Strengthen the international MSC Network

Problem: IUU activity is global in nature and it is often beyond the capacity of individual states to create an effective surveillance that increases the likelihood of detection of IUU activity. A more comprehensive approach to MCS that makes use of international and regional information networks is necessary.

Project: Enhance the existing MCS Network

One of the High Seas Task Force proposals for action against IUU fishing was to improve the already existing voluntarily International Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) Network.

The purpose of the project is to enhance the existing network function with dedicated resources, analytical capacity and the ability to provide MCS training and technical assistance to fisheries enforcement officers, particularly in developing countries.

If the proposed project is taken up by MCS network members, new activities will be developed over a 3-year period.

The enhanced capacity of the network will allow the MCS Network secretariat to analyze and report on profiles for vessels and organisations; offending history reports; select species/region specific risk assessments including predictive assessments; penalty schedules; estimates of illegal take from specific fisheries ; market and economic incentive analyses; change of flag analyses; and ports of convenience analyses.

Link to MCS Network website: www.imcsnet.org

Contact :
Dale Jones, NOAA Fisheries, USA.
Email: Dale.Jones@noaa.gov or MCS.Network@noaa.gov

Partners:
Secretariat currently US funded: acceptance of the proposal by MCS network members will initiate funding by new partners; Current commitments to fund have been made by USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom.

Further information:
MCS Network Enhancement Project Proposal