Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday said the EU's recent decision to lift a "yellow card" warning against Taiwan for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing marks the start of a stronger relationship between Taiwan and the global community. The government will continue abiding by international standards and domestic laws, and fulfill its responsibility against illegal fishing to ensure a more sustainable future for Taiwan's fishery industry.
The yellow card was issued in 2015 when the EU placed Taiwan on a list of uncooperative nations in the fight against IUU fishing, the premier said. The Council of Agriculture (COA) and other agencies responded promptly with extensive reforms including to the legal framework, control and monitoring measures, traceability of aquatic products, and international cooperation. The Executive Yuan also established a special task force, formulated and amended three major fishery laws, approved additional programs and funding, and implemented stronger communication and governance measures.
After three years and nine months, Taiwan's hard work finally paid off with the lifting of the yellow card by the EU. This will not only benefit local fishery exporters but also provide for the sustainable development of Taiwan's deep-sea fishing industry, Premier Su added.
The COA said that the European Commission removed Taiwan from the yellow card watch list on June 27 in recognition of the nation's fishery reforms. The two sides also agreed to establish a Taiwan-EU working group to combat and expand cooperation against IUU fishing, and ensure that all marine catches are brought in legally and remain traceable.