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The EU on 29 April approved sanctions on imports of tuna and swordfish from Bolivia, Cambodia, Georgia, Equatorial New Guinea and Sierra Leone “whose fishing activities undermine international efforts to conserve and manage fish stocks in a sustainable manner”, according to a EU press release. Moreover, the EU is planning to lift import sanctions from Belize, Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadine Islands following improvements these countries have made. They are now using fishing methods that are in compliance with international regulations. Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler described the measure as a step in the EU strategy to combat illegal fishing at an international level. “The current efforts underway towards conservation and management of stocks are essential if we want fish in our seas for the future.” The sanctions are more a symbolic gesture, as the mentioned countries do not export fishery products to the EU. However, closing market access is meant to “send off a clear signal to support international campaigns against illegal fishery,” the press release noted.
“EU takes action to foster international sustainable fishing,” EU PRESS RELEASE, 19 April 2004.
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