The MAC and the EU Long Distance Fleet Advisory Council (LDAC) delivered recommendations to the EU Member States and to the European Commission calling for the strengthening of EU import controls and transparency to address risks in global squid fisheries.
In the recent years, worldwide, fishing effort and landings of squid increased significantly. The majority of the effort occurs in the high seas with a fragmented governance framework, resulting in oversight, transparency, and enforcement gaps. According to various sources, there can also be cases of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and labour abuses, including forced labour, unsafe working conditions, and fishing in unauthorised areas. Fleets with significant fishing efforts targeting squid in the high seas include China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The Chinese distant-water fleet has been by far the largest contributor to the surge in global squid fishing pressure.
Globally, the European Union is the largest importer of squid and cuttlefish products with Spain as the main gateway. While Spain, whose authorities are recognised for their strict enforcement of catch certification requirements, anchors the majority of its imports in regulated and traceable squid supplies, some sources may still carry potential risks.
In the view of MAC and LDAC members, the following should take place:
- Enhanced scrutiny of squid imports originating from China and high-risk fleets targeting poorly managed or unregulated stocks, including through verifications of consignments, audits, and investigation of suspected cases of IUU fishing and forced labour
- Prioritisation for inspection of vessels fishing in unregulated areas, including through equitably effective measures on domestic and foreign vessels, to ensure that IUU caught fish does not reach the market
- Strengthening of the flag State responsibility of third countries through improved oversight and control of fishing vessels targeting squid in the high seas or in their Exclusive Economic Zones, including on international labour and human rights responsibilities
- Stronger management measures for squid fisheries in Regional Fisheries Management Organisations and the establishment of a Regional Fisheries Management Organisation in the South West Atlantic to contribute to the sustainability of squid fisheries, tackling uncontrolled fisheries in areas beyond national jurisdiction