The FAO Global Record is a key transparency tool helping to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Designed to provide vessel information that helps verify legitimacy and trace ownership, it also supports implementation of key international agreements which are specifically designed to combat IUU fishing, such as the Port State Measures Agreement.
The IUU Action Alliance—formed of major flag, coastal, market and port States committed to leading the global fight against IUU fishing—has rightly recognised the Global Record as a flagship transparency initiative. In fact, they have committed to fully utilise it, as one of their main pledge commitments.
As the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) approaches, there is a critical opportunity for the IUU Action Alliance Members to translate this strong commitment into concrete action.
Our latest briefing shows that most of these countries are not yet regularly uploading data to the Global Record. In fact, only 4 of the 31 states with active fishing fleets uploaded data in the most recent quarter. According to the S&P Global SeaWeb database on vessels, just 11 have uploaded information on nearly all of their vessels. Furthermore, only 6 have uploaded more than half of the vessels on the Global Record with authorisation data.
The IUU-AA is an important alliance that can collectively take substantive action in the fight against IUU fishing. We, the EU IUU Fishing Coalition, fully support this initiative but urge its Members to lead by example in delivering on their pledges.
Why does the Global Record matter?
Without consistent and complete Global Record uploads, critical transparency gaps persist. This enables bad actors to continue operating in the dark where they can’t be found. The Global Record aims to shine a light on these vessels by making them traceable, but it can only function effectively if data is accurate, current, and comprehensive.
As it stands, too many IUU Action Alliance Members are currently falling short.
What does the IUU Action Alliance need to do next?
📣 We are calling on the IUU Action Alliance to:
- Review and support Members in overcoming barriers to regular data submissions.
- Ensure all six main Global Record categories are completed—including beneficial ownership information.
- Upload data every quarter to the Global Record.
- Set specific, measurable, and time-bound goals on Member uploads.
- Establish a monitoring mechanism to track and publish Member progress annually.
The Global Record is not just a database—it’s an initiative that commits its users to upholding fisheries transparency and accountability. With the support of the IUU Action Alliance leading the way, it could become a real asset in global efforts to end IUU fishing.
Read the report here