companies can register their vessels under the flag of a country that has minimal regulatory oversight. This allows ships involved in illegal fishing activities to avoid stricter legal frameworks in their home countries. For a fee, these foreign-owned vessels register in Cameroon, even though they have no actual connection to the nation. As a result, Cameroon has attracted numerous vessels linked to IUU fishing.
In 2022, an Associated Press investigation found that 14 vessels accused of illegal fishing were registered under the Cameroonian flag. However, many of these vessels were either owned or managed by companies located in EU member states, complicating the fight against IUU fishing further. The investigation also revealed how these vessels continued to operate despite being accused of illegal fishing practices, shedding light on the challenges regulators face in controlling this global issue.
The Global Threat of IUU Fishing
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing poses a significant threat to global fish stocks and marine biodiversity. It also undermines legitimate fishing operations, threatening the livelihoods of many communities. The European Commission estimates that 26 million tons of fish are caught illegally each year, amounting to around 15% of the world’s total fish catch. Financial losses from IUU fishing range between €10 billion and €20 billion annually, making it a costly problem for both the global economy and the environment.
The environmental toll is immense as well. IUU fishing disrupts marine ecosystems, depletes fish populations, and hinders conservation efforts. For these reasons, the EU’s stance on combatting illegal fishing is both economic and ecological. The European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, made it clear: “We have zero tolerance for IUU fishing, and therefore the Commission has acted strongly today by giving Cameroon a red card.” His statement highlights the importance of this fight for future generations and the health of our oceans.
Cameroon’s Lack of Action and Its Consequences
Despite the severity of the situation, Cameroonian authorities have not responded adequately to the EU’s demands. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries could not be reached for comment on the ban. This lack of communication, alongside the country’s insufficient response to earlier warnings, has fueled concerns about Cameroon’s ability to tackle illegal fishing within its waters.
The European Commission had previously urged Cameroon to improve its fishing regulations and enforcement efforts almost two years ago. Despite this, there was minimal progress. This inaction has now led to the EU’s drastic step of issuing the red card, effectively halting seafood exports from Cameroon to the EU, a major market.
