Vanuatu Recalls Alarm On IUU Vessels

This week, Vanuatu sent a letter to the IOTC stating that it has “recalled the inadvertent error of information that was conveyed” regarding 20 trawlers, flagged to the island nation, alleged of IUU fishing. However, Vanuatu, in its latest notice, did not reveal the reason for rescinding its notice. The letter read that “the Ministry has further the honor to convey its profound appreciation to the commission for its steadfast support to its members, which has been instrumental in promoting the conservation and sustainable utilization of our tuna resources in the Indian Ocean.”

On November 7, Vanuatu sent a letter to IOTC notifying that the Vanuatu-flagged boats have been sailing in the RFMO’s convention area to fish, but have not been legally permitted to do so. Some of the vessels were headed to the Atlantic Ocean, a few had crossed the Malacca Strait and were moving towards the Indian Ocean, and two others were in China’s Shidao Port.