IUU: Commission investigating Panama, Belize and Sri Lanka

10 June 2011

Defra has passed on a note from the European Commission indicating that Panama, Belize and Sri Lanka have been subject to post-audit "dialogue" visits by Commission inspectors. The Commission is concerned that these three flag states may not be complying fully with the requirements of the EU regulations covering illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Commission note includes a stark warning that "there will be a zero tolerance of all IUU activity".