International cooperation is crucial in the fight against the global problem of organized fisheries crime. Fisheries crime is not just about illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing. It covers a range of criminal activities that have one thing in common – they are all driven by profit.
This industry, like many others, is vulnerable to criminal behavior. But it is highly internationalized, complex and can be very profitable. We do not look on the participants solely as fishermen – we see them primarily as businessmen.
Inter-agency and international cooperation is crucial. NA-FIG seeks to have “a whole of governmental approach”.
Different relevant authorities have different responsibilities. By following fish “from hook to plate” we need to focus on every step in the Value Chain, and share information to understand the whole picture.
The Value Chain can also be used as a tool to build joint knowledge on:
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how different actors are involved and linked to each other;
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how different legislation links together, and point at gaps in the legislation;
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where different sources for information can be found;
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where different documents can be found; and
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where different “control points” are.
The Group aims to support member agencies by:
COOPERATION
Creating a forum to stimulate international cooperation between authorities.
INTELLIGENCE
Encouraging improved sharing of tactical and strategic intelligence.
CHANGE
Driving behavioural changes by rule breakers operating in the fisheries sector through improved sharing of intelligence between countries and agencies that identifies vulnerabilities, risks and criminality.
Current NA-FIG projects include:
Case Project ETON
This is an examination of the concentration of control of marine capture fisheries in the North Atlantic region. Concentration of control in a limited number of hands has a potential economic, control and market impact giving rise to taxation and regulatory risks. Determining how the industry is structured is essential for determining risk.
FishNET
Contribute to the UNODC FishNET programme and the UNODC expert network to support their work.
OECD
Support the OECD and the work of the Task Force on Tax Crimes and other crimes.
Nordic Region
Cooperation, training and intelligence sharing in the Nordic area. Strengthening Nordic Cooperation in the international arena. In close cooperation with, and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
The NA-FIG members are from the following countries:
Canada
FAROE ISLAND
GREENLAND
GERMANY
DENMARK
ICELAND
IRELAND
NORWAY
SWEDEN
SPAIN
THE NETHERLANDS
UNITED KINGDOM
