European fishing companies are increasingly reflagging their vessels to tap into Indian Ocean tuna quotas, according to a recent report by the Blue Marine Foundation and Kroll. This strategy allows them to bypass restrictions while contributing to overfishing concerns.
The report highlights that these firms have claimed one-third of the tropical tuna catch, even as stocks of yellowfin and bigeye tuna struggle to recover from overfishing.
Jess Rattle, head of investigations at Blue Marine Foundation, raised concerns about the ownership of these reflagged vessels, questioning whether they are genuinely owned by the coastal states whose quotas they exploit.
The findings come just ahead of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission's annual meeting in the Maldives, where EU officials and representatives from 28 countries will discuss fishing practices.
To increase their catch limits, European firms have been registering their ships under the flags of countries like Seychelles, Mauritius, and Oman. This practice complicates monitoring efforts and obscures ownership details.
While reflagging is legal, it raises questions about the transparency of the fishing industry. Layers of shell companies often hide the actual ownership of these vessels.
Europeche Tuna Group, representing the European tuna industry, stated that their operations reflect a commitment to local partnerships and economic contributions.
Despite the EU's stated commitment to sustainable fishing, there are tensions with coastal nations over fishing practices. Past disputes have highlighted frustrations over EU quota proposals.
Environmental advocates are pushing for increased transparency regarding ownership and the impact of foreign-flagged vessels. They argue it is essential for effective regulation and ensuring compliance with fishing laws.
A January report by Oceana found that European companies often register vessels in countries known for lax enforcement of fishing regulations, leading to concerns over illegal fishing activities.
Advocates are urging EU countries to collect and publish data on fishing fleet ownership to enhance oversight and accountability in the sector.