Shared issues, Collective responses

Global efforts to ensure the long-term sustainable management of fisheries continue to face multiple complex challenges, including the ongoing threat of IUU fishing. The activities and types of non-compliance that constitute IUU fishing are continually evolving. The Network believes that the best way to address these challenges is to directly support and inform those individuals working at the forefront of fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement. Global issues require global responses and this can only be achieved through effective communication, collaboration and information exchange. We believe that it is important to support greater collaboration, promote the work of our members and observers and champion successful initiatives and practices.

We believe that working collectively and collaboratively is the best way to strengthen fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement and that these elements are essential to ensure the long-term sustainable management of fisheries and marine conservation. We support the individual and collective efforts of our members to ensure that they are informed of their respective IUU risks and implement and maintain compliance frameworks that effectively respond to the types of non-compliance they face. Our Governing Framework provides the general principles that guide our activities and initiatives.

Together, these principles mean that we work closely with our members to support their coordination, collaboration and communication to combat IUU fishing. We also work with members to identify priority needs and facilitate capacity development to support them.

In 2024, the IMCS Network adopted a new strategic plan and we have a clarified Vision and Mission supported by three strategic Objectives.

Vision

A globally connected and capable fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement community. A community that works collectively to achieve and maintain optimal levels of compliance that effectively support marine conservation and fisheries management objectives.

Mission

To strengthen and enhance fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement by promoting and facilitating effective communication, collaboration, coordination, and capacity development across our community.

Objectives

Improved fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement approaches that combat IUU fishing and optimise levels of compliance.  

Effective collaboration and cooperation established and maintained between members and across the global fisheries MCS and compliance community.

Empowered, informed and capable fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement practitioners.We also work with observers and partners to enhance responses to IUU fishing, increase access to technology and MCS tools and to focus collective MCS efforts. 

We facilitate global initiatives to promote and facilitate communication, collaboration and information exchange between our members and observers. These are essential as efforts to conserve and sustainably manage fisheries and IUU fishing become increasingly complex.