China’s Billion-Dollar Crackdown on Illegal Fishing: A Striking Blow for Sustainable Seas

by Fishery News
Published: Last Updated on

In a sweeping move against illegal fishing in international waters, Chinese authorities have unleashed fines exceeding a staggering 1 billion yuan ($137 million) on domestic companies since 2016. The jaw-dropping penalties underscore China’s commitment to promoting sustainable deep-sea fishing practices, revealing a strategic shift as the global seafood giant seeks to address food security needs through responsible ocean management.

The revelatory white paper, titled “Development of China’s Deep-Sea Fishing Industry,” serves as a beacon into China’s principles and approach toward deep-sea fishing. It sheds light on a robust campaign to regulate the activities of Chinese companies operating in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans, as well as near the Antarctic. An impressive fleet of 2,551 authorized fishing trawlers, belonging to 177 companies, collectively yields approximately 2.3 million metric tons annually.

The crackdown, as detailed in the report, includes the permanent disqualification of six Chinese companies from offshore fishing since 2016. Additionally, operations of 22 others have faced temporary suspension due to minor offenses. Notably, some violators were exposed by foreign governments and international organizations.

China, as outlined in the white paper, maintains a stringent approach to policing its deep-sea fishing footprint, exhibiting zero tolerance for misconduct through legislative and enforcement measures. The country has embraced digital logging systems to prevent overfishing of crucial species such as tuna, squid, and saury.

China’s resolute stance extends to supporting a multilateral crackdown on illegal fishing. Initiatives include the regular deployment of law enforcement vessels in the North Pacific Ocean since 2020 and denying sanctioned fishing boats refuelling and supplies at Chinese ports under a regional pact initiated in 2018.

China’s rich history in deep-sea fishing, dating back over 4,000 years, has evolved into a modern industry since 1985, marked by bilateral cooperation with over 40 countries globally. The nation actively participates in multilateral fishery management under the United Nations framework, adhering to international laws.

With an unwavering commitment to ecological civilization since 2012, China has implemented measures to limit fishing intensity and combat illegal practices, ensuring responsible and sustainable use of ocean resources. The self-imposed three-month trial moratorium on fishing in international waters in 2020, followed by a formal policy the next year, exemplifies China’s proactive stance.

In line with its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), China has capped the number of deep-sea fishing boats at 3,000, with a yearly catch limit below 2.3 million tons. As China exported 3.74 million tons of aquatic products in 2020, constituting 12% of the world’s total exports, the nation continues to wield influence in global aquatic markets.

Source: China Daily

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