Thailand, the world's third-largest seafood exporter, was given a
"yellow card" a year ago for failing to certify the origin and legality
of its fish exports to the EU.
A crew
member sits on a fishing net as Sierra Leonean security forces guard the
Marampa 803, a vessel apprehended for alleged illegal fishing
activities, that has been moored off the West African country's capital
Freetown January 21, 2012.
The European Union's executive warned Sierra Leone, Trinidad & Tobago and Kiribati on Thursday for failing to tackle illegal fishing adequately, exposing the countries to possible trade bans.
However, the European Commission
lifted its warning against Sri Lanka after it strengthened sanctions
against illegal fishing, improved control of its fleets and changed its
legal framework.
"Sri Lanka has now a robust legal and policy framework to fight illegal fishing activities," said Karmenu Vella, EU Fisheries Commissioner.
Since
2010, the EU - the world's biggest fish importer - has acted against
countries that do not follow international standards to prevent
over-fishing, such as policing their waters for unlicensed fishing
vessels and imposing penalties.
The EU also said it still had serious concerns about Thailand's efforts to address illegal fishing.
"This
means that further action by the Commission cannot be ruled out. A
meeting with the Thai authorities in May will be a new opportunity for
them to show their good will and commitment," the Commission said in a statement.
Thailand,
the world's third-largest seafood exporter, was given a "yellow card" a
year ago for failing to certify the origin and legality of its fish
exports to the EU.
Sierra Leone, Kiribati and
Trinidad and Tobago have six months to implement measures suggested by
the Commission. Failing that, the 28-member bloc could impose an embargo
on fish imports.
Sierra Leone's sanctions system
fails to deter illegal operators fishing internationally under its flag.
Trinidad and Tobago also has a large fleet operating internationally
where authorities do not control or inspect foreign vessels, the
Commission said.
Kiribati does not control fishing
activities by foreign fleets, raising the risk that illegally caught
fish could be laundered through its ports.
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