News in Brief:
– Chinese authorities are grappling with widespread illegal fishing by unregistered vessels, undermining fisheries management and depleting fish stocks.
– Technology like automatic idenification systems and surveillance tools are being leveraged to enhance enforcement.
In China, unregistered vessels, often engaged in illegal fishing, continue to evade authorities, complicating efforts to manage fisheries effectively. Despite decades-long regulations requiring valid registration and inspection certificates, enforcement remains challenging.
Since 2017, over 200,000 illegal fishing vessels have been scrapped in China, yet the allure of commercial gains continues to drive fishers to risk illegal activities, especially during closed seasons aimed at preserving fish stocks.
Utilising technology such as the Automatic Identification System (AIS) holds promise in enhancing fisheries management. AIS, originally designed for navigation, now aids authorities in identifying fishing vessels and monitoring their activities.
While AIS data is valuable, challenges like falsified information persist. To address this, China is piloting AIS with ID cards to prevent tampering, significantly enhancing data integrity.
Complementary technologies like radar and CCTV are being employed to monitor vessel activity, bolstering enforcement efforts. However, experts emphasise the need for systematic solutions beyond surveillance.
The socio-economic pressures driving illegal fishing must be addressed. Policies facilitating alternative livelihoods for fishers, coupled with targeted support, are crucial for sustainable solutions.
Despite efforts to curb illegal fishing, challenges persist. The decommissioning of legally registered boats, such as those along the Yangtze River, highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for comprehensive strategies.
