Windward recently interviewed Bruce Vitor, Associate Director for Research Innovation at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy (JGI), who played a pivotal role in organizing the IUU Fishing Conference on November 2. The event, co-hosted by JGI and the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), brought together U.S. government leaders and experts from various sectors to address illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing.
Vitor explained that the decision to host the conference stemmed from a recommendation by Ambassador Jean Manes, highlighting the significant challenges IUU fishing poses to coastal nations, along with transnational crime and cybersecurity threats. The conference aimed to build upon a previous high-level consultation that had recommended collaborative working groups focused on information sharing, enforcement frameworks, marine governance, and the institutionalization of marine protection efforts.
A key goal of the conference was fostering dialogue among industry leaders to enhance information-sharing initiatives and leverage emerging technologies in combatting IUU fishing. Vitor indicated a noticeable shift in awareness around IUU fishing over recent years, noting an increased recognition of its environmental, economic, and socio-political ramifications—particularly concerning U.S. national security.
The urgency of the issue led to rapid organization of the conference, which attracted over 60 participants in person and an additional 30 virtually. Participants included representatives from government, academia, non-profits, and the private sector, all eager to engage on this critical topic.
Among the main insights from the conference, Vitor emphasized the importance of context in maritime risk analysis—suggesting that both AIS-equipped vessels and those that turn it off should not be automatically categorized as safe or unsafe without considering other risk factors. He also highlighted the potential of technology to enhance visibility and information sharing across oceans and the readiness of artificial intelligence to assist analysts in making informed decisions.
Furthermore, Vitor pointed to the significance of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Transshipment as a step toward improving monitoring in the seafood supply chain. He underscored the need for strong enforcement measures and better regulation to address IUU fishing effectively, advocating for collaboration between international partners and flag registries to strengthen enforcement regimes.
Vitor proposed a multi-faceted approach to combating IUU fishing, emphasizing increased information-sharing, leveraging big data analytics, and promoting transparency in the seafood supply chain from “bait to plate.” He called for a “whole-of-society” strategy, incorporating diverse stakeholders such as government agencies, civil society, academia, non-profits, and private industries.
Ultimately, the conference reflected the pressing need to combat IUU fishing, not only to protect marine ecosystems but also for broader implications on national security and human rights. Windward’s IUU fishing model, Vitor noted, can help illuminate the challenges associated with this evolving threat. Overall, the discussions underscored that efforts to address IUU fishing are intricately linked to national security and the welfare of global communities.
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