BRUSSELS, April 13 (UPI) -- Members of the European Fisheries Committee said they backed an agreement aimed at making illegal fishing a global enforcement aim.
The European Fisheries Committee backed an agreement to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. The measure is sponsored by the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization and advocates worldwide enforcement.
"The agreement's key aim is for port states to act to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and thus ensure long-term conservation and sustainable exploitation of maritime resources and ecosystems," the committee said in a statement.
Vessels entering European ports would have to provide authorities with information on their total onboard catch. Port entry would be denied if operators can't provide certification that they were fishing under the requirements of the states whose waters they were fishing.
The committee said it would make exceptions for vessels engaged in subsistence fishing and for vessels that aren't carrying fish or have already unloaded their catch.
The global agreement backed by the FAO won't go into force until at least 25 countries ratify the agreement. Only two port states have ratified it so far and the European Parliament votes in the measure in May.
